resupply in SNP? also showers and laundry?

[carpediemkath]

I'm planning a late September/early October SB section hike from Harpers Ferry through Waynesboro. In the past I've always used mail drops as my main resupply source, but in SNP I don't think I can mail myself anything unless I hitch out of the park into one of the towns (like Luray). Since I'm a lone female I don't want to count on hitching. How do most people resupply in SNP? Are the small camping stores enough to get by? I'm afraid all they'll have are canned beans-n-weanies for the car camping lot. I'm not one to live off of Snicker's bars, either (wish I could). I'm planning to spend probably ten days, maybe more (with some side trips) inside the park. And oh yes, I am looking forward to the waysides with their milkshakes and blueberry pancakes!!! Yum. Stay focused! What do people usually do for laundry/showers in the park? Does anyone know if the laundry machines have soap available, and if the showers come with soap and a towel (doubt it)? My goal is a shower every four days or so, if possible. Probably wind up using some Dr. Bronners and my small kerchief?

[FritztheCat]

Hiked through SNP early this summer and had no problems with resupply. Loved the hike because I didn't have to carry a lot of food (thus, saving pack weight). I was able to do the entire park in 6 days and had a shower at Big Meadows. There was no towel (for free) or soap. The showers cost a dollar and I think you can "rent" a towel for a buck as well. The little store closed at 7:00 p.m. and I arrived after so I don't know what was inside. Couldn't have been much as it was small. Also ate a ton of berries along the way so I stayed full pretty much the entire time. Heh.

I can't recall how long the season is for the waysides to be open. I think they close ate the end of September?

Nevermind about September. Found a link that you might find helpful: http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisi...g-schedule.htm

[jlb2012]

don't know about the other waysides but Big Meadows wayside/campstore seemed to have improved their selection of backpacking food - there was a section of Mountain House on display a couple weeks ago - note however the prices will be high and toward the end of the season they let their stock go down without replacing items that have been sold

[Blissful]

Waysides are really pricey, but you can resupply there. The food prices are outrageous though (I paid $6 for a cheeseburger yesterday after my hike) Resupply points are Elkwallow, Big Meadows, Lewis Mtn and Loft Mtn.

[Spirit Walker]

According to the NPS website (http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisi...g-schedule.htm)
the facilities will still be open in October.

What you might do is carry dinners for a week or so, but replenish the breakfast and lunch foods along the way in the waysides.