05-25-13 Together at the Dutch Haus

It was cold this morning. The condensation on the tent had frosted over. In keeping with the cold theme, further up the trail we saw amazing views from Cold Mountain.

The terrain was rolling and made for quick miles. It being Saturday and Memorial Day weekend meant that a lot of day and weekend hikers were out. We stopped on a cluster of rocks for lunch only to be bombarded by a group of people shortly after. Kids running, yelling, climbing all over the rocks; hopefully, nobody got hurt.

We hiked a mile off trail to stay at Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast. Got a shower and clean laundry. But even more exciting, and unbeknownst to us, Cyclops was there too! We were extremely sad, however, to learn that Cyclops is leaving the trail.

05-24-13 Somewhere North of Buena Vista

Woke up early and had a pleasant 12 mile hike to Buena Vista, Virginia. We did stop first for a quick lunch of tortillas and pepperoni so we wouldn't roll into town hungry.

Buena Vista is a bit spread out so navigating it was exhausting. We resupplied at the Food Lion and had an early dinner--and charged the electronics--at Subway.

Back on the trail we hiked a couple more miles. We found a spot somewhat protected from the wind. It is supposed to be a cold one tonight--lower 30s. I slightly wish I had a few of those layers I sent home!

05-23-13 Crossing the Longest Foot Bridge Together

The rain had ceased by the time we woke up but had left behind a wet tent to put away. There were clouds above and below as we hiked along the ridges down to the James River. We would have stopped at Matt's Creek shelter for our morning snack but K dunked her foot during the creek crossing and was too embarrassed to stop.

Crossed the longest footbridge on the Appalachian Trail around 10 a.m.--the lowest point in elevation of the day--and made it to Johns Hollow for an early lunch of squeeze cheese, pepperoni, and tortillas. We would be without water from then to the end of the day so we drank as much as we could.

Also we heard the Cicadas for the first time. We have been told they are really bad every 17 years; guess when that will be? That's right, this year. Fortunately, we only hear them at the lower elevations.

The climb back up was a toughy and took us about an hour and a half. The rest of the day was fairly easy with some good ridge miles. We got to the next water source (Punchbowl Shelter) around 5 p.m. where we set up for the night.

As the night wore on a few familiar faces came in that we hadn't seen for awhile; Steady-State, Hangman, Grey Cloud and Loan Wolf. The night also brought a legit thunderstorm to soak the tent for another day!

05-22-13 Surviving the Guillotine Together

The bugs visited us all night in the shelter. It was miserable. We were glad for morning and were on the trail at 6:30 a.m.

It was a long climb up to Floyd Mountain. We're also not used to hiking in the heat. The temps reached the high 80s. Although, now that I wrote that, we seem kind of wimpy.

At Parker's Gap Road, Sweet Tooth, wife of Molar Man, offered us sodas and snacks. We happily accepted. Thank you!

Up on Apple Orchard Mountain we saw our first FAA tower of the trip. In addition was the "guillotine"--a giant boulder wedged between two rock walls--which we got to walk under.

We stopped for lunch at Thunder Ridge Overlook. A final five mile push into our campsite at Marble Spring. Heard thunder rumbling in the distance, but got the tent set up before the rain started. The rain stopped long enough for us to fix dinner, but started again as we settled in for the night.

05-21-13 With the Creepy Crawlers Somewhere

Hot. Humid. Buggy. Opened our eyes to see a tick crawling on our tent. Thankfully, it was on the outside.

We woke up early to catch the sunrise at Harvey's Knob Overlook. The fog prevented the view, but the clouds and the colors were gorgeous nonetheless.

We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times today. The parkway runs from the Smokies to the Shenandoahs and the Appalachian Trail will loosely follow it the next 100 miles.

Saw our first rattlesnake during lunch at Cove Mountain. A dragonfly at Jennings Creek. Dozens of worms weaving webs along the path. Invisible biting bugs. The trail is alive.

Arrived at Bryant Ridge Shelter and were so impressed with the construction that we rolled out our sleeping pads to stay. As we slumbered, the night came to life with the creepy crawlers.

05-20-13 Together near Harvey's Knob Overlook

Enjoyed the morning with Judy, Jerry and Lucky. They drove us back to the trailhead and we enjoyed one last soda before disappearing back into the woods. Thank you so much for your generosity and encouragement!

We stopped for lunch at Fullhardt Knob Shelter and were entertained by a group of hikers out for the week. One was playing the trumpet. All of them had too much stuff and odds and ends hung to the outside--bell peppers, a cutting board, 10 pound sack of potatoes.

The day was pleasant until the thunderstorm hit. It actually wasn't entirely near us, but the downpour soaked us to the bone nonetheless. We ducked into Wilson Creek Shelter to get out of the rain, but it was pointless at that time.

We stopped for the night short of Harvey's Knob Overlook. We were close enough though to walk over to marvel at the sunset and also three deer nearby.

05-19-13 Together with Judy and Jerry

Woke up clean and dry under the pavilion at the Troutville park. Today we had visitors, my aunt Judy and Jerry along with their dog Lucky.

They picked us up and we headed for McD's where we were soon joined by Cyclops and Shaman. Hung out and traded stories for awhile before heading over to Walmart for a few odds and ends. Sadly, Cyclops and Shaman had to get back to the trail. They didn't get far before we caught up with them again at a road crossing and Jerry could do a little trail magic in the form of cold cokes.

Along with them was another hiker we didn't recognize but soon figured out that it was Rob (now Luscious) from our very first night on the trail. We often wonder what happens to some of the hikers we meet along the way and Rob is one of them that we now know. He must have been hiking the same pace as us, always a day or two back. Can't wait to see him again and catch up.

Did a drive over to Gander Mountain and K got new shoes. Afterward we did a little driving around before settling on a Mexican restaurant that looked busy. We found out that it was a place I have dreamed about, a Mexican buffet! The buffet was amazing and we ate so much that no one ate again the rest of the day, except for a little ice cream of course.

Productivity dropped after our meal and we went back to the hotel to regroup. Somehow managed to get back out around 7 to resupply for our next few days. Lucky got to play but I could only record a glimpse of her talents, she is one smart dog!

Finished the day with everyone getting some ice cream. Thank you so much Judy and Jerry for everything

05-18-13 Hanging Ten at McAfee Knob Together

Slept in the shelter last night so packing up this morning was a breeze.

We reached McAfee Knob mid-morning and we were disappointed by the foggy view. However, we still hung our legs off the edge per tradition. I must say, it told my breath away and I couldn't sit straight up for fear of falling off.

Further along the path we came to Tinker Cliffs. A little bit of the view peaked through at us and we enjoyed the half mile of cliff walking.

Had a big lunch of rehydrated potato soup for lunch at Lamberts Meadow Shelter then motored into Daleville, Virginia. The trail continued one and a half miles more into Troutville, Virginia and we set up our tent in a pavilion at the Troutville Town Park.

Across the street at the Troutville Fire Department we showered and cleaned our laundry. One of the volunteer firefighters, John, showed us their training facilities. They converted an old school into a training room, the interior of a mock house and a confined space area complete with a trap door--all very cool.

05-17-13 Together at the Home Place

Woke up to the warmth of the sunrise. That, and the voices of dozens of hikers stirring.

B got his headlamp fixed, and I a cold shower--I've learned not to be too picky when you have indoor plumbing.

We socialized on the front porch of the Open Door Ministries then stopped by the Appalachian Long-Distance Hikers Association reception.

We walked to the festival in the Damascus town park and marveled at all the vendors. At AWOL's booth we could see the entire map laid out and where our friends are at on the trail. At the Black Diamond tent, I was able to trade my cheapy headlamp for a supped-up one.

My most exciting find was zip-off hiking pants to replace the ones I had wore through nearly 500 miles ago!

About noon-thirty we called it a day and packed up to begin the journey back to the trail.

With Stan at the wheel, the three of us--B, DNA and I dozed off to the rhythmic noise of the road.

One last splurge before reentering the wilderness--the Home Place. A family style all you can eat restaurant outside of Catawba, Virginia, we dined on fried chicken, mashed potatoes and peach cobbler to name a few. Definitely a gem--all the Virginia Tech graduates and their families can attest too. We felt a little out of place; us in our hiker gear, them in the Sunday best. But after we were tucked away at our table it didn't matter.

Back at the trailhead, before hiking a whooping two miles for the day, we enjoyed one last cold beverage with Stan and DNA. We cheers'ed to a good weekend and to the journey ahead.

05-16-13 Together at Trail Days

Arrived in Damascus, Virginia early. Met with the Open Door Ministries in the morning and enjoyed homemade cookies and hot chocolate.

Set up camp in Tent City. We reunited with Stretch, Siren, Bamboo and Morning Kid.

B and I were able to get our gear repaired--although not the prettiest mending I've ever seen, it suffices.

Feasted on a home cooked fellowship dinner at the First Baptist Church. Later that evening we enjoyed catching up with friends in Tent City. Luckily we camped in the open field because the campers deep in the woods partied early into the morning.

05-15-13 Somewhere near Damascus (again)

Woke up to the cock-a-doodle-doo of the resident rooster. Got a slow start because we only needed to hike six miles to Catawba, Virginia to meet up with DNA and his dad Stan to head back to Damascus, Virginia for Trail Days.

Once on the road, headed south, we stopped at Burger King to redeem a buy-one-get-one-free-Whopper coupon. We also stopped at a grocery store for food to grill later.

Arrived in the Damascus area in the evening and set up camp a few miles outside of town. Enjoyed our food and fellowship around a campfire.

05-14-13 Slaying the Dragon's Tooth Together

Began the day at Audie Murphy's memorial. A Texas native, he was the most decorated World War II veteran, which included 3 Purple Hearts. He passed away in a plane crash near that part of the Appalachian Trail.

The trail brought us back down the mountain, where we stopped for lunch. Chatted with a south bounder, House Broke, who is nearing the end of his Appalachian Trail adventure.

Up the trail we went in elevation to get back on the ridge line which led us straight to the Dragons Tooth. We came, we saw, we conquered.

The descent was unpleasant for about a mile and there were several places with rebar hand grips for extra stability. We're really close to Virginia Tech, and passed several groups of students barreling to the top.

Exhausted, but at the bottom finally, we decided to spend the night at Four Pines Hostel. A Virginia Tech student was walking to his car and asked if a) we were thru-hikers then b) if we needed a ride anywhere. The hostel was only three-tenths of a mile off trail, but we obliged.

Enjoyed our stay at Four Pines--it has been awhile since I've been able to relax on a couch. We were able to shower and slept well on military cots.

05-13-13 Somewhere near Craig's Creek

Red wisps of light. Orange undertones. A glorious sunset peaked at us through the trees. The morning was colder than usual but we warmed up nonetheless.

Today we saw the largest oak tree in the southern part of the Appalachian Trail. Named the Keiffer Oak, it is over 18 feet around and more than 300 years old.

Atop Bruisers Knob are a multitude of rock piles. We weren't sure of their significance--burial mounds, Depression-era jobs projects-- just glad the stones weren't in the trail for us to walk over.

We ended the day in a quaint campsite near Craig's Creek. We haven't seen many hikers on the trail in the past few days. For those who are still hiking, Virginia has really spread us out.

05-12-13 Dining with the Deer Together

Awoke to the sound of drops of water hitting the tent from trees. Once we got going, the sun greeted us and we started our way downhill.

We had heard about a former thru-hiker who lets hikers camp on his lawn. The selling point is that you must cross a creek via a zip line. Unfortunately, we didn't make it that far yesterday so we only got to view it during the first few miles. It looked like a lot of fun.

Dried the rain fly during lunch at Bailey Gap Shelter. Drying the tent is a dreaded but favorite chore of mine because I can drop all that weight (water) in a small amount of time.

The day sort of ran away from us and we began looking for a tent spot around 7 pm. I found a box full of goodies and we enjoyed our drinks, apples, and snake cakes. We talked with one of the caretakers of the box who happened to stop by.

Got to the top of the mountain and site of a previous fire tower at sunset. We set up in near record time but still had to eat in the dark. K heard an animal and it seemed large. As it moved towards us we realized it was a large doe. Couldn't get a good picture but the deer didn't seem to mind us and got within 20 feet of us before eventually walking off. Glad it wasn't something else!

05-11-13 Together Along the Virginia Ridge

There was fog when we woke up; do you think it follows us? Luckily it was warm and the fog quickly lifted.

Upon checking out, we found out that the free shuttle back to the trail is only available when the driver is awake, usually around noon. We started walking down the street towards the trail and saw Danno. He asked if we needed a ride which we thought was a joke at first. Turns out he had to rent a car in order to get to a specific outfitter for his shoes. The agency did not have anything to rent him except a 12 passenger van, the perfect shuttle vehicle. Thank you Danno!

The trail skirted town, an industrial plant, and the landfill before a big climb back into the ridges. At first it was an easy traverse and we had a wonderful view for lunch. The trail knows when you get complacent though and treated us to a few miles of rock scrambles.

Much of the ridge today was actually the border between Virginia and West Virginia. For whatever reason, the books don't recognize this fact and West Virginia gets cheated Appalachian Trail miles (WV has the fewest of the 14 states which the AT travels).

The weight from our recent resupply finally took its toll and we were wiped around 17miles in. We heard thunder and as soon as we set up the tent; downpour. Waited it out for dinner and again, downpour as soon as we finished. Happy not to be wet, we called it a day to the sound of more rain.

05-10-13 Together in Pearisburg

A little stiff this morning after the 20, but warmed up fast. Relatively easy terrain into Pearisburg, Virginia. Stopped for a bite to eat at an overlook. DNA caught us and we visited with him briefly.

Made it to the trailhead and Lane Street into Pearisburg right as the rain started and the thunder roared. It never materialized into a Midwestern thunderstorm, but it still felt good getting out of the rain.

The hotel shuttle picked us up. We're staying at the Holiday Motor Lodge. There's several rooms filled with long-term residents. Cleaned up and resupplied, then finished the long day with Mexican and a margarita with Bamboo and Morning Kid.

05-09-13 Together at Sunset

Got an extra-early start thanks to my watch getting set an hour later. Was disappointed to hit a section of trail that disappeared into a stream--the stream turned out to be the trail because of all the rain. This would foreshadow what we would encounter later.

Met up with Wild Child who was slowly moving down the trail with a swollen and discolored foot. B and Etch-a-Sketch caught up and we all walked with Wild Child a mile to a paved road. Someone else had already carried her bag to the road. We flagged down a car who took her to the doctor in Bastian, VA.

Continued on and reached Kimberling Creek and passed over our first suspension bridge. We stopped for lunch and to dry out our gear. B hiked to Trent's Grocery to pick-up our care package from Mitch and Jawan. Thank you for all the goodies!!

The trail flattened out and ran next to the river; ideally we should have flown through this section. Not so as it was badly flooded. We stopped at Wapiti Shelter for dinner with friends then proceeded up the hill.

Saw a beautiful view off a rock outcropping then decided to hike 2.3 more miles to a look-out tower for sunset. Well, the "look-out tower" ended up being a fenced-in communications tower with "no trespassing" signs. We found a clearing nearby and enjoyed our grounded view of the sunset.

Ended up setting up the tent after dusk. It felt great to finally cool our heels after 22.5 miles--our longest day yet.

05-08-13 Together under the Witch Hazels

Went to bed last night with stars in the sky; woke to rain. We pretended to be asleep, perhaps it was a dream. It was not, the sky was continuing her assault on us.

Trubrit had made the camp eggs and bacon which were devoured in no time. On his way out to drop some section hikers, Trubrit indicated we could cook pancakes if we were still hungry. Yank and Blue Bonnet jumped to it and we had pancakes with syrup, butter, and Reese's.

Still raining after our meal, hikers were trying to decide whether to go or stay. Together with Cyclops, we opted to hike and were dropped off in the rain around 10:30.

Didn't see anyone the first 9 miles but they flew by, some of the fastest yet. Crossed I-77 and made our way up to Helveys Mill Shelter where we found a few friends including Yank and Blue Bonnet. Cyclops elected to stay with them as we headed back out in the rain. K developed a blister and we slowed the pace a little as the trail became water logged.

Ended the day's hike camping between two streams next to Derelict, a section hiker. He informed us that we were camped under two blooming witch hazel trees.

05-07-13 Somewhere near Bastian

We were determined to hike rain or shine. Thankfully it was shine. We didn't actually see the sun, but the lack of rain was gift enough.

The terrain was very kind to us and we hiked 15 miles before we knew it. We spent the night at Fort Bastian--definitely not what we were expecting but we can file this under the "an experience" column.

Fort Bastian is run by Trubrit and he is converting his 36 acres into a wilderness camp. It is primitive here as he is still in the developing stage, but has already constructed several outbuildings out of pine. We were too mellow of a crowd for him.

05-06-13 Sheltering in Place Together

Woke up to the sound of rain and wind on a tin roof. Forecast was indicating 100% chance of rain all day until 11 p.m. and 90% chance of rain tomorrow. Together, with a group of 9 other hikers, we opted to shelter in place.

About 9 a.m. the rain let up briefly, and the whole shelter cleared out for the privy--or some shrubbery.

Throughout the day we played games, relaxed and socialized. Other hikers would shuffle in and out, each arriving soaked and frazzled.

Around 8 p.m. we saw a most unusual sight. The sun was peaking out--it was a beautiful sight, but short lived. Close behind was a thunderstorm.

05-05-13 Safe Together on Chestnut Knob

Woke up late and enjoyed a muffin top (literally, just the top of a muffin) and re-hydrated granola, blueberries and milk. It was delicious! Thanks Jay and John.

We walked near farm fields today, and boy! was it windy! We could tell that a weather system was moving in.

Lumbermack was near VA 42 and had trail magic for us--peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, soda and oatmeal cream pies. Thank you!

Stopped for second lunch at Knot Maul Branch Shelter with friends.

The mist started, then the rain. The trail turned and we were opened up to the wind. Then into a clearing where we were totally exposed. It was miserable. Visibility was reduced and it was hard to see where the trail went. The wind was gusting rendering the poncho worthless.

At one point I had gotten off the trail, and couldn't figure out where the trail led. B had gone up ahead to the shelter to save us space. I continued on.

Then I saw B coming toward me on the trail! We're close! There's space! The shelter turned out to be one of the nicest--four walls, a door and fully enclosed.

05-04-13 A Quarter of the Way Through Together

Had leftover pizza for breakfast then hit the trail. The trail had several treats for us today.

The first being the Settlers Museum. We got to explore an old farmstead and schoolhouse, both just right on the trail.

Secondly, the trail led us right to Atkins, Virginia and The Barn Restaurant. We had a "mystery" mail drop waiting for us from 213 Jay W. and John Hopkins. Thank you!

Back on the trail we hiked along the farmlands then back into the forest. We hit 546 miles--a quarter of the trail is behind us. Met up with friends at a campsite and tried fried Maurel mushrooms Yank and Blue Bonnet had scavenged in the woods.

05-03-13 Somewhere with Full Bellies

The terrain was kind to us and we made excellent time today. Hiked through a cattle-grazing area but saw no cattle. It was fun climbing up and down the ladders to get over the barbed-wire fences though.

Arrived at the Partnership Shelter a little after 4 p.m. The shelter is one tenth of a mile from the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center which Pizza Hut will deliver to. We ordered two pizzas and a two-liter of Pepsi (just for us!) and enjoyed our meal with new friends Hobo, Trouble and Melky (Trouble's golden retriever).

05-02-13 Together with the Ponies

Started the day in a fog. Actually, a raining cloud. Dealt with slippery rocks the first couple miles, then slipped through Fat Man Squeeze.

Entered Grayson Highlands State Park, famous for their ponies. The ponies were placed their as cheap bush hogs. After 3 miles the trail exited the park. We thought all was lost, but were able to see the ponies--7 to be exact--outside the park.

The trail also went through "the scales": an old choral where folks came to buy and sell cattle.

By afternoon the rain finally stopped and the sun peaked out on us for awhile. Called it a day at mile 314, after 18.2 miles of hiking.

05-01-13 Together at the highest peak in Virginia

Today we woke up at 2,695 feet and ended at 5,415, which included a day of climbing up and over Virginia's highest peak.

We made it to Buzzard Rock a little before lunch and just before the clouds obstructed a beautiful view. The rest of the way over Whitetop Mountain was windy and in the clouds.

We hit the gap between Whitetop and Mt Rogers for lunch. The clouds began to ease and the views came back. Across the road a pony emerged to entertain us. We weren't expecting the ponies until Grayson Highlands.

Lunch finished and we still had climbing to do. On the way up a couple of hikers introduced me to ramps, we tried some, sort of a wild onion with a garlic aftertaste. Hopefully we remember to look for some just before a meal.

At the top of the climb there was a 0.5 mi side trail to the top of Mount Rogers. A few locals mentioned there were views and it was a state high point so we shed the packs and sauntered up the side trail (anytime we take off our packs we add a bit to our step). At the top, nothing in the way of views, a very disappointing excursion. I think I erred in my line of questioning with the locals.

We snacked at the shelter nearby where I pulled out a trail mix that we are especially fond of. After a handful I placed it near K who was stretching. The bag went over and the contents scattered around the front of the shelter. Rather than cry over the mice's new jackpot, I quickly grabbed the filter and headed for the water.

We found a nice campsite a few miles down and got in bed just in time to hear rain hit the tent. Overall, a very nice day.

04-30-13 Somewhere near the Virginia Creeper Trail

Enjoyed breakfast on the front porch then headed north through town. Picked up a Subway sandwich for later and hopped on the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Several times throughout the day, the Appalachian Trail shared the Virginia Creeper route. The Creeper Trail is a converted railroad line.

Camped near the river in between the Appalachian and Creeper Trails. Started our first campfire (we had been using others' fires) and boiled water for dinner. Finished off the meal with our new calorie-supplement: Nutella. B has lost 15 pounds already. I'm holding steady at my current weight.