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.