Date: 2015-10-18
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 103.3
Weather: clear sky

10/12 Day 132: 11.1 miles M1565.4Woods Hole HostelBreakfast was a dozen Krispie Kreme donuts and a half gallon of grapefruit juice in the hotel room while I washed clothes. I left Pearisburg at 12:30pm. Easy climb up to Angel's Rest for a good view of the valley, river, and yesterday's hike. Another 0.6 up the trail was an excellent view to the other side of the mountain. A bird of prey was circling over me for a while. Easy hike today on to Wood Hole, very kewl, a place I want to return with Lynette and perhaps others who might be interested. There is a nice bit of history behind this place, opened by the grandparents of the current proprietors, who have connections in the Atlanta area.10/13 Day 133: 15.2 M1580.6Trent's Grocery Tent siteNice family-style breakfast at Woods Hole Hostel. Sara, working at Woods Hole, led a group of 5 of us through a yoga practice (Tennessee Jed, French Press, Mexican Budha, myself, and Sara). I resupplied at Woods Hole from unclaimed hiker resupply boxes. I left Woods Hole at 1:00pm with 1/2 mile to hike to the trail head. Beautiful day. Super easy hiking, a couple of very nice views. I stopped at Trents for a tenting site and a burger from the grill. Also a few honey buns and 1/2 gallon of OJ for breakfast. Glad I picked up resupply at Woods Hole, as Trents didn't have much in the way of dried goods or other staples I need on the trail.10/14 Day 134: 19.4 miles M1600.0Trailside Tent PadHeadache all day today, felt sluggish. Ridge-walking all day, over rocks with endless ups and downs. Tough day but at least no rain. No views until the very end of the day when I crossed I-77. Found a marginally suitable place to set up my tent, barely enough room between the trail and the end of the steep slope. A hunter walked by at 2:00 am with his dog. Very windy as I set up but was calm by morning.10/15 Day 135: 25.5 miles M1625.5Tent on old roadbed south of Chestnut KnobI awoke at 5:15am and hiked out at 6:30am for one hour of headlamp hiking before sunrise. Nice weather all day is very much appreciated after the seemingly constant rain for days up days. Easy hiking to Jenkins Shelter, where I packed wood chips for privy maintenance. Then the trail on Garden Mountain got rocky and had so many leaves I couldn't see the rocks. My lower legs became achy and tired. The Garden Mountain is named because of the many rock outcroppings along 9 miles of tough trail. Today was a difficult hiking day.Then came a nice climb up Chestnut Knob. BEAUTIFUL views from grassy area outside of the shelter, then again along a grassy ridge on the descent. I walked into the sunset for a mile or so. Stopped to collect water from a spring and pack on to camp that night. I hiked on after dark for about another mile where I found a nice tenting spot on an old roadbed, flat, not rocky, and enough soil to easily set my tent stakes. Glad to have water tonight and for in the morning. Hung my bear bag, as usual, and ready for bed. I am looking forward to a nice dinner tomorrow night.10/16 Day 136: 21.0 miles M1646.5Relax Inn, Atkins, VAOn trail by 7:15, hiked 45 mins with headlamp. Rained from 8am - 11am, but otherwise good hiking all day. A few tough hills and a couple of cow pastures. Encountered a bit of trail magic, always nice, root beer and oatmeal creme pies... very awesome. Passed the 1/4 of the trail left to hike sign today. I Met up with Stank and Oil Can on the trail today and again at The Barn restaurant in Atkins. Quiet Earp met us at The Barn, too. I don't usually have a 1-pound burger, but I couldn't pass up the "Hiker Burger". I chased it with an 8-ounce ribeye steak. Not sure why there seem to be so many mountains in VA named Brushy Mountain.10/17 Day 137: 11.1 miles M1657.6Econo Lodge, Marion, VA.I left Atkins at first light and saw a nice sunset on the way up to Glade Mtn (1700' climb). Frost on the grass and the cars as I pulled out of Atkins. Lots of ups and downs today, a bit rocky. I arrived at 11.1 mile on trail to the south at the Mt. Rodgers Visitor's Center in time to catch a ride Lynette had prearranged for me (thanks, Sweetie). I arrived at the Econo Lodge where I'd hoped to pick up the resupply package with the last of my deep three-season gear needed for the colder nights ahead. The package hadn't arrived, so I set out to have a nice meal and then tune in to watch the LSU-Florida football game. Had a great time watching and snacking all night.10/18 Day 138: 0.0 miles M1657.6Econo Lodge, Marion, VA.I had hoped to hike from Harpers Ferry WV 550 miles to Damascus, VA without taking a zero day... I came close to meeting this objective, very close. But logistics didn't quite work out. In the end, I'm glad I have this day of much needed rest and good eatin'.