Date: 2014-06-07
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0

It had been previously arranged with the girls that we would spend two days in Troutville and then push out and do some slack packing. There was a mini "trail days" going on in town. We were joined by my aunt and uncle who came for the day. Among the activities for was a doggy dash. Sarah had brought our dog with her an I'm proud to announce that duke the semi wonder dog won! A good time was had by all and the rest was much appreciated. Leaving town, with out packs, we made short work of our first climb. I can not tell you what a difference not carrying a pack can make. Imagine going on a diet and loosing 20-30lbs. Foot travel becomes much easier. Early on our first day we were met by a friendly donkey who instantly took to Duke. Duke had decided he would join us for the hike since we would be meeting he ladies at the end of he day. We met up with the blue ridge parkway. The AT more or less follows the parkway for about 100 miles. The Blue Ridge is known as America's most scenic ride. Since the Trail crosses the rode several times there are many opportunities to enjoy scenic overlooks. The ladies met us at the end of the day at one such overlook. The next day's profile looked a bit intimidating. Not that we have much choice but looking at the profile we could tell that we would be climbing most the day. Yet, once again we were slack packing and it didn't seem too bad. We finished our hike near a waterfall. The guidebook said the falls was only 0.1 miles off trail. However, we met a hiker returning from the falls. He said it was much further than that. The girls were both in flip flops so it was decided that we would bypass. We had some horrible rain fall come during the night. We all had large tent and have been car camping. Glad to not be sleeping on Trail. Thank goodness for our girls! OK pointed out that since the Blue Ridge has many scenic overlooks that this is one place the Trail is not the most scenic. It was driven home on our next day. We walked mostly with out any views the entire day. However, we did pass "the guillotine". This unique rock stucture is two rock walls with a giant boulder stuck between the two. That was about it for the views. I wasn't too down about it. First because I understand it is next to impossible to make a 2000 mile plus trail and have every mile have views, second we were threatened by rain all day yet we avoided it. Oh and did I mention we have been slack packing? It's said that Virginia is flat. It is anything but. There are a few climbs that stand out and that I remember from my previous thu hike. The next day we faced one such climb. The girls met us at the James river the previous day. It is here that they dropped us off to face the climb. We took off and after a short while OK asked when the climbed started. I felt rather wimpy when I replied we had already been doing it. The mountain must have shrunk from my previous trek. In the past I stopped mid way up and took a nap. I was also passed by a lady much much older than myself. This time was different. We were once again slack packing thanks to the girls, but I also believe the mountain must have shrunk. Once on top we had excellent views. Rest of the day went by with not much of note and we met the ladies again. I'm getting used to this slack packing and returning to camp with the girls. They have made the experience much more enjoyable and the camp meals sure beat Ramen. Water has been an issue in Va. Not so on the next day. We passed streams rivers and even circled a large reservoir. We have found all the water it is one place. We should irrigate the rest of the Trail though out the state. Of most important not we crossed the 800mile mark! We hadn't even notice till we came to a spot where some one else had stacked the number 800 in rocks. We took pictures paused for a brief celebration. I don't know how long it took to construct this trail art, but I know how long it took Duke to knock over. We hastily did our best to reconstruct but I army it was a poor effort. Something else monumental has occurred. OK must be enjoying the slacking and camping with mom because he has been more and more determined to reach Maine. He has actually been saying that the positive words and encouragement he has received has been helping. Every step a still painful and there is no cure in site but just maybe positive mind and faith can help him reach the end. The rest of the time out of Troutville has gone with out a hitch. We will camping in luxury, as mom and dad have bought a popup camper. The girls will also be remaining with us for a while longer. It will be hard once they do leave bit for now we will enjoy their company and the time we have together. From our family out here on Trail to yours at home, remember it's about the miles and smiles.   Life a good, Salty