Date: 2013-06-11
From: Spy Rock Road

To: US 60/Buena Vista
Miles today: 16.3

The AT as originally conceived is not merely a footpath through the wilderness but a footpath of the wilderness. Benton Mackaye   The heavy rains of yesterday brought a glorious day behind them. We chose to hike southbound today, and set out to find the trail near Spy Rock Road. This was no easy task, as the AT access there was via a private, unpaved, rocky and steep road. Alex got us to within a half mile of our start point, but only because it was early morning and very quiet.    What a glorious day, with the best and most beautiful trail and views! We climbed Tar Jacket Ridge and sat on a sunny rock during lunch. Specs likes to nap briefly after lunch and I was enjoying the endless view. A background noise became more intrusive and I trained my mind to it. Just as when you see a friend in different dress or in an unexpected locale and don't immediately recognize them, I kept thinking I knew the sound, but what was it?       Over my shoulder I caught sight of two men in hard hats and gloves, carrying big Stihl weedwhackers. Of course! I just didn't place that sound way up here on this lovely ridge.   The trail is very well maintained in VA, and Specs and I always talk to and thank any trail workers we see. These gentlemen, Bruce and Dave, lived locally, volunteered their time (this is the case for the vast majority of trail maintainers) and were clearing tall grass from the section we'd be hiking after lunch. We chatted for a bit and enjoyed learning about the local trail organization. Bruce and Dave truly enjoyed hiking the trail with heavy, industrial sized weedwhackers, keeping the path clear and easy to use. This is a thankless task, as the rain and humidity encourage new growth immediately in a wet year such as we are having in 2013. I was very grateful for their efforts when we hiked on, because it was much easier to navigate the trail without tall grass tickling my legs.    The day kept getting better, and we crossed a beautiful grassy meadow with many campsites. I saw a swing hanging from a great big tree and made a beeline for it. Fabulous!! I enjoyed swinging away until RS arrived and I ceded the seat. So much fun and laughing!    We hiked on to 4000 feet and crested Cold Mountain. 360 degree views were our gift. This was the nicest view spot since Roan Mountain and Specs made a panorama picture with his Lumix. I gave a holler and skipped up the trail towards Bald Knob. What a day.    We met Alex at the road crossing and returned to Wintergreen via Lexington. A stop for refreshments turned into a dinner out at a rather nice bistro. Feeling very underdressed and grubby, I retired to the ladies to assess the scene. The restaurant provided nice smelling lotion and liquid soap and no one else was around, so I cleaned myself up a bit. Nothing like being able to smell little better--haha, always tops on my list. I had to take some teasing when I finally returned to the table.   Dinner was very tasty, but I would come to regret the mussels I ate as a first course. They were delicious, and we all enjoyed penne with veggies and blackened chicken. Hiker appetite led me right to the dessert menu to finish a wonderful meal and end a great day. It's all good when you can wear green Crocs and a borrowed T shirt to a nice cafe!Tie Dye(Extra photos)