Date: 2018-11-03
From: AT and Allegheny Trail junction

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.8

Awake at 3 a/m. I thought about packing up and leaving by 4 a.m. but was concerned about traveling for hours with my headlamp. The brightness was weakening due to excessive use. I wish I had bought new batteries in Troutville. At 3:45 I decided to get up and leave by 4 a.m. After sliding into my clothes while in my sleeping bag I briefly closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes my tent was lit up! Aliens? My headlamp accidentally went on? Then I realized someone was at the trail junction possibly reading the signs and/or saw my tent and briefly directed his light my way. I determined it probably was Smitty who I met at the last shelter. Yesterday I heard him mention he was getting up early to go to Pearisburg also. I could hear the wind and droplets from the trees hit my tent. I made coffee and heated my tent with the stove. All I had dry were my coat and vest. Everything else was damp. I did have dry socks but they were only dry until I placed my feet into my wet boots. On the trail at 5:01. Goal is to get into Pearisburg around 2-3 p.m. As soon as I began hiking I was a bit concerned because it was foggy, misty, and windy. Like last night, using a headlamp in the fog was like wearing fogged up glasses. I could see less than eight feet ahead of me. My concern was what if the headlamp dies? I guess nothing serious. I'd just have to wait until daylight to continue. Another concern was what if I got off the trail and unable to find my way back? Again, I'd just have to wait until daylight. But the hike went well. I could see the indented treadway in the soil when not on rocks or covered with leaves. If it felt soft under my feet I knew I was off the trail and just backtracked. Sometimes I needed to search for one of the white blazes to know for sure I was on the AT. The many times I did miss the trail were quickly corrected by turning around and walking a few feet. It was windy and even snowed briefly. For the most part the foggy night hike was efficient and successful. I was relieved when daylight finally arrived. The day was foggy while on the mountain ridge. Twice, separately, two does jumped across the trail in front of me reminding me it was muzzleloader season. I had my orange hat and an orange vest on. Before Rice Field Shelter in an open saddle the wind was blowing strong. White ghost like fog figures blew across the trail in front of me. Then I noticed it wasn't just fog but it was blowing snow flurries. At the side trail to the shelter all I could see is fog. The shelter usually was in view but today it was hidden by the weather's white veil. The trail began descending. From the shelter to the New River it would drop 1,800' with a few ups and downs. As it descended but while still in the fog a group of six college age kids were going up. I wondered why?! Perhaps a day hike to the shelter. Some distance further down the mountain I was out of the fog. After crossing a road the trail climbed a few hundred feet before an easy well-built trail down to US 460. The trail went under an overpass and up multiple steps to the US 460 bridge over the New River. The Celanese chemical plant was right by the bridge. The air smelled like glue. While crossing the bridge the air smelled like raw eggs. I arrived at the street into Pearisburg about 1:45. I was pleased with the time. My wet feet were hurting. The corn had been agitated from the multiple rock walks the last few days and I felt a soreness from wet socks or wet shoe parts rubbing on my heel. Walking the old four lane highway up over a hill I was in the sun. The welcomed warmth soon caused me to sweat but I didn't mind it today. I stopped at Hardee's for a sandwich and a cup of coffee to go. Then I proceeded to the first motel, the Plaza. But the small motel was full. So, I went two buildings over to the Holiday Motor Lodge and was successful in securing a room for two nights. It was about 2:30. (I remember yesterday about this time as I was walking in the rain and thinking in 24 hours I'll be warm, dry, clean and full). After showering I went across the road to Food Lion for munchies. I also bought milk, Boost and a two liter bottle of RC Cola. For the evening I relaxed, ate, hung gear up to dry, took two baths, called with Heartrock and Mourning Dove (Sally). Tomorrow a zero day. I need to do laundry and buy food and fuel. But basically just rest. It's good to be warm, dry, clean and somewhat full. A thru hiker can be full but still be hungry.