Onward through Virginia

Day 64

I passed under so many huge power lines on the way into Daleville, some of which were quite buzzy. When walking under them I imagined my hair would  stand up, but it didn't.

Upon arriving in town three of us checked into the hotel, showered, ate fatty food for lunch, then went to get food for our resupply. I have learned to eat before going into a grocery store, it decreases the number of spontaneous food purchases dramatically.

In the evening we hung out with Mufasa and Dory. We played a game called Nouns which was new to me but I now love. We each wrote nouns on slips of paper and put them into a hat. Round one-describe, round two-describe using only one word, round three-charades, and round four-charades under a sheet. It was quite funny and a lot of fun.

Day 65

I hiked out of Daleville on a stomach full of hummus and cucumber. Eating in town is so wonderful. My pack was heavy again with six days of food and two liters of water. In the future I should remember not to leave town at noon, it was so hot and muggy!

I managed to hike 0.7 miles uphill in 12 minutes this evening. What was my motivation? Ominous looking clouds and thunder. I got to the shelter and pitched my tent before the storm hit. In fact it never did!

Day 66 

I went swimming today! The day ended with a hike down to a river. It was very hot, so being able to rinse away all the sweat was wonderful. There were some people fishing too. As a group of us were sitting around eating a man came and brought us fish. We cooked it over the fire and it was delicious! It reminded me of the fresh fish I ate in Micronesia. Now I'm worried a bear will come through the campsite because of cooking the fish. I doubt I will sleep soundly tonight.

I walked about one foot away from two snakes today before I realized what they were. I thought someone's shirt had fallen in the trail. I waited for Chameleon to arrive. She looked at them then shooed them off the trail.

Day 67

The weather was beautiful today. The air was much cooler with no humidity, it made such a big difference. Still sweaty carrying my pack but overall it was much more pleasant.

There was an FAA tower on top of a mountain today. I was glad I read about it in the book first otherwise it would have been very strange to see. It definitely looked like something other wordly.

Ticks are out in full swing. I haven't found one on myself yet, but others around me have. I've been told they are very small here too. Ugh! Other bugs are out too and now I've got bug bites. Life on the trail is always changing.

Day 68 

Last night was chilly. I slept with my down coat inside my sleeping bag. Overall having a summer bag has been a good choice but last night wasn't quite comfortable.

It was a gray, damp day. Today had the same level of light from 7am - 8pm which was odd. There was no way to tell what time it was by the sun. I walked over the James River on the longest foot bridge on the AT. I walked past so many places that would have been great for a quick dip had I been sweaty. I can't complain too much though. Overall we have had beautiful weather.

Day 69

I have walked 800 miles on the Appalachian Trail. That is crazy! Today was chilly all morning, I actually had to wear my long sleeve and a hat.

It wasn't until I arrived at the shelter tonight and saw the number of weekend hikers that I realized it was Memorial Day Weekend. That also explained all the day hikers from today too.

How do I identify a section hiker from a thru-hiker? Section hikers smell clean or like some kind of product. They have clean clothes and boots. They have large packs and brand name foods and snacks. If there are loud people up late they are a section hiker.  Granted these are stereotypes but they are based on my experiences.

Day 70 

Chameleon and I had great luck getting our resupply in town today. As we came off the trail a person offered us a ride to town. Other hikers were lent a car for the day so they gave us a ride to lunch. While filling up on Italian food a father and son asked us all about the trail then gave us a ride back. It was so amazing to get 10 miles to a town so easily!

I am camping in a large field with so many other people. It's a busy weekend for sure but somehow there are a lot of thru-hikers too. I sang ukulele outside tonight and it felt wonderful. It is approaching first quarter moon. I love having moonlight at night!

Day 71

Today was one of the easiest hiking days so far! The terrain was relatively flat and the trail itself was quite smooth. The weather was great too, sunny with a cool breeze. I was enjoying myself so much I managed to trip both feet over the same small rock.

Day 72 

Today I hiked down 3000 feet, crossed a small river, then hiked back up 3000 feet on the other side. Some days hiking up and down just seems so silly! I did have a great view this afternoon of all the mountains and ridges I had walked today. That was really neat.

For the past number of days all the privies have smelled very badly. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have moldering privies and open air privies for so long. Now I walk into a completely enclosed box with screen and mesh over the one window that only seems to keep all the flies in. Now that no leaves or duff is being added to the waste,  they really stink too, a smell similar to ammonia. There is an exhaust pipe of sorts but that results in smelling the privy at the shelter. Good thing I get fresh air the rest of my day!

Day 73 

Today I met a hiker who started a month after me in Georgia. She jogged past me just as it started to rain. After chatting i learned she hiked over 30 miles today. I just cannot fathom that! It's amazing and I have zero desire to do that.

I saw a fawn this afternoon. It was quite small and still hadn't adjusted to using its legs yet. Despite growing up in Maine and seeing deer all my life, I don't think I have ever seen one so small.

Day 74

I hiked a short 5 miles into town this morning. There was a list of 20 trail angels to call to get a ride into town. How nice!

After getting our resupply a friend came to pick up Chameleon and me. I am so excited to be taking a zero in a house! We made burritos for dinner and plan to relax all day tomorrow. Thanks for hosting us!