Ups and Downs

Holy cow, what a ride!

After hiking for a month, Caboose and I had begun to feel like we had a solid understanding of what would get us through this journey. Since then, we’re been heartbroken by Tramily members leaving the trail. We’ve had 25 mile days with over 6,000′ of climbing to avoid terrible weather. We’ve hiked through snow in April. We’ve replaced Caboose’s backpack when she became too thin to wear her original pack. We we’re nearly blown over crossing Jane Bald by gusts over 60 mph in a storm.

There’s been laughter, tears, anger, and joy…all in the course of one afternoon. This trail will bring out both the very best and very worst in people. We’re cementing lifelong friendships with amazing people. In fact, we’ve truly realized our hike is every bit as much about who we’re hiking with, as it is the trail!

Virginia Baby!

Finally, a couple days ago, we crossed into Virginia. The treadway for the last 150 miles or so has been outstanding. Bob Peoples, the owner of the Kincora Hostel, maintains this stretch of trail, and all I can say is thanks to Bob and his crew. Coming in to Damascus was like walking on a groomed path in an upscale neighborhood.

If any one reading this ever gets a chance to visit Kincora, take the opportunity to sit down with Bob for an hour. You won’t regret it.

Today, we’re going to be leaving the comfortable cabin we shared with Molasses, Jam, and Rachel (our amazing trail angel). Now we have 25% of the trail to go before we get to Harper’s Ferry. They say Virginia is for lovers, let’s hope it’s also for hikers!