Contest Winner

And the winner of the Match the Burl contest goes to my son-in-law, James, who pointed out that my burl more resembles a Star Wars character by the name of Maz Kanata than ET. He’ll be receiving a lifetime subscription to my temporary AT blog. Congratulations, James!

The Burl

Maz Kanata

ET

Day 101 – Buena Vista to Punchbowl shelter (11 miles)

Day 102 – Punchbowl shelter to Glasgow (10 miles)

Day 103 – Glasgow to Apple Orchard overlook (15 miles)

Day 104 – Apple Orchard overlook to Bobblets Gap shelter (23 miles)

Milestones

As a flip-flopper, I started the Appalachian Trail in the middle of the AT and headed north to Mount Katahdin, at which point I came back to the middle and I’m now heading south. When heading north, I would frequently see markers as nobos (northbound hikers) surpassed certain milestones, but these wouldn’t pertain to flip-floppers. Finally, I passed one designed in pine combs by some creative sobo that does pertain to me.

Yes, I’ve passed the 1400 mile mark!

The Melancholy

A small side trail leads to these lonely headstones.

At the top of Bluff Mountain is a memorial for Ottie Cline Powell…

It’s hard to fathom that a little boy, not yet 5 years old, could climb this mountain. Not only a difficult climb, but during snow and freezing rain.

Bluff Mountain

And The Humorous

So, here I am walking along the trail when when I feel a light sting under my walking shorts. When I begin to investigate, I get a more severe sting and realize a yellow jacket is in my pants. So, I begin swatting and pull my shorts down which easily came off over my hiking shoes. At this time another yellow jacket stings me in the cheek. The next scene is me running down the trail in my skivvies. I’m sure it was quite a sight, though I don’t think anybody was there to observe.

A day later I saw these college kids enjoying a 30 foot jump into the James River.

I asked another (older) gentleman on the bridge if he was going to jump.  He replied “I’m just not man enough”.  I had to confess that I wasn’t either.

Good Times At Stanimals

I don’t typically write about the hostels where I stay, but this was a standout. I think because we had a relatively small group and it was a holiday weekend, our hosts went the extra mile and deserve special praise. Everybody pitched in (including cost), and we had one of the best meals I’ve ever had… anywhere. The next morning was leftover steak and eggs for breakfast. Thanks, Stanimal and Mags.

The Vistas

Starting with the Guillotine. Note the difference in perspective when I’m in the photo.

And, the rest…

Hope you’re enjoying this.

Thanks for listening.