Onward to Shenandoah National Park

In my last post I described the devastation in Damascus VA and my decision to abandon any attempt this year to hike further south. Instead, I moved north to Daleville VA to complete a 297 mile section to Harper’s Ferry that I had skipped earlier.

Northward from Daleville

There were some blowdowns across the trail as I hiked north from Daleville but nothing like I’d seen in Damascus. And the frequency of blowdowns has decreased as I’ve moved northward. As one trail maintainer told me near the James River, the trail looks similar to if there had been a solid summer thunderstorm. Homer Witcher provided me with a shuttle ride to the trail. I had a pleasant stay at Beech Hill Hostel in Troutville. A highlight was being served breakfast and lunch by the legendary Fresh Grounds. He’s great company, a wealth of trail knowledge, and he makes the best blueberry pancakes I’ve ever had. What a trail angel.

Fresh Grounds Leapfrog Cafe. Delicious food and good company.

I’ve had one setback since I started this section. While skirting a blowdown, I fell backwards and hyperextended my right knee. This is the knee I’ve been nursing through much of the trail and which had improved recently. Quite a setback but it is once again on the mend.

The trail is quiet this time of year with a few SOBO thru hikers and some day hikers at popular sites. The weather has been spectacular in recent days with sunny pleasant days and crisp fall nights. The increasingly shorter days encourage a later start to the hiking day unless one wants to hike by headlamp.

Some interesting nature observations. I came across a copperhead snake, which I might not have seen if it had not been pointed out to me by hikers Salty and Light. I’ve also been seeing a lot of box turtles recently. Maybe it’s their mating season that is encouraging wanderlust.

Top photo is that of a well disguised copperhead and at bottom a shy box turtle.

I enjoyed crossing the James River pedestrian bridge, a real milestone of my hike. I spent the night at Stanimal’s in Glasgow and as luck would have it, Fresh Grounds stopped by to serve breakfast and I got a reprise of those blueberry pancakes and the bacon he cooks in a deep fat fryer. What luck!

Bridge over the James River

When I crossed Rte 60, I was picked up by Jon Kelafant and spent two nights with he and his wife Bobbi. Took a wonderful zero day with them in which we sat outside and tasted wine and beer produced by Great Valley Brewery and Winery. What a view of the Blue Ridge. The previous night we attended a performance by the Lone Bellow. Check them out if you get a chance as they make excellent music. Thanks to Jon and Bobbi for a really nice break from the trail.

View from the brewery

I am now about 20 hiking miles from entering Shenandoah National Park and about 180 miles from Harper’s Ferry. It feels like the home stretch. Fellow hikers are telling me to stop at the Waysides I’ll pass and get lunch. Apparently the blackberry milkshakes are not to be missed. I hope that my next post will find me just days away from finishing for the season.

One of many stunning views along the AT in Virginia