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The Best of Virginia
An Eventful 4 Days
The weather has been clear, but hot – 90+ degrees each day. So, we took it slow and threw in a zero day. Still, we hit 2/3 of the Virginia Triple Crown – Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob. You’ll need to tune in next week for the final event – The Dragon’s Tooth.
On the way up to Tinker Cliffs, we passed this welcome sign.
Day 105 – Bobblet’s Gap shelter to BeeCh Hill Hostel (18 miles)
Day 106 – Zero at BeeCh Hill Hostel
Day 107 – BeeCh Hill Hostel to Campbell shelter (16 miles)
Day 107 – Campbell shelter to 4 Pines hostel (10 miles)
First, The Little Things
I saw my first bear!! I’ve been waiting 1400 miles for this moment. Finally, a mid-size bear ran full speed across the trail about 30 feet in front of me. Sorry, way too fast for a photo.
You would be surprised at how little it takes to really make your day when hiking up mountains in 90 degree weather. Some apricots growing along the side of the trail were just the ticket. They were sweet, juicy and delicious.
Tinker Cliffs
The views heading up to and around Tinker Cliffs were incredible. I’ll let the photos do the talking.
McAfee Knob
Some people like to hike at night, but not me. Nevertheless, Spokes and I were up before the dawn hiking in the dark in order to get to McAfee Knob before dawn. It was a beautiful morning and gave some awesome scenes as the sun came up. Shortly after sunrise, we even saw a rainbow as a rainstorm hit off in the distance.
The Epic Photo
McAfee Knob is the most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail and for good reason. Every hiker wants to be in this particular photo. I was extremely fortunate to have a great, colorful sunrise as the backdrop. Please help me choose the best of these photos. Feel free to click and enlarge each; this is important. Thanks.
Coming up – the Dragon’s Tooth.
Thanks for listening.
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Comments 14
Virginia does not disappoint! Tinker Cliffs looks like a terrific section hike Hats off to Spokes and you for hiking in the dark to catch a sunrise. The dawn silhouettes the jaggedness and breadth of the Appalachians in a unique way. Of the last three photos, no. two is my favorite.
Number 1! Great beauty regardless. Rock on!
Number 2 hands down
Photo 3 really shows off the spectacular scenery.
Nice update – your McAfee Knob pics are all great, but I like #2 the best – your silhouette gazing towards the nearly centered hill in the background just pulls it all together.
What beautiful photos! All three photos of McAfee Knob are amazing. Photo #2 says it all.
Hmmm…I like #1 best for the sky, which seems the most important, and the colors and clouds “agree” the most. And then I like #3 maybe best because the sky seems well-balanced with the the valley and greenery. But #2 and #3 have clouds or dark pieces of clouds pushing through, which take away a little bit of the “gorgeousness” of the sky. So I like #1.
Wow. Spectacular
All great. #2 is my favorite
Positively #2. It captures everything, stunning.
#1 is great but #3 gives you the full effect of what your on and has great colors!
Nice photos, it has been hot south of the Mason Dixon line.
Legs will come back.
Keep on posting.
I particularly liked #2 as it shows the true scope and magnificence of the area…it shows a foreground to give perspective near left as well as mid right silhouette rounding out with the vast horizon which makes the whole picture flow seamlessly. If I were to paint one the second would be my choice for the interest and ability to truly capture the beauty.
Is something up with #2? You look like you’re laughing?