Posts
Halfway Means Ice Cream
We stopped at the general store for the half gallon challenge, which entails eating that quantity of ice cream in 30 minutes. Come Along, Bumblebee, and I got 1.5 quart containers of Neapolitan ice cream.
Maryland Copperheads
An ATC Ridgerunner came by and asked if I was Strider. She had a bag with three small Copperheads and we watched her release them into the wild. Yay, I really wanted to see one!
Virginia Highs
Serendipity asked how I was feeling and if I’d gotten the Virginia blues. I haven’t, in fact I’ve really enjoyed the state. Mostly due to the amazing people with whom I’ve been hiking and zero’ing.
Shenandoah Snacking
Late morning found me on a gentle ridge between trees full of bird song. As I hiked I slowly ate a Stinger waffle and felt entirely content with an overwhelming sense that the trail is my home.
Days with Mike
The trail climbed from James River, though it went quickly as Mike and I chatted the entire time. We took a lunch break when the trail flattened at Little Rocky Row.
An Unexpected Zero
Shortly before noon, Sonic Boom, Hobble-It, Lt. Dingleberry, and High Route arrived in town. Along with a hiker named Three Sticks, we went to brunch at Cracker Barrel.
Virginia’s Triple Crown
As I hiked I thought about an ex-boyfriend, Alexis, who passed away on this day four years ago. He would be happy I am walking amongst trees.
A Wonderful Hostel
I woke with the light and got up, though I was still tired. The plan was to reach our hostel before the late afternoon rain.
Coexisting with Rain
Shortly into the day I passed the 1/4 milestone for the entire trail!!
Friends Old and New
I slept well and got an early start, eager to do a 20 mile day. Nearly five miles in I encountered Wendy slack-packing the opposite way. I hadn’t seen her since Winding Stair Gap, mile 109, but we’ve kept in touch via text.