Daniel 1 - 12
Partnership Shelter campsite to Relax Inn, Atkins, VA - 11.6 miles hiked today - 545.7 total AT miles hiked to date.
We had rain overnight, but it cleared out early, so I was able to pack my tent up relatively dry. Struck out around 8 am, immediately going into climbing mode as we worked our way up Glade Mountain. The first several miles were a challenge, with RR&R (razor rocks and roots) protruding all the way up. Fortunately the day was slotted to be a short one, with less than 12 miles to cover.
As we hiked the ridge line for most of the day, we ran into several groups that we’d been crossing paths with for the past several weeks, including Just Joe and Ortho who we’d had dinner with in Erwin. We also hiked with a group of 8 college students that we’ve run into repeatedly since Gatlinburg. Most of them are taking a semester off since classes are all online, figuring that if they had to pay full tuition, they’d wait to go back when classes are live.
A couple of times today, I had the experience of hiking through what appeared to be dense and remote forest only to emerge from the trees next to someone’s house. Very disorienting, but common for the AT. You’re rarely ever more than a mile or two from civilization.
We did pass the Virginia Settlers museum which included an old 1800’s schoolhouse. Lots of history in this part of Virginia. Varied landscapes and terrain for the last few miles.
By 1:30, I’d crossed the railroad tracks on the outskirts of town and made my way to the Relax Inn. After checking in, we walked over to the Sunoco gas station, where they had a small deli. We each got BBQ sandwiches for lunch. After lunch it was time for showers and the coin laundry and some relaxation. For dinner we went to the Exxon station where they had a small Mexican restaurant attached.
Dinner, some minor resupply and then back to the motel for an early night. Tomorrow we plan to cover 15 miles.
Until next time...
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