Day 50, Sunday April 13, 2021

  

Obadiah 1 / Jonah 1 - 4 / Micah 1 - 7

Davis Farm campsite to stealth site overlooking Bland Va, -11.8 miles hiked today - 588.8 total AT miles hiked to date.

Wow! Our 50th day on the trail!  Today was a much better hiking day.  Perhaps it was the shorter distance to be covered, or the less severe terrain, or the perfect sunny, dry weather. Whatever the reasons today was a thoroughly pleasant day.

We got a later start than usual, knowing we had less distance to cover, breaking camp around 8:30.  The cattle and donkeys in the valley below were up and making lots of noise before that, likely complaining about the mid 30’s temperatures overnight.  It had warmed up considerably by the time we were back on the trail though and the mornings hike was easy on the knees and feet. Some interesting rock formations, gently flowing creeks, and smooth trails throughout the day.

By mid day, we had reached a bridge just before a road and found a cooler with Trail Magic. Soft drinks (I had a root beer), candy, and a note with a survey.  A PHD candidate was doing a study on why people do long trail hikes.  Interesting questions, as the reasons are as varied as the people on the trail.  We dutifully filled them out, although verbalizing what it means to be out here was harder than I anticipated.

We had hiked most of the day with Wingnut, a retired Air Force colonel. A very interesting man who apparently is dealing with Parkinson’s as he attempts to complete the entire trail.  He supported by his wife, who pulls their little Scamp camper from road crossing to road crossing supporting him.  In between roads, he hammock camps.  His plan today was to camp with us, but when we arrived at today’s spot, his wife and dog were already there, and they hiked on to the camper parked 3 miles down the trail.

We had another scenic view from our campsite, and enjoyed cell service to check in with home.  Tomorrow we hike by the Brushy Mountain Outpost where we will do a minor resupply (2/3 days of food) before a major resupply in Pearisburg on Thursday).  While at the outpost, we also plan to get burgers for lunch before hiking on that afternoon.  Supposed to be the best burger in that part of Virginia.  Then 2 more nights camping before we hit the Woods Hole Hostel for some organic food, yoga, shower, laundry, and a real bed.  Looking forward to that after 6 days since our last respite at the Relax Inn.  Then a couple of days hiking with my old high school buddy will be special.

Until next time...