Sorry for delay! Finally have good enough WiFi to publish YouTube videos from last blog update!
PA Rocks
Lemon Squeezer
Let the Mail Drop
Day 119 Daleville, VA
ZERO
Spent day catching up with friends and family and co-workers. We made plans for the holidays and our future...including a little wedding planning via Pinterest. Although, I have been informed that I'm technically a Matron of honor...if you want to be rude about it.
Day 120 Stealth spot next to Campbell Shelter
4 month mark! Hiked 15.3 miles, with heavy packs (6 days until next mail drop), towards our target campsite. We wanted to stop right before McAfee Knob so we could be there for sunrise tomorrow morning. The weather was weird; sun, rain shower, sun, intense thunder and lightning storm. It didn't storm until we were in tents so still dry! This section of trail in SW VA is the most simple terrain we have hiked-easy to keep quick pace and able to actually look around for once and enjoy the fall foliage and vast views. The most beautiful scenery of the day was Tinker Cliffs, a 0.5 mile ridge line walk along Blue Ridge. I recommend this trail for beginning hikers because the terrain is flat, but inundated with an ever-changing landscape, which makes for a FUN hike! About to beat Keith at Yahtzee (yep theres an app for that!) We are trying to stay awake in order to watch the Dragonoids (meteor shower near Draco constellation) tonight. According to StarWalk it should occur directly over our heads right in the middle of a small clearing. Hopefully the rainstorm clouds blow over fast. Goodnight for now.
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| Dead Skunk |
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| Bonus! |
Good news = we got to sleep in!
Bad news = because it was pouring rain!
TWC said no rain this AM, but not true! In fact, it rained all day! We packed up camp slowly, hoping the rain would stop so we could have clear view for McAffe Knob. It got to be too late (we wouldn't make it to next shelter before dark) so we decided to leave even though it was still foggy and we couldn't see but 5 ft. in front of our face. Although visibility was bad, we still smiled on top of the famous McAffe Knob! There were a lot of day hikers on the trail for such a rainy day...maybe they watched the same weather channel as us!?! I couldn't believe that we saw so many people-no wonder it is the most photographed place on the AT! Despite cloudy weather and a crowded trail, we had another fun hike. The most difficult section was the Dragon's Tooth climb to a stone monolith at the summit. We did a lot of climbing and rock scrambling, which was scary because it was so slippery! Kinda reminded us of our old friend, Maine. We hiked 17 miles in 8.5 hours, but needed headlamps to set up camp and eat dinner. At least it finally stopped raining.
Day 122 Laurel Creek Shelter
Hiked 23 miles today, required major endurance...especially for last 4 miles. We had spectacular views for about a half mile as result of morning ridge line walk. Took a moment to be present in front of Murphy Monument; celebrating WWII most decorated veteran. We saw sign for Eastern Continental Divide at summit of biggest climb of day; cool reward after such a strenuous hike. Think treadmill on incline, but the treadmill is made of loose rocks. It always required a little extra help from the Holy Spirit when the trail is more difficult than it looks on the map. The end of the day was all pasture walk. The landscape was so picturesque, the sun was shining just right, and the hillsides were splashed with bright yellow/deep red/neon orange trees. I had to remind myself to look down at my feet because I didn't want to look away! The last 4 miles uphill to shelter were in dense vegetation surrounded by fast moving streams. We walked right by the oldest tree in the South, which was over 300 years old and about 18 feet in diameter! The most beautiful waterfalls were our water source for the shelter...feels like we are camping in the jungle! We ate dinner after dark again-this time by red headlamp light-because we finally had a clear view of night sky and we were able to see the stars. We enjoyed our star-lit dinner. Who would have thought eating Ramen noodles could be so romantic!?!
Although the bare trees mean we can't judge our foot placement with all the leaves piled on ground...we are able to see the gorgeous mountains in the distance. For a moment, we take in the awe-inspiring views across the horizon, until we realize that those gigantic mountains were are admiring are the same ones we are fixin' to climb! They become a little more daunting, but equally as breathtaking.
Laughing hysterically because the dog keeps playing 'stick' with all the firewood. I wonder if she thinks its a giant toy pile? She gets tail-wagging excited every time we add more dead branches. I would be irritated that we have to keep collecting more every time she runs off with one, but I am too amused to care. Dogs are perfect comedic relief!
Day 124 Pearisburg, VA
Hiked 20 miles in 8 hours-now we are cooking with gas! (pun intended) We had some sweet miles and passed the best shelter ever called Rice Field Shelter-had spectacular views into cliffside clearing that overlooked WV valleys. Saw 10 deer throughout the day aka Corinne's favorite activity. At last, we crossed the New River and into Pearisburg's Holiday Motor Lodge. The hiker-rate gets you a bed full of bed bugs and a shower, with a previous guests soap/washcloth, that will dribble water out then cut off completely in the middle of your shampooing. Yes, mom...I wore my crocs.
The place was totally pitiful, but pet-friendly. We spent the afternoon/evening at a 5 star Mexican restaurant (we went twice in one day), stole their WiFi until they closed at 10 PM, and all was right with the world again. Gracias!
FUN FACTS:
Day 128 Stealth Spot
Hiked 22.3 miles, taking only 1 break, in 9.5 hours. This AM was much more strenuous than expected, but this afternoon was more pleasant than expected. Big climb up to Chestnut Knob Shelter (only 4 wall enclosed shelter on AT) at 4,410 feet. The view of the valley down below was absolutely breathtaking-or was I just totally out of breath?!? The geological phenomenon we were looking at was nicknamed God's Thumbprint.
The decent began with an open field/clearing walk through grassland. It was so quiet compared to the leaf crunching we have been talking loudly over the past few days. We hiked past 2 different groups of hunters-one with a big crossbow and the other had a shotgun...both in camo. Neither of them knew about AT thru-hiking so we told them more about it. Hopefully we saved future thru-hikers from being hunted! Scared us a little because Nala looks just like Bambi!
Day 130 Hurricane Shelter/Campsite
Hiked 19 miles in 8 hours-very little elevation change all day. We hiked past a fast flowing cascade and imagined how wildly interesting it would look when frozen. Cold day, even in the sunlight, but glad we didn't have to scrape ice off our car windshield like we saw people doing this morning. Hopefully we won't have to scrape ice off privy seat in AM. I give props to the early settlers!
Day 132 Saunders Shelter
Hiked 18 miles today in 8 hours. Began day above tree line and enjoyed the view of dawn awakening the valley below. Started descent down from the highest peak in the state; steep and lengthy. The best part about the decline was actually being able to hear one another. There are more conifers then deciduous trees in such high elevation so we didn't wade through piles of noisy, crunchy leaves like normal...the 'quiet' time was nice! The afternoon's trail shared a bike path with the AT and it was an unusual feeling being passed by someone going so fast. I wonder how I will feel about driving the highways/byways of ATL. They say driving is just like riding a bike! I definitely won't be walking anywhere when we get home because my feet are already sore tomorrow. At this point, physically, we are beyond muscle soreness...all around blisters and bruises combined with tender tendons and ligaments...but just before broken bones-well maybe stress fractures! But a wise Keith once told me, "limping is still walking!"
Day 135 Hampton, TN
Hiked 21 miles in 8 hours into town. Watuga Recreational Area was closed due to bear activity so we pushed it in order to have a safe place to sleep! Walked along Watuga Dam via a paved road. First time in a long time we didn't trip over any rocks! Shuttle to hostel took us into Johnson City and dropped us at Olive Garden. Keith had the unlimited pasta bowl and never ending soup and salad.
Ordered dessert and coffee with the kiosk at table; a touchscreen tablet for customer use-way cool! The waitress asked us what we were celebrating...I guess because we ordered so much food and drink it seemed like a special occasion.
Day 138 AND 139 Sugar Mountain, NC with DAD!
ZERO DAYS
Had the best breakfast on the AT and waited for Dad to scoop us up and save us from the 40 mph winds pelting us with rain. Thanks trail angel Dad! He shuttled us back across the state line to Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk, NC where we could chill for a few days before he took Corinne back to ATL...no dogs allowed in Smokies. Went to the grocery store and were able to buy real food (Keith cooked for us since he had been missing being a chef) and even used a big shopping cart! Feeling spoiled and are thankful to be out of bad weather! Finished chores and spent rest of the day in town touring wineries. (Banner Elk and Grandfather Mountain) We ate carbs and more carbs then soaked our bodies in the hot tub! We caught up with Dad about what was new in his world and watched the debate before bedtime. Super excited to be slack packing tomorrow!
Hiked 23 miles today, required major endurance...especially for last 4 miles. We had spectacular views for about a half mile as result of morning ridge line walk. Took a moment to be present in front of Murphy Monument; celebrating WWII most decorated veteran. We saw sign for Eastern Continental Divide at summit of biggest climb of day; cool reward after such a strenuous hike. Think treadmill on incline, but the treadmill is made of loose rocks. It always required a little extra help from the Holy Spirit when the trail is more difficult than it looks on the map. The end of the day was all pasture walk. The landscape was so picturesque, the sun was shining just right, and the hillsides were splashed with bright yellow/deep red/neon orange trees. I had to remind myself to look down at my feet because I didn't want to look away! The last 4 miles uphill to shelter were in dense vegetation surrounded by fast moving streams. We walked right by the oldest tree in the South, which was over 300 years old and about 18 feet in diameter! The most beautiful waterfalls were our water source for the shelter...feels like we are camping in the jungle! We ate dinner after dark again-this time by red headlamp light-because we finally had a clear view of night sky and we were able to see the stars. We enjoyed our star-lit dinner. Who would have thought eating Ramen noodles could be so romantic!?!
Day 123 Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
We hiked 18 miles today, but even though our packs were pretty light, the rocky terrain made for a long day. We began the morning with a steep climb. It was exhausting because we couldn't see the ground below all of the fallen leaves so we basically just tripped forward the whole way up to Lone Pine peak at 4,027 feet. Perhaps the forward momentum, from tripping, shaved off a few minutes of annoyingness. There were excellent views at Wind Rock, which made it all worthwhile.
We met a barefoot hiker and thought about the barefoot sisters: Isis and Jackrabbit are the trail names of two young women from Maine (also known as Susan Letcher and Lucy Letcher) who hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia and then "yo-yoed," turned around and headed back the other way. CRAZY!
More rocks as we descended, but these were a different type of rock than we have seen; purple!
FUN FACT:
"Once Upon a Time..." (The Story of the Rocks in Northern Virginia)
Northern Virginia is moving towards China, at the same speed your fingernails and hair is growing. The North American continent is drifting towards the Eurasian continent at about one inch every year. Next time you lie down in bed, note the distance between your head and toes... because that's roughly how much closer the continents will get in your lifetime.
How did the rocks of Northern Virginia get here, and why are they headed west towards China? That continental drift has been underway for over 200 million years.
The basin filled with sands and other sediments so rich in oxidized iron that they are distinctively purple when exposed at modern construction sites. At places, the purple sandstones are interrupted by black volcanic rock that rose up (as the crust on the surface thinned and cracks widened) from the molten magma below.
http://www.virginiaplaces.org/nova/onceuponatime.htmlAlthough the bare trees mean we can't judge our foot placement with all the leaves piled on ground...we are able to see the gorgeous mountains in the distance. For a moment, we take in the awe-inspiring views across the horizon, until we realize that those gigantic mountains were are admiring are the same ones we are fixin' to climb! They become a little more daunting, but equally as breathtaking.
Laughing hysterically because the dog keeps playing 'stick' with all the firewood. I wonder if she thinks its a giant toy pile? She gets tail-wagging excited every time we add more dead branches. I would be irritated that we have to keep collecting more every time she runs off with one, but I am too amused to care. Dogs are perfect comedic relief!
Day 124 Pearisburg, VA
Hiked 20 miles in 8 hours-now we are cooking with gas! (pun intended) We had some sweet miles and passed the best shelter ever called Rice Field Shelter-had spectacular views into cliffside clearing that overlooked WV valleys. Saw 10 deer throughout the day aka Corinne's favorite activity. At last, we crossed the New River and into Pearisburg's Holiday Motor Lodge. The hiker-rate gets you a bed full of bed bugs and a shower, with a previous guests soap/washcloth, that will dribble water out then cut off completely in the middle of your shampooing. Yes, mom...I wore my crocs.
The place was totally pitiful, but pet-friendly. We spent the afternoon/evening at a 5 star Mexican restaurant (we went twice in one day), stole their WiFi until they closed at 10 PM, and all was right with the world again. Gracias!
Day 125 Woods Hole Hostel
NERO
We hiked 11 miles, up and over the Angel's Rest (a tough 2 mile climb), to Sugar Run Gap-a slice of heaven! We are staying in an 1880s refurbishes chestnut log cabin with the most eclectic but still rustic decor. The host's grandparents discovered the cabin and opened it as a hostel in the 1980s. They offer yoga and massage therapy. There is an emphasis on sustainable living through beekeeping, farming, solar power, and organic gardening...they even had pig! One of our top favorite 'shelters' for sure! I feel like a new woman after taking a hot hot hot shower-heated by a wood burning boiler-and will feel even better after a home-cooked meal for dinner and breakfast. Keith and I helped prepare the meal by gathering lettuce, from the garden, for the salad. Our mental health is good, even though we are a little homesick.
Day 126 Bland, VA
We hiked the most flat and even trail for at least 8 miles today. We went under the 'green tunnels' of mountain laurels and crossed over several meandering streams/waterfalls. We even got to teeter across a downed tree log bridge overlooking Dismal Falls. None of us lost our balance and I enjoyed the adrenaline rush although I'm sure my guardian angel didn't. Went to the P.O. for resupply and special care package; Christmas came early this year! Thanks so much for the well-wishes and inspirational love notes. We appreciate our friend's generosity and thoughtfulness. I'm especially grateful for my new headband since somebody that borrowed mine, to keep his hair back, lost it (my favorite one!)
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| ATLANTA! |
Day 127 Jenkins Shelter
NERO
Hiked 12 miles after 12! Staying warm by fire and can hear coyotes in the distance!
Day 128 Stealth Spot
Hiked 22.3 miles, taking only 1 break, in 9.5 hours. This AM was much more strenuous than expected, but this afternoon was more pleasant than expected. Big climb up to Chestnut Knob Shelter (only 4 wall enclosed shelter on AT) at 4,410 feet. The view of the valley down below was absolutely breathtaking-or was I just totally out of breath?!? The geological phenomenon we were looking at was nicknamed God's Thumbprint.
Burke’s Garden is completely surrounded by mountains, and referred to in travel materials as “God’s Thumbprint” because of how it looks from the air. Geology explains how it came to be – softer limestone eroded away over the eons, leaving the sandstone layers as high mountains and creating very fertile farmland in the valley. There isn’t much other than farming that goes on here – no businesses other than a store (and farms) in the valley, and no overnight accommodations to be found. Only one paved road into the valley, with a dirt road requiring many switchbacks on the opposite side of the oval heading out. The seclusion contributes to the unique nature of this hike.
The decent began with an open field/clearing walk through grassland. It was so quiet compared to the leaf crunching we have been talking loudly over the past few days. We hiked past 2 different groups of hunters-one with a big crossbow and the other had a shotgun...both in camo. Neither of them knew about AT thru-hiking so we told them more about it. Hopefully we saved future thru-hikers from being hunted! Scared us a little because Nala looks just like Bambi!
Day 129 Marion/Atkins, VA
NERO
Hiked 12 miles into town to defrost. We had to put our water filters inside our sleeping bags so they wouldn't freeze last night! I slept in every piece if clothing I owned! We woke up to frost on the ground so we decided to hike in our long johns (our PJS!). Most comfortable hike ever! Crossed over several fence stiles and through a few cow pastures. We even got some trail magic to warm our hearts! Ice cold root beer and frozen oatmeal cream pies! We walked to our mail drop and got a shuttle to hotel. Then we B-lined right to a Mexican restaurant, where I ate my weight in cheese dip. I did laundry in the bathtub and washed dishes in the sink. Never thought I would miss our washing machine and dishwasher so much!
Hanging out with lots of Virginia Tech fans...they used to be addicted to the Hokie pokey...until they turned themselves around!
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| NEROS in a picture |
Day 130 Hurricane Shelter/Campsite
Hiked 19 miles in 8 hours-very little elevation change all day. We hiked past a fast flowing cascade and imagined how wildly interesting it would look when frozen. Cold day, even in the sunlight, but glad we didn't have to scrape ice off our car windshield like we saw people doing this morning. Hopefully we won't have to scrape ice off privy seat in AM. I give props to the early settlers!
Day 131 Stealth spot near Thomas Knob Shelter
Hiked 16 plus miles, through Grayson Highlands State Park, to our new favorite campsite. Check that-our new favorite day ever! Well, maybe tied with Saddleback in ME. We are at 5,490 feet and have the most glorious view of God's creation below but an even more amazing view of the sky above; first time we have camped in open with clear skies! Tonight is the peak of the Orionids-meteor shower across Orion's belt. Today was mostly hiking above tree line across the open ridge line fields. Our hike was very exciting; Nala met ponies and steer! We are too blessed to be stressed about summiting Virginia's highest peak tomorrow AM: Mt. Rogers at 5,729 feet elevation.
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| I will walk 500 more! |
Day 132 Saunders Shelter
Hiked 18 miles today in 8 hours. Began day above tree line and enjoyed the view of dawn awakening the valley below. Started descent down from the highest peak in the state; steep and lengthy. The best part about the decline was actually being able to hear one another. There are more conifers then deciduous trees in such high elevation so we didn't wade through piles of noisy, crunchy leaves like normal...the 'quiet' time was nice! The afternoon's trail shared a bike path with the AT and it was an unusual feeling being passed by someone going so fast. I wonder how I will feel about driving the highways/byways of ATL. They say driving is just like riding a bike! I definitely won't be walking anywhere when we get home because my feet are already sore tomorrow. At this point, physically, we are beyond muscle soreness...all around blisters and bruises combined with tender tendons and ligaments...but just before broken bones-well maybe stress fractures! But a wise Keith once told me, "limping is still walking!"
Day 133 Damascus, VA
NERO
We hiked 10 miles? (there was a detour reroute that went along the VA Creeper bike trail). The trail goes right through town along the sidewalk so we were able to walk directly up to the hostel. Woodchuck hostel is one of our faves! We stayed in a cabin by a teepee and played/lost corn hole game twice. Did laundry for first time in 1 week-yikes! Ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner within a few hours of one another and went to bed before karaoke stared at 8 PM. Shoutout to Antler! Thanks for the advice and trail magic! Places to eat: MoJos (bfast), Hey Joes (lunch), and BoBos (dinner).
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| Loaner clothes |
Day 134 Switchback Creek Campground
Hiked 15 miles, across the VA/TN state line, and waited 2 hours to get shuttled to campground 5 miles east of trail. We had to change plans on the go because we heard that out target shelter was closed due to bear activity! We hiked less miles than our average, but figured it was worth it, especially once we got to camp-beautiful open field across from apple orchard surrounded by maroon and burnt orange colored mountains with the moon visible overhead. Warm day, but gets chilly as sun sets so I am sitting by fire pit writing in my journal. We will be home one month from today! Missing the trail already...very bittersweet!
Watched the new Jurassic Park movie and couldn't sleep because the cows mooing sounded freakishly like dinosaurs!
Day 135 Hampton, TN
Hiked 21 miles in 8 hours into town. Watuga Recreational Area was closed due to bear activity so we pushed it in order to have a safe place to sleep! Walked along Watuga Dam via a paved road. First time in a long time we didn't trip over any rocks! Shuttle to hostel took us into Johnson City and dropped us at Olive Garden. Keith had the unlimited pasta bowl and never ending soup and salad.
Ordered dessert and coffee with the kiosk at table; a touchscreen tablet for customer use-way cool! The waitress asked us what we were celebrating...I guess because we ordered so much food and drink it seemed like a special occasion.
Day 136 Black Bear Resort
NERO
Hiked along side trail to Laurel Fork Falls-spectacular! One of my favorite hikes. It felt like we were hiking through stone canyons with 100 foot waterfalls cascading from above. Made it to Creekside Cottage before noon and enjoyed relaxing day eating and watching DVDs.
Day 137 Mountain Harbor B&B
Hiked 26 miles today! It took us 9 hours to hike a marathon! The terrain was amazing...NO ROCKS!!! We were able to move 3 mph consistently and didn't even take a break until 12-13 miles in! We got to Hwy 19 just as it began to rain. Totally mind-blowing approaching the section we hiked last spring break. Odd feeling being somewhere familiar for first time in months! I didn't enjoy returning as much as anticipated because the last few minutes did not go as I had imagined...I wiped out and fell hard! Ironically, I fell on Hwy 19; a smooth, paved road. I tripped on a loop of an orange pine straw string and couldn't catch myself in time so I lost a few layers of skin. Thankfully, we are only 0.3 miles away from the B&B so I was able to clean up right away. Slept so hard and had best breakfast on AT.
Day 138 AND 139 Sugar Mountain, NC with DAD!
ZERO DAYS
Had the best breakfast on the AT and waited for Dad to scoop us up and save us from the 40 mph winds pelting us with rain. Thanks trail angel Dad! He shuttled us back across the state line to Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk, NC where we could chill for a few days before he took Corinne back to ATL...no dogs allowed in Smokies. Went to the grocery store and were able to buy real food (Keith cooked for us since he had been missing being a chef) and even used a big shopping cart! Feeling spoiled and are thankful to be out of bad weather! Finished chores and spent rest of the day in town touring wineries. (Banner Elk and Grandfather Mountain) We ate carbs and more carbs then soaked our bodies in the hot tub! We caught up with Dad about what was new in his world and watched the debate before bedtime. Super excited to be slack packing tomorrow!
