Day 24 - Friday, March 19, 2021

We’re back on the trail after a few days off. I got my 2nd covid vaccination and we restocked supplies.

And it’s official, I have joined the club and I have lost my first toenail from hiking. I lost the toenail on my right  2nd toe or “long” toe. Even with all the precautions and care I have taken to avoid feet issues. Our last hike with the long descent, nearly 4 miles, got the best of me. Fortunately, it’s not that uncomfortable and really shouldn’t be an issue; just have to take extra care to protect the cuticle area until a new nail grows back. 

Skyline Drive has reopened the southern section that was closed due to storm damage so we can continue hiking south from West to Skyline 77.5, Ivy Creek Overlook  (896.5 NoBo) but sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are still closed; reportedly till March 27th. 

Today we woke up to rain and a cool 37°.  We started late due to the rain, hiking from Skyline 99.5, Beagle Gap (869.7 NoBo) to  US250 + Blue Ridge Parkway, Rockfish Gap (864.4 NoBo) = 5.3 miles. We finished at 12:45 pm and looked for another short segment to hike that  would align our hikes to set us up for the 19 miler that we have planned for Monday. So we then hiked, starting at 2:00 pm, from Blackrock Parking Area (886.0 NoBo) to Skyline 90, Rip Rap Parking (881.3 NoBo) totaling 4.7 miles. We finished at 4:20 pm, the temperature was 43° with clear sunny skies. 

Today’s  total = 10.0 miles.

Here are some sights that I thought were worth including in today’s blog - enjoy:


Finishing at Rockfish Gap - end of Skyline Drive and beginning of Blue Ridge Parkway. Jim’s growing his beard and I’ve decided to grow my hair 😂








Eureka... it’s that way!






Views from Rip Rap Trail.







Amazing views from Black Rock Gap.

It was actually a perfect day to hike, the rain stopped earlier than predicted and there was great sun for the remainder of the day with very little wind. And all the snow and ice is finally gone... I think it’s safe to take my yaktrax out of my pack. Spring is trying its hardest to arrive. 


Till next time... Happy Hiking  🥾

😋 

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