The Way I Go Along The Appalachian Trail

Another cool night; low of 38°. Today’s weather will mirror the last few days, staying cooler and partly cloudy.  Today we are hiking from  VA 670 (526.4 NoBo) to VA 603, Fox Creek (512.6 NoBo) for a total of 13.8 miles. Today’s hike put us over 600 trail miles  🥳. We began hiking at 8:15 am. A group of Virginia Tech students were backpacking off the trail as we started. They didn’t look too happy! Creek crossing at Comers Creek.  The original bridge was washed out. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy  is in the process of rebuilding the bridge so there was an alternate route to use up to Dickey Gap or  you could take the normal trail and cross at your own risk. Water levels have dropped the past few days so we decided to take the regular trail.    The rhododendrons didn’t blossom before we left the trail. Hopefully they will still be in bloom when we return. Making our final descent of the hike... The AT is very obvious through the mountain pastur...

The weather forecast surprisingly has been 100% accurate 3 days in a row! Woke up to a chilly 36° and partly sunny skies.  Three months ago we were praying for 36° temperatures now we dread it 🥶😬.  Today we are hiking from  VA 615, Lindawood School (542.9 NoBo) to VA 670 (526.4 NoBo) for a total of 16.5 miles.  We arrive at our parking location to find a Trail Angel there providing any and all supply’s imaginable to AT hikers - was like a mini outfitter.   The trail magic, which is free,  was sponsored by the Sugar Grove Baptist Church. They provided  the trail magic every weekend from April through September since 1917.  The person managing the trail magic did not have a trail name so we called him “Preacher”. Turtle and I enjoyed a nice fresh cup of coffee. It’s amazing how many communities along the trail cater to the hikers. I am realizing that hikers are a big part of some of these communities local economy so they are grateful for their su...

Last night dropped to 37°; glad we were slack packing in the local Best Western. We are planning on staying on the trail on a regular basis after we return from our break- That’s if it’s warmer 😂. Today we are continuing hiking from  VA 42, O’Lystery Pavilion (558.2 NoBo) to VA 615, Lindawood School (542.9 NoBo) for a total of 15.3 miles.  We started hiking at 8:15 am and it was still a “chilly” 38°.  Just think, a few months ago we were thankful when the high was 38° 😂 🤔. Things are getting green...  And he still got lost 🙄. Which way now? This way..... Climbing over fence ladders. Stopping for lunch. I slipped around 1:00 pm and had to put my hand down to catch myself to give Turtle Power a two drink advantage... he still owes me a dinner 😉.  View from Tilson Gap. Hiking in same mountain pasture we earlier viewed from Tilson Gap. More Forest Gnomes and Trail Fairy houses. Look out for the big bad Wolf 🐺 🤭. We finished hiking at 5:10 pm. The weatherman h...