Day 48 - Monday, April 12, 2021

The weather seems to be in a holding pattern this week with overnight temperatures falling a little and in the day time it’s only getting in the 60’s with bright sunny skies. Good hiking weather for sure 😊.

Today we are hiking from VA 42/606 Kimberling Creek Trailhead (609.9 NoBo) to VA 611 (600.6 NoBo) equaling 9.3 miles. 

We began hiking at 8:55 am. Temperatures were a little nippy, only 48°.  We weren’t even on the trail when another NoBo thru-hiker appeared before us.





This is “Bug”, 23 years old from Washington, DC. She graduated  from college majoring in Public Policy; didn’t like the rat race of working so decided to hit the trail. “Bug” started February 24th from Springer Mountain. Still amazes me how many solo thru-hikers that we have met are females 👍🏻.


We came upon this memorial on Brushy Mountain about 100 yards onto the trail. Ronnie “Stronghold” Sanchez survived 3 tours in Iraq. He came to the AT to find himself only to be stabbed and die by an irate hiker on the trail in May 2019. Thank you for your service “Stronghold ”... RIP  🇺🇸. 



We’re about an hour into the hike starting a very steep and long ascent when we approach the “Big Walker Mountain Tunnel”. I see the Appalachian Trail Conservancy finally took Turtle Power’s recommendation to make the AT easier... You’re not buying this? I didn’t think so! 🤥. This is an actual tunnel on I-77 north of Wytheville, VA on the way to the AT.





This black snake crossed the trail right in front of me. The trekking pole is 54” long to give you an idea how big this fella or lady is 😲.



I have never seen a rabbit on a mountain side before; unfortunately this was what the black snake was following. ONLY kidding- this little cute fuzzy rascal was no where near the black snake 😊. There was one other one scampering around so the nest had to be very close. 





Another majestic mountain pasture. Then we walked up to this...


RUN TURTLE POWER RUN!!!

We finished hiking at 1:45 pm then stopped at the local outfitter for a little treat 🥳!




Till next time... Happy Hiking  🥾 

😋




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