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Today was a long and unexpectedly hard day. It started off with a relatively flat but rocky ten miles. Rocks are the worst. I would rather climb a step uphill than hike over small rocks. The first ten miles had some good views because it was up on a ridge line. After that I went down and then right back up again. The uphill was straight up and very hard. At the top of this climb I was rewarded with an amazing view at wind rock. Following wind rock it was downhill all the way to the shelter.
Day 44 War Spur Shelter to tent site (690.4) (20.7)
It was another pretty tough day in Virginia. The climbs recently have been very steep. Today wasn’t as rocky as yesterday but there was still a good amount. The first good view of the day was at Kelly Knob. Following Kelly Knob I went down and then back up again to a high ridge line. The views from the ridge line were incredible. Some of the best views I have seen on the entire trail. I had perfect weather all day so I could see for miles. It was about 60 degrees and sunny but the breeze kept it cool. After coming down from the ridge line it was smooth sailing all the way to the tent site. This was the first night staying in my tent in a long time. Tomorrow I am going to resupply about 14 miles into the day and Dragon’s Tooth is a few miles past that. I’m really looking forward to it.
Day 45 Tent site (690.4) to tent site (710) (19.7)
Today was a great day in VA. Virginia continues to impress me with its beauty. It was super cold in the morning but warmed up almost immediately as the sun came out. I don’t think I saw a single cloud in the sky all day. Out of camp there was a sleep climb and a ridge walk. Virginia has a ton of steep climbs, ridge walks, and steep down hills. After coming off the ridge the trail went right back up but this time leading to Dragon’s Tooth. The climb up was intense and rocky but I was rewarded with a stunning view at the top. After leaving the summit the descent down the other side was very intense. It was very steep and rocky. It was probably the most technical section of trail so far. When I finally reached the bottom it was just a short road walk to a gas station. I ate pizza, ice cream, and a ton of snacks. It was so good. I was running low on food and was starving. After the meal I just had a few more miles to a tent site where I cowboy camped. Tomorrow morning I’m getting up super early to see Mcafee’s Knob for sunrise.
Day 46 tent site (710) to Fullhardt Knob Shelter (25.6)
This was my longest day on trail yet. I woke up at 3:15am so I could meet Henry’s dad at the parking lot before Mcafee’s Knob. He brought me and Henry snacks and coffee. When we left the parking lot it was an easy hike up to Mcafee’s Knob to see the sunrise. It was absolutely spectacular. I saw the sun crest over the mountains in the distance. This was the best experience on trail so far. I spent a lot of time up there and took it all in. After leaving the Knob it was a few more miles over to Tinker Cliffs. The views were incredible as well. The Virginia triple crown absolutely lived up to the hype. From there it was a long ridge walk and descent to Daleville. It was so hot and it drained all my energy. When I got into Daleville I ate at the Three Lil’ Pigs BBQ. The food and rest was much needed after hiking in the heat all day. It was hard to leave town but I had five more miles to hike to get to the next shelter. Shortly after leaving town I crossed the 1/3 mark and it gave me a boost of energy. I got to the shelter around 9pm and went to bed right away. It was an incredibly long day but the constant views made it all worth it.
Day 47 Fullhardt Knob Shelter to Montvale Overlook (10.6)
Today was my first easy day in a long time. I still got up early so I could get to Montvale Overlook by 10am. The best views of the day were up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was really cool to walk on the road. Henry’s girlfriend picked us up from there and took us into Daleville. When we got into Daleville we got some food and she dropped me off at the BeeCh Hill Hostel. It was a very relaxing day at the hostel. I cleaned all my gear, stretched, and prepped for the next few days. I highly recommend staying at this hostel. Beth was incredible and accommodated all my needs.
Day 48 Montvale Overlook to Bryant Ridge Shelter (16.5)
I had a super restful morning today. I woke up at 8am to a home cooked breakfast at the hostel. It was fantastic. After that I packed up my stuff and hung out for the rest of the morning. Henry and his girlfriend came to pick me up around 12. We finally got back to Montvale Overlook and started hiking around 1. We hiked the first five miles of the day on the blue ridge parkway because it was easier and the views were better. It was a nice change of pace. After leaving the parkway it was relatively easy hiking all the way to the shelter. The shelter was massive and could sleep up to twenty people. I think this is the coolest shelter I have seen on trail yet. The birds were very active today and I got a couple of lifers.
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