PONIES, and some other cool stuff.

Well, it's been a while since my last post, about 400 miles actually and that post didn't even match up to my progress at that point. This post will cover about 518 miles and it, as well as future posts, will be in a different format that the ones before. It is very time consuming to try to write up every day on a phone and truthfully, most days would be pretty boring to read about. I will be posting more about the section than each individual day, while still walking through chronologically. With that said, let's get started! 

I last left off in Erwin, TN. And as I'm typing this now in Waynesboro, Va, it seems like ages ago. (A month and about a week, actually) This last stretch of TN was varies greatly in views and topography but was absolutely gorgeous. When I stopped in Erwin, I bought enough food to get me all the way to Damascus, VA and was going to try and make it in 5-6 days. A distance of about 130 miles. It ended up taking me 7, but that worked with my schedule better anyway as I was getting picked up in Damascus from a friend. So far this section was my highest average mileage. My highest day so far was the day I arrived in Damascus at about 26 miles. I hiked through hail and torrential downpours, slept at 6200 feet in the highest shelter on the trail, and got to meet some awesome hikers. Including Beaver and Backwoods Barbie, a couple that were sectioning from Erwin to Damascus. They were some of the kindest, most generous, and all around most wonderful people I had the pleasure of hiking with this far and I thank them for the wonderful times and conversation. 

A bald in the Roan Highlands, looking at the storm I was going to literally walk right into. 

Arrow and I after walking through a couple hours of thunderstorm and hail.

After such a rigorous section at a fast pace, I walked into Damascus tired and sore. A friend if mine from Liberty, Job, lives in the area and picked me up to stay for a couple days. Shout out to him and his family for a wonderful couple days of R&R that was very overdue. After staying for a couple nights I hiked a few days out if Damascus and then returned for the big AT festival "Trail Days". It allowed me another couple days off as well as being able to visit the tents if a bunch off vendors and get a bunch of free stuff (I'm always a fan of free stuff). Thanks again to Job and his family and friends for being so awesome and making my time there great. 

After Damascus, my sights were set on Lynchburg. My Sister was graduating High School in less than 2 weeks and I had alittle over 300 miles to do...an average of about 23 miles a day. I even did my biggest day so far of 35.6 miles, a day which began with this picture.

During this section I also took a picture many of you have already seen, and one I am going to be hard-pressed to ever top. This was taken in Grayson Highlands State Park, home of wild, mini ponies. 

Some other notable sights and points within this section  McAffee's knob, 

I'm not actually sure what this place is called, it's a few miles before Daleville, VA, 

And this soon after sunrise shot, again in GHSP. 

A coworker of mine, Dan, was able to pick me up in Daleville for a meal, shower, and a restful night of sleep in a real bed. Thanks again to Dan and his family for all of the help, it was greatly appreciated. I fell about 50 miles short of my goal but was within easy driving distance to still get picked up. At the point I got picked up, I had completed about 1/3 of the length of the AT.

 This was the hardest I've ever pushed my body and definitely paid a price for it. When I arrived home, my feet were literally bleeding in one spot and rubbed raw about everywhere else. I developed tendonitis in both knees and my legs were completely gassed. Despite the toll it took on me, this was by far my favorite section of trail. Thankfully though, I had 3 full days at home waiting for me and was able to recover some and enjoy some much needed time with family and friends. 

During this time, my best friend and roomate from Liberty, Josh, came down to visit and finish paperwork for a place we will be renting. Somehow, I convinced him to hike the 54 miles I hadn't yet completed to get to the James River Foot Bridge. It rained almost the entire time, we had a rather large climb and descent, we hitched in and out of a town, and he even put in a 20 mile day with me. Props to him for sticking with it and never whining. *cough cough*

I kid, I kid, he really did great and I was glad to have the company. I spent one more night at home, and then was dropped off once more the next afternoon. Enough rest, it was time to go north. 

I used the next few days to slowly step up the mileage to something resembling what I had before. This was also some of the more rigorous trail in VA with a couple big climbs and descents back to back. My friend Ben met me up at Spy Rock for a night since I didn't get to see him when I was home. Ben also accompanied me in January on a short hike to test my gear. It was great having him there and that is definitely a spot I will be returning to. A couple days later I made it into Waynesboro, VA, where I am right now after spending a rest day with Landon and his family. I met Landon before the trip and am very thankful for all of the hospitality he and his family gave me while I was passing through their area. I even got to drive his '78 Corvette, which was pretty much a dream come true. Thanks again! 

Well folks, you are now caught up. My next post will come from Harpers Ferry, WV, and will be within a couple days of the halfway point. Happy trails! 

Or like um whatever it is you are doing, be happy with it, or whatever.

Deuces,

Like the Mooses. 

(I think I used that already, oh well)