Waynesboro to Harpers Ferry

The day I posted my last post, I entered the Shenandoah National Park. There I experienced what Thru-hikers commonly refer to as "The Virginia Blues." But more on that in a second. 

When I hiked out of Rockfish Gap (right at Waynesboro, VA) I did about 8 miles to get to the first shelter. Then I took a nap and left camp again at about 2am. You see, my family had just finished a week of vacation in the area and were close enough they wanted to meet me, we chose the time of 11am so I had to do 20 miles by then to arrive at the location. Anyway, after hiking all night I made it, enjoyed a nice picnic lunch together, and said goodbye until I finish. I hiked a few more miles that day but ended up camping at some trail magic where they fed me dinner and then breakfast the next day. This is when I really started noticing the VA Blues. 

The Virginia Blues refer to a feeling

of depression and lack of motivation that often hits somewhere in Virginia. By this point in our hike, the honeymoon phase is long over. The initial excitement wears off and the trip starts feeling a little monotonous. I had been in Virginia for weeks and it makes you feel like your progress is slowed, when in reality I was pulling big days regularly. Also, Shenandoah is alittle lack-luster in the views category, compared to some of the previous sections anyway. Not only that, but you follow skyline drive all day and cross it multiple times everyday. The stillness of the forest that you have come to love is broken up by the sound of cars every few minutes. I grouped up for a couple days to help get me some push and motivation and then forced myself to change perspective. I'm almost halfway done, Harpers Ferry is a huge point along the trail, viewed as a halfway point, and often a time and place to shift attitude and start setting your eyes on the finish. 

So that's where I'm at now, mentally. I'm looking towards the end, that is my goal. I originally wanted to finish by the end of August, so I'm going to try to do that. Hike consistent, big-mile days at a sustainable pace so I don't burn out or get injured. 

Anyway, after the Shenandoahs, I made a quick resupply run in Front Royal, VA. I met up with a hiker I had hiked with alittle back in the Shenandoahs so we paced together to make a hard push into Harpers Ferry, WV. However, this took quite a toll on me, especially my feet. Worn out insoles were causing a lot of rubbing and I pushed them to the point of almost bleeding in places. The last several miles into Harpers Ferry I was hobbling more than hiking. We did 30 miles that day, the last 3 of which in a severe thunderstorm. But we made it, and it felt incredible crossing the bridge into town. From there I spent a couple days with relatives that live near there and it was great to visit, relax, and heal. I got dropped back off in Harpers Ferry a couple days later. I ran some errands, grabbed a meal, and hiked out.....3 miles and stopped at a really awesome hostel to avoid some severe weather supposed to come through...I got caught in it anyway. I ended up with a zero the next day as well, I still had some stuff to get done and really just wanted to sit around for one more day. I watched some movies, ate some food, and played a 4 hour game of Risk. That I lost. 

And that's where I am right now, trying to convince myself to hike out today. I'll be posting next from Carlisle, PA and hopefully have some good pictures to share. My camera battery was low during the last bit but honestly didn't have anything that I really wanted to snap a shot of anyway. 

Until next time,

Shades

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)