Total trail mileage: 549.7
Starting location: Atkins, VA
Ending location: Shortly after Holston River
Weather: clear and sunny all day, 80-85 degrees during the day
I am at
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=36.976042,+-81.398530
After checking out I went back to the Barn Restaurant for their Hiker
Breakfast. It consisted of 2 big pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 sausage, 2
strips of bacon, 2 biscuits with gravy, home fries, and 3 cups of
coffee, all for $7. I then finished it up with another pint of
icecream at the gas station across the street. And this was me
starting out not overly hungry and ending with an ability to easily
consume more. I am going to have a problem when I get off the trail.
I finally ran into Shlep today before hitting the trail. She
organized a warm-up hike back in November, and I have been between a
couple days behind to a week and a half behind since beginning the
trail. I apparently passed her yesterday when she went out to the
previous town. I also ran into Cakon again, but he was not feeling
well at all. So, he decided to stop at the motel for the night.
Mouse and Athos flew up ahead. I might catch back up to them, but
probably not in the next couple days. 12% and Hot Lips were flip-
flopping with me today.
A number of people said that once you get through the Grayon
Highlands, the rest of VA is boring. Well, if it is anything like
today I would have to disagree. Sure, the trail stays at low
elevation, but it is now weaving through farmlands. I went over
grassy fields and walked past cows today. It is just a different
landscape from what we had been going through.
My feet were still aching this morning. They were ok once I started
walking but I didn't want to push it today. So, I did a relatively
short day and am hopefully letting them heal a little. In the late
afternoon, the trail came to a river so I let my feet soak in the cold
water for a while. I think that helped a lot, but the cows drinking
down stream probably didn't appreciate it.
I set up my hammock shortly after the river. This section of trail
travels within an easement through private property. So, I am not
sure if I am supposed to camp here or not. Oh, well, I haven't been
kicked out yet.
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