Reflections from June 4
Virginia keeps on keeping on. About 200 miles still left in this state, and then I won't even be quite halfway through this journey. But every single day l'm incredibly grateful to be able to be out here. It's incredibly hard and yet I can't believe my luck.
One night I camped by a waterfall. The next night I caught a ride to a brewery which offers thru-hikers free tenting and showers, where I filled my belly with food, and did some shower laundry, which I dried on a makeshift line made from my bear hang cord. In a couple days I'll hit the Shenandoahs.
I'm tired and sore and hungry ALL THE TIME, and I love it.
So grateful for every white blaze. Thank you, volunteer trail maintainers!
800 miles (this was one of about 4 different spots folks had declared was the 800 mark, which was pretty hilarious)
Maybe not the most useful sign?
These signs, usually at road trail heads, are always a welcome sight.
“jack in the pulpit”
Just me and my shadow and some mountains
This sign is everywhere…
Monotropa uniflora
Mountain top apple tree
The famous Priest Mountain shelter. I didn’t get any closer, though the log book is supposed to be an entertaining confessional to read. My fear of norovirus is starting to rival my fear of tick-borne pathogens.
Where I camped alone by waterfalls. So gorgeous. Yes I bathed here!
Another photo where I camped by waterfalls.
My ride to Devils Backbone Brewery
My tent site at the Brewery
My reflection at the Brewery
Flowering Raspberry