VA AT hike #1, day 6

Start: Big Meadow Lodge
End: Smith Roach Gap
Mileage: 21.6 (+0.2 side trail)

I slept in this morning a bit, getting up at 6:15am. I chatted with my friend and we got breakfast in the dining room when it opened up at 7:30am. I was on the trail for a later start by 8:30am.

Today, I climbed up Hazeltop and Hightop Mountain. My original miles were 17.0 but I made some quick miles and arrived at my final destination by 3pm. I decided to push on and hike 4.6 miles further to the next road crossing and arrived at 5:15pm.

Today's miles were a bit dull compared to the past two days. It was fairly cool (70s and 80s) but it was overcast and muggy. I encountered two thunder storms with turential downpours between 4pm and 6:30pm, as I waited for my friend to arrive to bring me into town.

VA AT hike #1, day 5

Start: Brookside Cabins/US 211/Thornton Gap
End: Big Meadow Lodge
Mileage: 17.6 (+0.8 for side trail)

This morning, I was able to get a hitch from a forest ranger out to the trail, arriving by 7am. Unfortunately, one of my water bottles fell out on her car. Thankfully, I have a spare platypus bag which can act as my second water bottle. One of my poles also broke as I was bring it out this morning. I hiked for much of the morning with one pole but around 10am, I met a few women who were just finishing up an overnight hike through part of SNP. We chatted for quite a while and at mentioning I only had one pole, one of them insisted I take one of hers. It was the sweetest trail magic I've ever received. She was truly a trail angel.

I also saw another black bear today. This one growled at me to let me know it felt crowded when I happened upon it so I backed off and gave it space to mosey away.

Today, I climbed Mary's Rock, The Pinnacle, and Stony Man Mountain. The mileage was quick and easy. I arrived at the lodge by 5:15pm. I've had lots of lovely food, showered, and put my clothes on a line to dry. One more day until my zero day and my friend from Charlottesville took my tent and sleeping system so my pack will be lighter!