Be careful what you ask for....

Late morning view from McAfee Knob

Heading out of Pearisburg, VA today after a night in a hotel to dry out and let my feet rest. Wet feet and 20+ mile days start to do weird and painful things to my body. Had a glorious evening on McAfee Knob.

Me on the Knob.

Managed to get to the Pig Farm campsite about a mile short of the knob with enough time to set up camp and still hike up to the summit with all my cooking gear/dinner. Slightly hazy and very colorful sunset while eating a Knorr pasta side with Spam made a perfect end to a day. Don't laugh about the Spam; 250 calories in 6 ounces of weight is magical. Watching the moonrise about 15 minutes later was just the dessert I needed. Night hiked back down to camp and still managed to get up early enough to have some coffee with dawn on the knob the next morning. Glad I took the time because it has been nothing but rain and long days since then. I was asking for rain and cooler weather but just not at the same time!!! Should be wandering on again... miles to make before I sleep.


p.s. don't look if feet gross you out but this is why the trail is more than just "a really long walk". You got to love it to do it.


Left out the pics of the other side of this foot, the toes, the other foot, and well you get the idea. I'm bleeding for y'all so show me some love and comment. Let me know your out there.



Slow day today. Only doing 8 miles. Can't pass up a clear weather and a sunset from McAfee Knob. Hello to Posieden. Nice chatting an alum about the trail. TTFN

Buchanan, VA Rocks

Well managed to lose my license and check card somewhere between here and Buena Vista. Luckily I had a replace card already waiting at home so all I had to do was move slow a few days for the stuff to catch up with me! Well all is right in the world now and I did get to spent a nice two days at the Middle Creek Campground. Met Steve yesterday on a hitch back to my tent and he and I spent the rest of the day having some beers and chatting about life. I'll say it again, "The best part of this whole trail is the folks you meet." Steve even drove me to the library where I'm writing this and going to take me back to the trail. Now that is true southern hospitality. It definitely helps drive away those VA blues. Don't want to keep him waiting all that long.
My best to everyone,
apple juice

Moving along smoothly. Preist mnt. kicked my butt yesterday. Jumped off the James river foot bridge to cool off. Sweet day!

Just a quick request. If you are checking my blog for the first time please add yourself as a follower so I know that it's not just me out here. Thxs much!

Perfect night sleeping under the stars. Off to Rusty's Hard Time Hollow for the night. It's a hostel off the trail and a must see stop. Should be fun. More soon

Well, back on the trail after a unanticipated, but much need break in VA. Gained 4lbs in 4 days. Thxs Ty & Linda. Hope ya'll are as happy in life as I am.

On to the Shenandoah's

Well a quick stop into Front Royal, VA for some food and supplies before I head south into the Shenandoah National Park. Should be and interesting yet crowded time. It's all good though... day hikers equal food! They always seem willing to share for a few stories about the trail. Maybe that makes me a mooch but at least I'll be a well fed mooch. Stopped through Linden, VA yesterday for a soda and snack after hiking in 94 degree heat and ended up having a lovely afternoon hanging out at The Giving Tree". It's a produce stand/art gallery. Lots of local crafts/art and some really nice folks own it. I consumed while there cantaloupe, sweet corn, apples, and a few beers.  Brittany showed me some sweet southern hospitality. Nice to walk into a place and feel instantly at  home. Time to wander again. Miss everyone and more updates soon.

Southward Bound!

Stopped into Bear's Den Hostel in VA for a soda and a break. The heat has been a bit over the top the last day or so but it should be cooling off next week or at least I hope so. Froze my tail off on Katahdin a week ago and wished for warmer weather. Should have specified not quite this warm! Finally made it into the triple digits of mileage left to go! 987.3 to be exact. Should be into Shenandoah National Park tomorrow and it looks like smooth walking for a while. It's been a bit quite on the trail so far. Nice after the crowds going north but I do miss the friends I've made. Haven't met another through hiker yet but I sure a bump into someone soon. Hope everyone is well and I'll update soon.