May 10

It’s been a few days. Maybe a week since last posting. So much has happened.

Virginia has a few really nice spots. McAfee knob, dragons tooth, and tinker cliffs… I guess eastern continental divide. There was a sign for that too!

Turtle caught up to us!

I hit 700 miles.

We had so much trail magic that I had way too much food at resupply.

Trama in the tramily.

We’re almost to 800 miles…

Virginia has definitely not been as flat as everyone would make you think. However, I’ve definitely climbed worse mountains.

No Virginia blues. It’s been fun and amazing. 

Trail magic has been weird. First week or so, nothing. And, by all means, that’s okay. Magic is never expected but always welcome.

Today, 5-9, we had two hits watchers with homemade cookies, pretzels, and water. A group of three guys we met at McAfee who decided to do magic with a million boxes of krispy creme donuts, chips, and soda… And a box on the side of the trail, empty, but good for everyone who got some trail magic!

We’ve had some new additions to the bubble… A 29 year old named Tequila (Jim) from Chicago and a female named Mosey. Both seem like really positive individuals.

Rodedendrons have been blooming creating a beautiful green and purple tunnel of leaves and flowers. Other wild flowers have been sprouting as well!

We saw 5 snakes today (5-9). 3 babies (one copperhead, two black snakes) and 2 adults (both black). Nature has sure woken up with spring coming into full gear!

I’ve definitely changed my opinion on the trail which is amazing. I’m happy… I always viewed the trail as difficult and it wouldn’t be fun. However, even though this is a job, I’m having fun.

When I say It’s a job…. It’s a job. 6:30 am wake up (that’s late). Pack up. A bar for breakfast. Get on the trail. Pause for lunch. Continue walking. Get to where were going, mininum. Set up camp. Cook. Hang food bag so bears can’t get it. Go to bed with the sun.

It’s never not being busy. At this point, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Summer does mean we’re getting ripe… That’s the only adjective for it… We’re… Ripe. I’ve never showered and done laundry and felt clean. It’s different and I love it.