Wednesday

I was up early retrieved my food bag and returned to my tent. I fired up my stove and began to strip down. I also made Instant oats as i needed energy as I had a huge climb shortly.
I finished packing drank my tea and I was ready.
Silver Back was just leaving so I set off after her. but she was soon out of sight.

it was a fairly cool morning as I started the climb. omg if went on and on . In places the grass had been cut and it l looked recent. Then I came across a trail worker. I thanked him for his efforts
As I climbed I met several snakes all the same kind but I didn’t know if they were Friendly I gave them a wide berth. I pushed on meeting three more trail workers all with their weed wackers.
So the trail was really nice to walk on I pushed on climbing phew it was warm and steep
Ping went my watch, right I said and decided to take a break . as I was resting 2 slack packers came by. Wow that was a hard climb one said.
I sarcastically replied you want to try it with a backpack on !!
I was just about to leave when Silver Back arrived but by the time I was on trail she had vanished. Wow she must be shifting.
I was now crossing some wide  meadows with great views all around
I followed the path as it wound its way across finally dipping back into the forest where I stayed for most of the day ocaiosnly popping out to get a view of the valley.
The hours where counting down as the miles fell.
But I was tired and my pace began to fade and so I was so pleased to at last see the sign that read Shelter. I followed the blue blaze untill the shelter appeared. There was a family who were section hiking.
I found a spot put up my tent  then walked back to the shelter  to cook tea.
I was joined  by the family  which was  was nice to  have the company.
As  we chatted a steady stream of other hikers began to arrive.  I was just packing  up  my  stove when  Silver Back appeared.
“I thought you had gone on” I said.
“No I stopped st the last shelter for a break ” she said.
It began to get buggy around the shelter so I retreated to my tent tp chill  and crash

Start 806
Finish 828
mileage 22 miles
Remaining 1362 Miles

My Video blog is a Day out

Tuesday

I slept reasonably well got up and headed to the launderette.
I changed notes into quaters brought powder and put my clothes on to wash the timer said 30 mins. so I decided to wander back to town I went to the garage and grabbed a coffee and a bacon and egg muffin. pinged it in the microwave ,paid and walked back to the launderette.
It was spacious and very clean. I woofed my muffin and drank my coffee as my clothes finished before popping them into the dryer.
Once done I walked back to the shelter and began to pack up. Once that was done .I decided to take a shower. Omg it felt so good, its  hot water  it takes a bit of figuring out  but once done its fantastic
I had wanted to visit the Italian restaurant for lunch which opens  at 11 am But  someone said the shuttle can take one more.!
So I was then putting my pack into the back of a car. and soon haeding back to the trail . I gave him 5 bucks before hoisting my pack up and setting off down the trail.
it was fairly overcast and cool great for me as there were several large climbs first thing.
As I began my first climb the fog began to close in so you were unaware of your surroundings apart from the fact you were heading up.  I pushed on and up surprised by my energy levels .
Then I heard a friendly voice , it was Bob.
Bob I thought that you would be in front of me..
“Well Ii needed to leave something at the last shelter.” he said
“I laughed, where is Zippy?”
“Behind ”  Bob.said and then he disappeared into the mist.
After an hour I emerged  at the top, but being foggy there was nothing to see. and so quickly began the decent ,after a short spell of down it was  time to climb agin . The next climb was steeper, but I still seemed to race up it again emerging out into daylight. Sat on a rock was Bob and Silver Back.

Is it lunch time I asked putting down my pack. as we  ate and chatted the valley below suddenly appeared through the fog . As we finished and lifted our packs the view once again was replaced by the fog.
I followed Bob down the trail watching him slowly inch away with silverback behind me.. Then once again i caught Bob as he had stopped to chat to  invisible man .
I passed  by him and sped on stopping a little further ahead at the shelter sign. but it was a little off trail  I decided not to visit it. I was just going to walk on  nwhen SilverBack came by.
What have you done with Bob I asked?
She laughed and pushed on.
I thought she had a good pace so I fell in behind and tracked her for several miles. We eventually emerged onto a viewing area but this one had nothing to see. but I spied  a trash can so walked over to loose my rubish.
SilverBack hadn’t stopped so I began to chase her down again and shortly caught her. I followed her for a while before she waved me by.
The trail at this point was really lovely with a great tread meaning I could really push and push I did.
Then it appeared whoop whoop the “800′ Mile marker. as I was taking pictures “Halfway” appeared it’s 800 miles I said to him whoop.
After a photo call I pushed on heading for the road and hoping that there maybe trail magic.
But as I crossed it I was sadly disappointed oh well would of been nice to drink a beer at the 800 mile

the next shelter marker appeared. which I ignored. and pushed on I was only going on for maybe another few miles but I was still flying so still pushed. As I was decending another hill I could see big dam and river . I wondered if I would cross it but then the trail changed directions . Ping went my watch alerting me to the fact it was 4Pm .I decided that I would get water  at the next spot  then I can decide what to do .

I wasn’t long until a creek appeared I dropped my pack and filled 1 litre just in case. I then checked my map 2.5 miles to the shelter, is that all .
I was surprised,  I can do that i said to myself  as  I hoisted up my pack
I set off chasing my next target , oddly I wasn’t tired , 2 miles to go then I came to clay, slippy slidy clay it was like this for at least a mile . I uttered obscenities under my breath as I fought to stay upright at last proper tread reappeared allowing me to push again.
I began to  follow the river again and was about to cross over a bridge when I spied tents .
Snailtrainer someone called.
It was Bob Narley and Happy Feet.
Oh my God ,I walked over to Bob Narley,s tent.
“How’s your foot snail” he asked
” good thanks” I replied .
“Mine’s not , I  got bit by a Spider.”
His foot looked puffy, red and  swollen and sore.
That looks like it might need some attention.
we cahhated a while before i headed off  to find  a place to pitch my tent.
I quickly put it up before hanging my  rope ready for my food bag.
I grabbed my cooking gear and food and sat by the fire ring.
Bob Narley  joined me followed by Happy Feet, We wee cooking when  another Hiker named Tree Beard arrived.
On the other side of the river were Robin Hood and Soul Man.
After supper I cleaned up then straight to bed
A very good day on trail

Miles. walked 20

Start 786
Finish 806
mileage 20 miles
Remaining 1384 Miles

NB  my Vblog is one day out !!

Sunday 10 June.

I slept well and was stripped down and ready to go by 7
I was a nice sunny morning . hmmmm going to be hot I thought.
my first target was the next shelter maybe 3 miles away . shapes had come past my tent last night  and was heading there.
I was impressed as I was struggling this morning as  it was all uphill and very steep.
So steep that I had to keep stopping . come on snail  i ssaid  to  mysself to  motivated and urge me on . but appeared to be lacking  Umph , Why am i struggling ? As i had slept really well  and had eaten my fill last night
I pushed on ,eventually coming to the sign to the next shelter but as it was off trail I decided not to visit it.
As I passed it the trail became even steeper and had to really urge myself on  as i climbed trail  became much  smoother and  neater, It was really well mainatined and  cut back but it was just steep and rocky so I struggled to get any speed up.

It was no good i didnt seem to be making much progress so decided to stop for a morning break (. a sign that I am struggling )
I ate  a few snacks and glugged water. I was still relaxing when shapes passed by and was gone !
I finished my break then set off down the trail but I still didn’t have any ummph, even my normal plod was slow.
Eventually I came to the next shelter there was one tent left but I I passed it to get water I recognised the owner.
bloody goodd effort i said   laughing
This hiker  walks miles and late into the night . (Sorry  forgot his name )

I told him that today  I was struggling
He  pointed out that it was a very steep elevation. and that  the air was thinner

That made me feel slightly better  as  I filtered water
Then it was back to the trail, it was 12 miles to town but with more climbs I dont think I will get there today .
I continued climbing but this part was open with no shade and I was roasting as the sun beat down on me .Oh and did I say it was steep, oh and so hot.
It seemed to take me forever to climb it. but of course  once up it was straight down which annoyed me as my foot now began to hurt as I stumbled over the rocky trail
My map said I should be going down but I just kept climbing , when I came to a stream I filled up as I had decided to camp at the next suitable spot .
As I pushed on my energy  decided to returned , how mad is that I thought as I steamed into camp
I had just got my tent up and had begun to relax when the rain came big buckets of it the sky went black as the Sun retreated oh well I guess that I will be cooking in my tent again

Start 764
Finish 784
mileage 20 miles
Remaining 1406 Miles

NB  my Vblog is one day out !!

Saturday 9th june

Considering  that I slept by the road I slept really well. At 6.30 I got up and began to pack up. when I was almost done I put on my stove for a brew and made  breakfast.
I soon woofed and drank both, stowed my stove and I was ready,  hoisted up my pack and retraced my steps back to the trail. Again it was a beautiful morning. I pushed on and was surprised that I didn’t see anywhere to camp untill  I was almost at  the shelter. The shelter was .2 off trail so I didn’t visit it but pushed on past. I was busy climbing when a other hiker came past I have met him so many times but his name escapes me. The morning started as yesterday’s finished into a forest then out into a scenic viewing layby before heading back into  the forest  then back out into a  layby . The next one was amazing, as all the mountains poked out from beneath the clouds. wow.
Then I did one more before disappearing deep into the forest  the trail spiralled down but I could still hear cars so the road must run parallel.
I could  hear water and as I came around another corner I saw  a fellow  hiker getting water  as this was  the last water for 10 miles
I filled up then drank a litre, I didnt want to carry too much as there was  a  lot  climbing.
I crossed the road and  began myfirst climb  . it wasn’t too bad and the terrain fairly tame  for my feet. Once  i  had  reached the summit  the trail took on its normal rollercoaster  of  ups and downs . As i hiked the  temperture continued to rise . it wasnt so much hot but sticky .
I was miles away when the next shelter came into view.  I walked down to it and tdecided to have  lunch when the three Germans turned up.
The  german lady asked me where I had stayed.?
About a mile back I replied.
As we were talking Fish arrives.
Hi fish .
We talk about the hotel and the zeros .  Fish then lifts his shirt OMG his tummy is bright red from the Sun bathing at the pool
“Fuck Fish,. that looks  bloody sore.”
It is snail he replied.
Didn’t shapes put cream on it (,his girl) i laughed
We decide to do a few toasts  with the burbon that i am carrying then I am on my way. I feel that I am pushing , but it’s not long before the German train catches me. and I watch them go.
The hours and miles whizz by and I am soon coming out of the forest into a road by a bridge. this is the famous  swimming hole and  there are several people swimming. it looks so inviting but I decided to walk past and start the next climb  which  is long and steep .
This climb appears to go on and on and it hot very very hot and the sweat begins to sting my eyes . Then there are these little black flies that fly just in front of your face and drive you mad as well as the big buzzy ones that fly by your ears. arhh.

I push on trying not to look up . eventually I reach the plato and decided that I need a break . I glugged down the 1/4 litre of juice that I had in the side pocket. there  should be  water at the next shelter so not far to go but i had enough . but when I came to the next stream I watered up anyway

It wasn’t long unti I reached the next shelter no name hiker was here also xxx who was sleeping and an older hiker who was section hiking.
The shelter was really nice a large 2 story building. I drank more water  and was eating some snacks when Fish arrived.

For some raeson i fancied a  coffee so  fired up my stove. the coffee was delicious. as i hadnt made one in a while. I stayed at this shelter for far too long as I wanted a few more miles.
Fish was heading to the next shelter, I could maybe make that but 2.5 miles was more  my target.
I hoisted my pack and set off , as i walked the skies suddenly turned black ,boom boom went the thunder. I had enough water  and so just needed a flat spot any spot.But now  I was climbing so not a chance. I climbed for several hours and began to regret moving on. Boom went the thunder.i stopped and checked Guthooks it says I am near and yes I’m.here.
I looked about  and chose a spot and quickly put up my tent

Although i had enough water ,there was a sign pointing to water and in Guthooks it said it was a spring so I took two bottles with me and went to  top up.
Omg it was far and not very good water either. I filled up and was on my way back when the heavens opened great I thought it st least my tent is up . once back I was ready to hang my food . I had just got it over the limb when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I turned around and a few feet away was a large rattle snake. they can strike upto four foot.
Omg  I  quickly moved away ,thinking tat was lucky !!

I made tea in my tent. I tried  out a new meal that was rather tasty.  Itwas then bed time

Start 764
Finish 764
mileage 18 miles
Remaining

NB  my Vblog is one day out !!

Friday 8th June

my alarm went off at 5.30 what was I thinking, so switched it off and rolled over. at 7.30 I got up and wandered down for breakfast.  It was busy this morning. I grabbed cereal, coffee and orange juice. which promptly vanished into my tummy. I then made a waffle, I poured the mix onto the hot plate turned it over as I had seen overs do then went and sat down. I was halfway through my next coffee when Another hiker said your waffle is beeping. I went back and opened it up success, I poured the obligatory syrup over it and returned to my table. it was rather tasty. after several more trips for coffee and juice I was done. Returned to my room did one final sweep before removing my bladder from the fridge where I had left it overnight so that my water would be nice and cold. then I was out.

As I walked down the stairs a familiar face greeted me. it was Zippy, we had a big hug and she brought me up to date on the gossip and where everyone was. Bob was upstairs, Pig-pen was taking it easy etc. I gave her another hug before walking to reception to check out….
It would be so easy to take another zero here and just sit by that pool.
Okay I am out of here, I waved goodbye to my other hiker buddies. lifted my pack. Omg it was heavy, or have I just rested too much ha.
I walked down to the main road and waited for a gap in the traffic then quickly crossed, walked the few yards up the road and re-joined the trail.

This part of the trail had been recently mowed and was a delight to walk along, it continued like this for several miles before dropping down to pass under the road. as I climbed up the over side I ran into 2 British hikers going South, both were from Plymouth. I said my usual hellos before continuing my way. The trail then crossed several meadows as I was descending I came across 4 lady hikers (girl scouts) whose team was called yellow submarine I didn’t ask why. I chatted for about 10 minutes before pulling myself away.

After this the trail became its normal rollercoaster, up and down but todays trail wasn’t too steep. As I walked I began to hear music, the music belonged to Spider and his girlfriend. who soon caught and passed me but as there were now switchbacks I could hear him hi above for some time.
I plodded on at my normal pace eventually catching them both as they had stopped for a break. Fancy meeting up with you I laughed and pushed on eventually stopping at a signpost that pointed to the next shelter. I decide to I stop because my hose seemed to become kinked. As I  was  sorting out hose , spider  arrived  and  decided that he would stop at the shelter for lunch.
“You coming Snail?” he asked
“No , It was too early for me”  I replied  as  I like to walk  until 1pm
It was a gorgeous morning as I climbed up and down the mountains, I passed several tents that I guess the occupants were having a lay in.

My watch counted down the hours until it was time for lunch, typically it was a few more minutes before I found somewhere suitable to stop. it was so good that my water was still cold from being in the fridge and that in turn had kept my pizza cold.
You cannot beat leftover cold pizza, it tasted so good as I quickly woofed it down followed by a few snacks.
It wasn’t too far until the next shelter and it soon came in to view. There were two American day hikers, so we chatted for a while. they were giving me tips on where to stay. I t ha ked them as they left. I went to sign the book but sadly there was not one.

I was just chilling when spider turned up. we chatted for a while on how far we both planned to go. The. he took off just as three German hikers arrived I said hello then went back to the trail. It wasn’t long until I caught Spider who was watering up.
I stopped for water too. And was just leaving when Poppins and Peanut arrived. I spent the rest of the afternoon playing leapfrog with them until they took a break.
Eventually I caught Spider again. who had stopped by the road.
“Any magic” I asked?
“Sadly, not snail. I Checked.”

They next part was rocky, so I couldn’t get any speed up as I hobbled over the rocks this went on for several miles before emerging into a car park with amazing views of the Appalachian Mountains. This was repeated for the rest of the day. Dive into the forest then exit into another car park viewing area, after the fifth time the trail crossed. over the road. it was now 6 pm and 3 miles to go to the next shelter. I really didn’t want to walk that late so began to look for somewhere to put my tent and there was nowhere. okay May be at the top of this hill. Dam Spider had claimed the spot. Nice spot I shouted.
You’re still walking then snail?
“Yes, but  not for much longer and  you have stolen my spot” I said laughing
I heard a rumble of thunder. great I thought.
I pushed on and one looking for somewhere for my tent   Nothing
I was beginning to tire but still nothing.
I  decided that I would bushwhack towards the road ,watching where I was putting my feet in case i stepped on a snake !
As soon as I arrived at the road , there in front of me was  the perfect spot
I walked across the road ,  andd dropped my pack. I  kicked a  few sticks and stones out of the way and then put up my tent , it’s a bit close to the road but it’s up.
I found a good branch to hang my food. cooked tea. and I was done

Start 704
Finish 704
mileage 19 miles
Remaining 1486 Miles

NB  my VBlog is 1 day out !!

Oh its so nice to wake up in a real bed. not having to let down my mattress or roll.up my sleeping bag.

So instead I walked down for breakfast, ate toast and jam, drank coffee and orange juice, ate a waffle and cerial and left well fed.
I emptied my back pack out and began to sort through my “Stuff” whilst relaxing. I washed my tyvek then hung it our to dry . phoned osprey about a new pack. tried to sort out stuff at home.paid a few bills and felt that I had accomplished lots.
okay a morning beer then it was to.the pool.
I took a dip then just sat chilling which is exactly want i wanted to do in Pearisburg but wasnt able to.
I then got a text from Blue Grass they were on their way here..
I had had enough sun so went back to my room to chase Osprey and a few other chores

I later met up.with Blue Grass. Danimal and his daughter for dinner. we had delious pizza ..I had a small pizza but still struggled to eat it all .

Then back to my room for an early night maybe !

Start 704
Finish 704
mileage  ZERO
Remaining 1486 Miles