AT 66 - 31st May (797.8)

Swim #15

Got up early, it was wet overnight so tent was wet. Downhill to start the day but then 2500 feet after lunch. Long walking day to get near Lexington for tomorrow. Sun came out which was a nice change. 

Camped near a pond and the frogs/toads are going mad. The longest food bridge on the trail was across the James river. 1000 feet long. I was going to swim in the James but it was real brown after the rain. Then I also spotted a water snake. So I went on and came to a little river which was clear as glass. Much nicer swim #15. 

Sad story. 

Little Ottie Cline Powell’s

This kid was 4years and 11 months old. He got lost in the woods and climbed the 2500 feet to the top of Buff mountain. The same mountain I did after lunch, it was a serious climb!!! He was trying to see where home was. But he couldn’t see home or get down so he sat down under a tree and froze to death. I think it so sad but so brave. Who’s 5 year old would do that. You can’t even get them to walk the sea front without a whine. 

AT 65 - 30th May (775.8)

 Great sleep. Headed up the 2500 feet climb. It’s always easier after breakfast. Dull misty day but no rain. Got to the top and had coffee break. All the viewing spots were a wipe out. Just grey clouds and mist. Headed on to next shelter and arrived at lunch time. 3 people already in, they were bored out of the minds. There was a sign telling us no camping from point A to point B, 10 miles stretch. Aggressive bear. I wanted to do more miles so went to spring and camping stop just before point A. I might have to do a long day tomorrow to get to the shelter I want. I’m trying to get to Lexington in 2 days to get new shoes. On the way to spring the heavens opened. Thunder type rain, really heavy. I stood under a leaning tree and got some protection. Eventually stopped and got to site and setup tent and had dinner. 

AT 64 - 29th May (762.3)

 

Another wet day. Not too many climbs but anything in rain is always worse. Stopped early before a 2500 climb. Shelter is amazing, two floors, 20 people spaces. I lit a fire for marshmallows and it went down well. Only 5 of us in the shelter. A climb after breakfast is always easier than one at the end of the day. Swim #14

Thought for the day. 

What do we need to live. Out here very little. Paul says food and clothing. Out here I’d add warmth and dryness. I certainly think we can live a little more simple than we do. Look around you, do you need it? I’m going to simplify a little when I get home. 

1 Timothy 6:6-8

[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain, [7] for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. [8] But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Very nice shelter

Swim #14

AT 63 - 28th May (748.9)

 Back on the trail. It’s so good being out again. The familiar bird songs, the alarm call of squeals. The smell of green…grass, trees, bushes, plants. The smell of rain, it sure came down after lunch. Body and Legs felt good. It was an easy elevation day so breaking back in slow. Very few people on the trail. I think American hikers look at the forecast too much. They seem to get off the trail at the potential of rain. In a shelter for the night to get dry and warm. We are near the Blue Ridge Parkway and we can get pizza delivered. 

Back on trail

Third of the way

Nest in shelter

Mother watching the nest. 

Shelter for the night. 

AT 62 - 27th May (730.3 - day three rest)

Went the resupply in Kroger and needed a coffee to relax after shopping. I hope this time I have about what I need and not oversupplied. I’m finding it hard to just sit. 

3 little pigs restraint for lunch. Hikers get a free desert even on a second visit. Mexican for dinner. That’s the last real food for a while. 

Thought for the day

There was a basket of trail magic at the post office today. The local baptist church put them there. As well as mix of treats and essentials there was a sheet with Psalm 121. Really nice way of presenting the word of God to hikers. 

Psalm 121:8

The LORD will keep

 your going out and your coming in

 from this time forth and forevermore.

I need that for the rest of the hike. 

I know He will be there. 

Confidence is a little shaken. 

Faith is still strong. 

It’s who you are relying on that counts. 

 

AT 61 - 26th May (730.3 - day two rest)

 

Went downtown Roanoke for the day. 

Art museum first, I sometimes have issues calling some impressions art but all in the eye of the beholder. 

Outdoor stores next to find pants (American version of trousers), my current ones are falling down. Also shoes but no go, not my size. I need to persevere for another 100+ miles to a bigger hiker town.  

Then transport museum, it was amazing. Steam trains catch me every time. The restoration of the 611 Norfolk and Western video kept me quiet for an hour. Then the model railway was amazing. 

Then a little lunch and visit Olde Salem Brewery for a few samples. At least I’m not on meds!!! Met couple there and got chatting, they cleared my tab. (Trail magic). Going to movies tonight. Packed day of rest but not much walking!!!

Trying to load calories

AT 60 - 25th May (730.3 - day one rest)

Sitting still doing nothing is very hard for me. But it has given me time to reflect on the date. 25th May 1985 is our wedding anniversary, a very special day that changed my life for ever. 

The wedding day was a bit of a blur but it was the start of a 36 year adventure together. When I look at the wedding album we looked so young!!! And yes I did get my hair cut for the wedding, even though it was well down over my collar. 

Linda gave me a very special card for the occasion and what she wrote was so special. Also had a profound impact on our lives together. It set the correct course of our lives together. It’s important to set priorities when you start a life together, it’s easy to make bad decisions and spend your energies on good things but miss the best things. We made mistakes but overall I think we put things into right order. Certainly her card got the first two set correct. 

Our marriage thrived with this priority. 

I miss you my love. 

Ode to my wife

I miss looking into the blue lagoons of your eyes. 

I miss holding hands with our unique grip. 

I miss sharing the excitements of the day. 

I miss your cooking and wonderfully food. 

I miss campervaning together. 

I miss BBQing steak on holidays. 

I miss sitting around the camp fire. 

I miss cooking marshmallow as the sun goes down. 

I miss the parties you organised so well. 

I miss Christmas time that you loved. 

I miss the valentine card. 

I miss the fun you brought.  

I miss making you morning tea in bed everyday. 

I miss reading together. 

I miss praying together. 

I miss going to church together. 

I miss the friendship 

I miss the relationship

I miss the closeness

I miss you my loving wife. 

Your life was cut short but well lived. 

Your life was full and shared with others. 

Your life was a real life in Christ. 

Rest well my love with your saviour and Lord. 

 

AT 59 - 24th May (730.3)

First the good news. Another great day going to see the Tinker Cliffs. Another scary drop but not quite as impressive as the Dragon Tooth or McAfee’s Knob. Headed downhill to Daleville . Booked into Super 8 Inn but now for the bad news, visited urgent care for a check. Pee was not as it should be. After sample and consultation there are thing in the pee that shouldn’t be there. (Let’s leave it like that). I’m on 3 medical zero days to rest. My body didn’t give me issues in the first 600 miles but it’s had enough of letting me push so hard. If things return to normal then I’ll continue but at a slightly slower pace and distance. If not I’ll go back to doctor. I need rest and good food. Went to brilliant Mexican tonight and feel good. 

Fitbit stats. 

2,024,939 steps

20,292 floors

This is Dragons tooth. (Yesterday)

AT 58 - 23rd May (714.8)

 What a fantastic, exhilarating, spine tingling, terrifying and brilliant day. 

700 miles done. Climbed dragons tooth. Even after Entropy (who’s a climber) said not to. Barrington’s just have to!!!!

Then got to McAfee Knob and the overhanging rock is amazing. Again couldn’t resist going to the edge. Long hard day but so good. Heading into Daleville tomorrow to resupply and rest. 

I uploaded photos to previous 3 days  

This is Yeager

Don’t try this at home!!!!

AT 57 - 22nd May (697.9)

Swim #13

Swam with snails and trout. 

 Walked for 12 hours today. My legs are (You don’t say). Swim #13 with snails and trout. Still had 1 mile uphill after the swim so got sweaty again anyway but the swim was lovely. On section was on 45% slab of rock (Eastern Continental Divide)  so it was tough walking and feet hurt a lot. Met a lot of hikers who have returned from  Damascus Trail Days so it could get crowded. Tonight I’m in my tent and 4 in shelter so not too busy.