Saturday night was a cold one, and I was very thankful we had decided not to stay up at a higher elevation overnight. With just eleven miles to go today, we were in no rush to get out of our warm sleeping bags. Because I had my whole face tucked inside my sleeping bag overnight, the outside of the bag was completely wet from my breath causing condensation. I was glad I didn't have to try and dry it out before sleeping in it again the next night-we were going home!
The other campers were awake and having a very loud breakfast gathering in the shelter, but we were still trying to avoid that norovirus bug that was being spread! We definitely didn't want to take it home with us.
The temperature was well below freezing, which made packing up more time consuming than usual. We'd do something small and then have to stick our hands in our pockets to thaw them. Then we'd do something else small and then stick our hands back in our pockets. Mornings like this were not my favorites!
Despite the coldness, the sun was shining, and I knew as soon as we got moving, we'd warm up. It was going to be a great day!
Eventually, all of our gear was packed up and we were ready to hit the trail! Bland or BUST!
Of course, the hike began with a steep uphill. My body was not at a hundred percent after the last couple of days, so we took things nice and slow.
Even though we only had eleven miles to hike today, they weren't the easiest eleven miles I had ever done. And why do the downhills never seem to last as long as the uphills?! Oh well, we were finding joy in the little things today. From cute little bridges to heart-shaped rocks, this was a good day. Misty even found a special AT token on the trail!
Another uphill climb and then down to cross another bridge. The water was so clear and inviting and I pictured overheated hikers soaking in the cool water in the summertime.
We were in good spirits, coming across a few hikers here and there. Misty even got to meet a golden retriever who was thru hiking with his parents. The trail sure was pretty in the sunshine, even when we came across less than pretty things. How did that get there?
One more long climb and we were way up high again, looking down over the little farms that dot the landscape.
Just before Bland, the trail spits you out onto a dirt road, so our last half mile or so was a road walk, instead of a winding trail. We didn't mind, though. We were already discussing when we could get back to this place. The Appalachian Trail is definitely under our skin.
We were happy to find Misty's car safe and sound where we had left it the Wednesday before. We took just a few minutes to get out of our gross clothes and socks and shoes and put on clean things before hopping in the car. We were ready for the long drive back to Michigan and we were ready for FOOD!
It had been a whirlwind trip, and we managed to not only accomplish our goal of finishing this section, but we were able to finish it a day earlier than planned. We had pushed our limits and had an amazing adventure!
Total miles: 11.3
Elevation gain: 2,549 feet
Calories burned: 2,206
We now have a huge chunk of Virginia completed, from Damascus to Daleville, and then Front Royal to the northern border. Just a couple more trips to Virginia and that state will be finished! Stay tuned for future adventures on the Appalachian Trail and beyond!
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