Mile 1790.5

The last 300 miles of hiking has been a good stretch. The temperature and humidity dropped once we hit Greylock and the bugs have largely disappeared. We've also had lots of company and support from friends, family and strangers. Now the weather has turned back to heat wave status so we are laying low and extending our break in Plymouth, NH with Effie's family. Only about 400 miles to go with the biggest most beautiful mountains to come.

Hiking out of CT. Rands View looking at the ridge along the MT Everett state reservation.

Mile 1490

Over 700 miles without a post.  We picked up the pace as we got closer to CT and I haven't had the time or  energy.  The brief summary: northern VA got better.  The trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah NP is scenic.  Luna, the trail dog, went home in Shenandoah. PA is a bit boring in the south,  but has amazing shelters and good spring water.  The trail is less glamorous in the north with lots of rocks and suboptimal water.  NJ and NY were surprisingly beautiful.  Now back in New England with 700 miles to go.   The picture story:

Mile 727

Since leaving Damascus we've picked up the pace and trying to get at least 20 mile days in except for town days. I pasted my mileage log at the bottom for numbers people.  We is now me (Diva Dan), Effie (Baby Wipe), and Luna the trail dog (Luner).  The others we were hiking with are a couple days behind but will hopefully catch up. On the plus side as we go faster we get to meet totally new groups of hikers.

So far Virginia is my least favorite state.  Sorry Virginia, but you are hot as hell  (90+ and humid), prone to severe thunderstorms, have many biting insects, and have long stretches with no water, which isn't particularly cold, clean, or flowing when it is available. On the other hand the wild berries are increasingly abundant and the trail magic has been the best yet (certainly most appreciated). And of course there have been some scenic stretches, notably around Grayson Highlands, Mt Rogers and McAfee Knob, and some beautiful meadow hiking. The most scenic stretches of VA are still to come along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah NP.

Mile 469

The stretch between Hot Springs, NC and Damascus, VA was a scenic one, but the wettest hiking yet. After leaving Erwin, TN thunderstorms were frequent so feet were mostly wet. Scott Jurek, the ultra-marathon runner trying to break the fastest AT hike-run past us in Ash Gap during the evening. Unfortunately, I was in my sleeping bag when he came through.

Luna, the trail dog, at White Rock Cliffs.

Mile 275

Arrived in Hot Springs, NC to resupply and take my first full zero day. Myself and 4 other hikers rented a small cabin on the French Broad River. A nice place to relax, with hot springs across the street, plenty of beer and food.

I over did it the last couple days in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and now have a sore left ankle, the posterior tibialis tendon, I think. I'm not quite ready for 20+ mile days day after day. The weather was very cool, 50s, and lots of trail magic, so I was feeling like hiking a lot. Already feeling better, so should be back to normal soon.

So far NC is more mountainous and scenic than Georgia.The weather has not always been cooperative, so many of the scenic vistas were up in the clouds, but still plenty of views, wildlife, and good company.

Here is the picture show:

Not a dramatic entry into NC, but starts with a steep climb.