Bland, VA - Lexington, VA (225 miles)

A whole heck of a lot happens in 225 miles. Quick update:

Caught a ride back into Bland and hiked 2 long days to Pearisburg. Enjoyed time at "Dismal Falls" (much nicer than it sounds) and taking a zero in town with friends at the Holy Family Church hostel. Lots of card games and listening to local bluegrass station - caught up with some folks I thought I'd lost. One highlight involved using water from an unsupecting local's hose to make espresso with Starbucks' (trail name) french press in the yard of an abandoned house while waiting for his brother TrailBail to hike into town. Wooo Doggie.

Back on the trail we faced armies of gross gypsy moth caterpillars. I felt like human cotton candy. Gross gross gross. They produced so many little caterpillar poops from the trees they were killing that it sounded like rain. Also a hot and humid day. Invasive jerks.

As luck would have it, the following day was incredible. Hiking down early morning in the rain we hit some trail magic - lovely breakfast. The group of former thru hikers then drove our packs to the next road crossing ( 9 miles ) and had a cookout waiting for us as lunch! Afterwards they packed us "to-go" bags and we all hiked up to a scenic rock outcropping called "Dragon's Tooth" where we perched ourselved to watch the sunset and enjoy picnic number 3.

Next day we made it to McAfees Knob and Tinker Cliffs for more spectacular views (pictures to follow ASAP).

Several days later I hiked into Daleville - hit the local swimming pool and took about 9 showers. I also met a dog that can read. It's true!

On the wildlife front I've had a second Bob Cat encounter. This one did not run off instantly as it had just killed something. It took me yelling something along the lines of "Yo, Bob Cat - You better 'git!!" for it to finally back off the trail. Also a bear and many lizards.

Bumped into Trail Days friends hiking with trail dog marvel "Winston." Hiked down into town to meet Julie, but stopped first for some bridge jumping and swimming on the James River.

Miss Julie Sutsko (!) Then joined me for a magical weekend we are currently wrapping up. Hiked 20 miles on Saturday and were greeted at a Forest Service road crossing by a local church group out for a walk. They offered us sodas and eventually invited us to their picnic that afternoon! Got to ride in the back of the truck out to a local park and enjoyed ENDLESS amounts of homemade desserts and salads of every variety. A great deal of "church ladies" took care of us and even offered a place to stay. Unfortunately we had to hit the trail again and they brought us back to the road.

Today we hiked up and caught a ride into Lexington on and 18-wheeler. The driver, Mr. Dale Heartless (yep) was quite a character and often gives hikers a lift. Waiting now for Kelly to come get Julie and have to get off the computer! Hope this all makes sense and the spelling errors are not too terrible plentiful.

LOVE AND MISS YOU. Thanks for visiting me, Julie : ) We'll miss you!