Virginia is not flat (Day 64)

It was cold during the night and, without my warm clothes, I was definitely feeling it. There was no plan for today other than to walk as far as I could. I want to get to Waynesboro on Saturday afternoon, which gives me four days to walk 68 miles. How I will divide that mileage is anyone’s guess.

in my head

It’s true that I had a bit of a difficult morning. I left camp late and felt like I had spent the morning walking very slowly. From time to time, I seem to have trouble motivating my body and mind. These days tend to coincide with those when I have too many thoughts running through my head. It’s easy to get lost in all of this and lose touch with where I really am.

is the rise

Sometimes I’m grateful for a big raise. It drives me crazy because I can only focus on the physical. But the climb up Bald Knob today was particularly tough. It’s funny how people want AT to stabilize in Virginia. Maybe they were playing with me and I didn’t realize it until now.

While I definitely think Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina had a monopoly on PUDS (useless rises and falls), Virginia seems to take the cake for these unique, monstrous rises. In the last three days, we climbed Apple Orchard Mountain, Bluff Mountain, and Bald Knob. Each one was more brutal than the last.

Despite my complaints, I always feel accomplished when I reach the top. There is usually a nice view too. Tomorrow should be a little easier and I’m making good progress getting to Waynesboro this weekend. Today we reached 800 miles traveled. Time and kilometers fly by.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.