I got up early this morning and walked 10 miles to VA Route 100. I scheduled a shuttle to take me to the Pearisburg Walmart to restock. I also had a prescription to pick up and needed a new pair of shorts. Hiking must be hard on your clothes, because every day I find new tears and holes in mine.
Like I never left
I was only at Walmart for about an hour, trying to rush to get everything done. When I returned to the trail, I felt like I had barely left. It had rained again overnight so I was glad to see the sun come out. I had 6 miles left to reach the shelter, and most of it was uphill. However, Virginia has a softer meaning of «elevation gain» than the southern AT.
Things that lighten the load
It was hot and humid, and I felt my energy waning in the late afternoon. As if he knew I needed it, a former hiker had left a cooler of soda at one of the trailheads. As I sat drinking my Coca-Cola, I sent a few words of thanks to the forest. I knew no one could hear me, but I hoped they would still receive it.
In the final moments of the day, the trail opened up to a grassy field at the top of Peter’s Mountain. It was a lovely spot and the fog had lifted enough to give us a decent view. The shelter was back from the edge, close to the tree line, and I was glad to know there was still a place for me. My bag of food got really heavy today, so I need to start snacking right away. The load is not going to lighten itself.
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