The bunnies are jumping (day 76)

I woke up wanting to walk many kilometers to make up for the short one yesterday. The morning was largely uneventful, but I had an impromptu break when a train passed and cut off the road. My late father-in-law worked for the railroad for many years, so every time we see a CSX train, my husband and I consider it a sign from him. I want to think that maybe he’s waving at me, even from here.

a bunny loves you

I spent most of the day walking alone and listening to different podcast episodes. At one point the trail went through Sky Meadows State Park and there were bunnies everywhere. Some looked like adults, but there were also numerous babies jumping around. I took a lot of pictures of them and I think some of them were so young that they didn’t realize they should run when I approached.

mountain market

With less than 4 miles left during the day, the trail crossed the John Mosby Highway just east of Mountain Gap Market. It turned out to be one of the cutest little shops I’ve visited since starting AT. They sold produce, locally sourced goods, ice cream, coffee and donuts. I spent some time on the front porch, eating snacks with other hikers and charging my phone. The owner even came out and chatted with us for a while. Her business hadn’t been open long, but it seemed to fill this niche perfectly.

By the time I made it the rest of the way to Rod Hollow Shelter, it was already getting dark. I was glad I didn’t have to prepare dinner after refueling at the market. The shelter looked a little seedy, so I set up my tent and went straight to bed.

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