Virginia – Fox AT Thru Hike – Day 36

The rain came well after dark and continued with heavy downpours until around 5am. I’m glad I chose to stay at the shelter. I just hate carrying a wet tent.

Originally today was a short day in the plan. However, the last two days caused no apparent stress or pain in my leg. Given the plan to go through Damascus, a longer day today gives more flexibility if things take longer in the city. Instead of ten miles to town and camping afterwards, I plan to camp near town and go miles on the way out.

With all this in mind, I set off punctually this morning… in a misty rain alternating with sleet. The new frogg toggs poncho worked great. It covers my backpack and I don’t sweat as much as I did with the waterproof jacket. The cold keeps me moving. All my winter gear is at home.

Fortunately, the kilometers to Damascus are easy. At 10:30 I am resting at the Abingdon Gap shelter. At 1:30 I crossed into Virginia. Another fallen state! The next state is very far away, Virginia is about 500 miles or so away. At 2pm I found a good spot 1.7 miles outside of town. It feels strange to stop at 2 but, as Snow kindly reminded me, the body still needs to recover and I need to stop long enough to listen to it.

Tomorrow, Damascus.

• Breakfast: oatmeal
• Dinner: Couscous
• Appetizers: Korean cake, clif bar, fig bar

*hero: When you pass through the town and resupply without stopping the night. Generally with minimal impact on your mileage.

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