Virginia is for (bear) lovers (Day 52)

I’m staying at Weary Feet Hostel tonight since I haven’t showered or done laundry in a week. It’s about 16 miles from the shelter where I slept last night, and I’m happy to be able to get into a shelter without needing to take a nero.

Where is everyone?

I only met one other hiker all day. The same shelter was evicting him. Many hikers went off trail yesterday due to the weather, but I’m surprised how thin the crowds have been over the last week. It seems that since the days of the trail, half the people I used to hike with are nowhere to be found. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve picked up the pace or if my bubble has actually gone down.

Bear needs

It was so calm and rainy today. I was walking when I heard a loud crunching noise right next to the trail. I looked up and saw a large black bear about 15 feet away, clinging to the trunk of a tree. It was much bigger and closer than the one I saw yesterday, and I immediately started screaming and hitting my poles. I must have given him a heart attack, because he immediately ran down from the tree and ran into the woods. I left the area immediately, still surprised that it had been so close. Virginia is proving to be the hotspot for bear encounters.

Today there was a long stretch without water, so when I arrived at the Jenny Knob Shelter, I desperately needed it. It was one of the most interesting shelters I have ever seen. There was a tree stump covered in animal bones and skulls, and in the shelter was a Bible, a Twelve Tribes informational pamphlet, and a pair of Riff Raff bracelets. It speaks of a Holy Trinity.

tired feet

As I approached Weary Foot Hostel, the rain began to let up a little and the Red Efts appeared. I saw six today, which must be a new record. There was a short side trail that came off the AT and led directly to the lodge. It was a large farm on an open prairie. The house was beautiful, with a very cozy bunk room and outdoor showers with unlimited hot water. There were kittens and chickens in the garden and I stopped to spend some time with them.

True to the name, my feet were tired and I spent the afternoon in my bunk. One of the kitties joined me and even took a quick nap in my bed. The owners made a homemade dinner, and since one of them also has celiac, I ordered a plate of gluten-free spaghetti and garlic bread. Plus a gluten-free ice cream sandwich for dessert. It was very nice, especially since I’m used to being left out in situations like this.

I went straight to bed after dinner, I just wanted to relax on my own. It’s been a long couple of days and I need some rest for these tired feet.

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