Virginia – What you give

I love Virginia. I said it there. A lot of people sing the blues in Virginia, but not this girl! I enjoyed every minute. Even the difficult ones. This state had a lot to offer and I was never bored! Each day brought a new adventure, a new sight, or a planned attraction that I had been looking forward to.

Why do some sing blues?

Many days and miles. I entered Virginia on Tuesday, April 7 at 467.3 miles and left on Monday, May 11 at 1009.4 miles. It is 542 miles, the longest of any state. It took me a little over a month. Many take MUCH longer…but it’s not necessary.

I also think this is when the nostalgia really hits hard. I met numerous hikers who were attracted to a relationship. Although I did not work as a chaplain on the trail, I often found myself listening to and loving other hikers who were struggling. The mental aspect of being away from loved ones is real. Ask anyone who serves in our military.

Why didn’t I sing the blues?

Let’s start with some of the places I really wanted to visit.

First city: Damascus, VA

What a great little town! Here I also invited my family to visit me. We ate at the local restaurant, visited the shops, and enjoyed everything the small hiking community had to offer. This is also where «Trail Days» are organized every year in May. It is said to be the «world’s largest celebration of the Appalachian Trail and hiking culture.» I highly recommend staying at Lady Di’s B&B. Definitely worth it!

Epic views and killer ponies

Not long after leaving Damascus, I was able to enjoy some pretty epic views as I climbed towards Buzzard Rock and then towards Grayson Highlands. I also experienced my first rock scrambles here. I didn’t think this would happen until much later!

The Grayson Highlands are known for the wild ponies that roam the area. I experienced this first hand…and leg. Apparently it was very salty and tasty. What started out as a sweet little encounter became too personal and personal for this girl. But still, a pretty spectacular experience.

hostel hopping

It was also important for me to stay in the shelters along the way. Two in particular caught my attention. (Apart from Lady Di’s in Damascus)

The Bear Garden in Ceres, VA is not well known. It wasn’t originally on my list, but it was an emergency stop so my hiking partner could do his taxes. That’s how it is. We were there on April 14. While I was there, I participated in my first “marathon.” 27 miles, 6000 feet elevation gain/loss. 12 hours to complete. Did I mention there was a drought? BUT… You’ll be rewarded with a giant 9X13 Texas chocolate cake when you’re done. As the Kool-Aid Man would say, OH YEAH!

The second hostel is, of course, the iconic Woods Hole Hostel in Pearisburg, VA. This is a must-see stop, as it is one of the oldest and most legendary lodges along the way. Log cabin bunk bed, farm to table dining, homemade bread and very cozy. Be careful. It’s extremely easy to turn into a vortex here!

Did I mention the views?

As I approached the 700 mile mark, the terrain became even more difficult. I was approaching something called the “Virginia Triple Crown” near Roanoke, Virginia. By the way, Virginia is NOT easy! I don’t know who started that rumor, but it’s simply not true. The Triple Crown is a three-part series of cool views, including Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. McAfee Knob is known as the most photographed section of the entire AT. It’s that cool.

Near the 800 mile mark, I entered an area that intersected the Blue Ridge Parkway with more views and an area called «Devil’s Backbone.» Although it was never on the FarOut map, the locals knew about it and we felt it as we drove up and down the mountain. Towards the end, we were greeted by the Priest’s refuge, just in time to confess all our “sins of the path.” I had many.

Dilly Dally Shenandoah Valley

Very good! Here’s the part we were all promised! As I approached the 900 mile mark, I hit the easy miles where I could entertain myself, hit the trails for a burger or shake, and still make it through a 20+ mile day. Yeah! This is where it happens. Plus, this is where Trayfoot Mountain and Mary’s Rock are located, two beautiful rocky peaks worth climbing! Just trust me.

Let’s be realistic. There were difficult moments

Without water

When I entered Virginia, the locals warned me that it was a drought year. I took this seriously and made sure to always carry plenty of water. Normally the AT has a lot of water sources OVERFLOWING, but this year it was a little scary. There were long stretches of over 14 miles on the ridges where the water sources said «dry.» I always checked the comments section on FarOut before I left in the morning.

*Special thanks to Kelly- “Toddler Snacks” for always checking sources and leaving comments! You have no idea how SAVED you’ve been on the road this year!

First rattlesnake

While hiking towards Roanoke, VA, I received a text from a fellow hiker warning me of a rattlesnake on the trail. I had already seen some non-venomous snakes and was not expecting this encounter. I was on high alert and luckily, that day I was walking with a professional, named PipSkweek. In fact, I had worked with snakes before and knew how to handle them if we encountered them. And we did it. This rattlesnake was GIANT and was sitting right in the middle of the trail, saying, YOU CAN’T PASS. PipSkweek, however, convinced the snake to get off the trail and away from future hikers. He was definitely the HERO of the tour that day! Hip, hip, hooray!

saying goodbye

Probably the hardest moment was saying goodbye to so many friends who left the road. Some were due to injuries. Some had to leave due to family emergencies. Some had just finished what they needed from the trail. I understand, but it’s still hard to say goodbye. Especially when you’ve teamed up during something pretty epic, like the AT.

One in particular was the most difficult. My hiking partner, Peel. He blessed me with the name of my trail «‘Sis» and we hiked together for over 600 miles! He truly was MY big brother along the way, and we had many FUN and adventurous times together. While his love for the Appalachian Trail was great, his heart constantly longed to return home. So my heart is happy that he is back where he belongs…with his family. <3

My dedication to the border ballad

Dear Virginia, Some say you make them sad. I don’t agree. I LOVED YOU!! Even though I’ve faced difficult situations like rocky terrain, rattlesnakes, and long, dry days, I think what matters is how we respond to them. It’s what you give. And the life you live.

“What you give” by Tesla

I feel so alone, but I know I’m not the only one who continues this way.
I love you so much, I lose track of time, I lose track of days
I’m going crazy, I’m going crazy, out of my head
I can’t think of anything but your good, good love
and what you give

It’s not what you have, it’s what you give
It’s not the life you choose, it’s the life you live