AT Day 45: Virginia Hills

Daily Miles: 26.2, Total Miles: 629.9

Quite a few animals using the trail last night, most likely deer.

A tough but pleasant hike today in the Virginia mountains and countryside. I crossed the wide Kimberling Creek on a swinging, creaky suspension bridge. Resisted the temptation of a short walk to a small grocery store.

I climbed right back into the hills and for much of the day followed Dismal Creek all the way to the headwaters. Most of it hiked with Fossils who caught up with me at lunch.

Late in the afternoon, I took a short detour to Woods Hole Hostel, one of the oldest hostels on the AT. The main log cabin built in 1880. Cool place but the few private rooms were already booked. After enjoying a root beer, got another five miles down the trail before calling it a day at a trailside campsite.

I added a wood thrush and a black-throated green warbler to the AT bird list.