5/22/12 – 531 miles
I got another early start today and walked 10 miles by 11:00 am. I really like the trail in Virginia so far, the grades are more gentle and there are long rolling sections through beautiful treed areas. The AT still likes to take you to the top of several mountains along the way, there’s just no getting away from that.
It started to rain early in the afternoon and I heard the crack of lightning just as I assended the highest peak. Thankfully, no more rumbles met me but the rain picked up in intensity and continued throughout the afternoon. At about 4:30, I came to Partnership Shelter, bagging another 20 mile day. I feel pretty good concidering the mileage.
This shelter is unique. You can order pizza from the Mt. Rogers Visitors Center 100 yards away and have it delivered. A lady named poco-e-poco, I’ve hiked with off and on split a pizza with me and we devoured almost all of it. I’m saving a couple of slices for breakfast tomorrow. Yum!