“My Journey Is My Destination...” Day 109

Day 109 18.2 miles Montebello, VA

(Days Inn Staunton, VA)

Becky called me a few days ago and told me she was going to meet me in Montebello, VA and see me for a day. How could I say no! All I wanted to do was get these miles over with to see her. Of course I had a 3,100 ft climb up and over “The Priest” to get there. 'Pyro' caught up to me right before the climb by the Tye River. We headed up. I kept a steady pace, it was hot and humid. I was wet as if I had been in the rain. 'Pyro' took a break. I wanted to keep moving. At the top I laid down to cool down. I spent the rest of the day making the miles. I got to the service road where I dropped down to Montebello. At the bottom, there she was. We were very excited to see each other. We had authentic German food at the Edelweiss Restaurant and since it was October, I had a liter of the Oktoberfest beer.

Day 110 0 miles Day Staunton, VA

We spent the day exploring the town, resting, and drying out my gear at the park. I asked her if she was going to go home tonight, it was logical. I asked her to stay, she easily said yes. I was relieved. We had some Mexican food that Becky even liked. It’s good to have my buddy around.

Day 111 13.5 miles Bald Knob mountain

Slept good. I had a big breakfast at Hardees. Becky dropped me at the trailhead at noon. We hugged many times and said goodbye. I hated to leave, but it helps that I’m so close to TN. She is my buddy and I feel at home when she is around. Today, I noticed the woods had turned yellow. The ground has turned gold. Fall is here even though the temp is 90. I am unusually tired tonight, ready for sleep at 8 pm. I camped at 4,059 feet. The leaves are falling on my tent.

Day 112 22.9 miles John Hollow Shelter

I started kind of slow, kind of sad. A guy down at the road had a jug of water, I filled up. I hiked with a local guy on and off. It was 93 degrees. That is a stupid temp for October. 'Pyro' met me at the Punch Bowl Shelter. This shelter is one that my Dad remembers from his hike through here. The pond was muddy, no water here! 'Pyro' built a fire. He always does!

Day 113 26.6 miles Bryant Ridge Shelter

Climbing is the name of the game today. We dropped down to the James River 690 feet elevation then up to 4,225 feet at Apple Orchard Mtn., with a few drops and climbs in between. It was about 11 miles of climbing in all. I led all day, was hungry and thirsty for most of it. Someone has been leaving water at the road crossings, it helps so much. There has been a lot more climbing in VA than I expected. I see the end of this trip coming, but ignore it for now.