Lexington, VA (USA)

Woke up at the hostel and found I was snowed in this morning. As a result, I got a late start (after a good breakfast, though!). Made my way from Oronoco back to Buena Vista (via US-60) and used US-501 to get to the AT trailhead again. Started SOBO today with the coldest temps I've EVER hiked in (somewhere between 4 and 10 degrees F). Probably worse, though: the windchill was almost unbearable. Luckily, I was dressed (barely) warm enough and the sun kept warming things up throughout... the day! Crossed James River on a very long foot bridge and hiked to the Matt's Creek Shelter. Backtracked to my car and the continued on the north side of the river to Johns Hollow Shelter. Trail was muddy, slippery with snow and ice and deserted (saw no one all day until I got back to my car). Did see lots of animal tracks and a huge heron by one of the creeks. Wrapped up my frigid adventure and then drove south and west (via US-501, VA-122 and VA-643) to VA-43 and Blue Ridge Parkway, hoping to do some more hiking. Saw beautiful views of the Peaks of Otter. Unfortunately, the BRP was closed because of the weather. Too bad... Decided to reposition again (for the morning). Drove to Buchanan and got on I-81. Stopped at the Devil's Backbone Outpost Brewery in Lexington and sampled eight of the beers (1645). Then got gas at the nearby Lee Hi Travel Plaza (1745). Continued north until I got to Staunton and switched to I-64. Stopped for the night at Waynesboro (Colony Motel - 1945). Took care of internet stuff and read before bed. Despite only getting 8 miles on the trail today, I feel pretty good that I was able to weather elements like these. Will try to hike the southern end of Shenandoah National Park tomorrow... Total today on AT = 3.92 / Overall AT Total = 342.05