Oronoco, VA (USA)

Got away from DC for a hike again (finally)! This time - because of snow to the north - I decided to stay in Virginia. After getting on I-66 and heading west (got gas in Haymarket at 0830) and drove to I-81. Continued south to Lexington and then turned east on US-60. This was the first time I'd hiked in this area and I was pleasantly surprised there was no snow on the ground! Headed SOBO and enjoyed the brisk (~25 degrees F) weather - the terrain was not too difficult: just some mud and several crossings of Brown Mountain Creek as I hiked around the Lynchburg Reservoir. Saw ...three groups of hikers: one family, with small kids, was actually camping (!!!); two guys stopped for the night at the shelter (despite predicted 0 F temps); and two women told me about their nearby hiker lodge (Three Springs Hostel). I put in 14 miles overall and then drove up Mount Pleasant to scout out tomorrow's hike. It was sooooo COLD (snowing) up there but there were people camping! I talked to them, trying to understand what makes them tick... Then drove back down to the hostel and checked in, just as the snow storm hit. Snug and warm inside while snow and wind raged outside all night. Enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal (by Oma and Marsha), watched some British comedy and had a nice talk with the other hikers. Also read my book before going to bed early... 6.81 AT miles today / Grand Total = 338.13