Buchanan, VA (USA)

[It was a late start again (after I got to go to a late movie with Brenna last night). I got on the road by 0930 (after a gas fillup in Alexandria) - used I-66 and I-81 - but had no particular destination in mind. I was actually just hoping to fit in a couple more days of hiking before the end of the year... Used the restroom and got lunch at Wendy's in Raphine (1200). Got off the interstate for good at Buchanan and used VA-43 to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I parked at Blackhorse Gap (1300) and biked back (around 5 miles) to the place where I started this journey in May 2014 (Bobblets Gap). There sure has been a lot of water under the bridge since then! I did get turned around a few times because of poor blaze markings but otherwise had a nice hike on the trail. The weather was great! I only saw one other person all day (a trail runner with three dogs on a "sled line", following behind him). There was some evidence of snow along the BRP, which I had to cross a few times. When I reached my car again, I drove back to retrieve my bike and then repositioned at the trailhead on VA-43. Even though it was almost dark by this point (1600), I hiked NOBO to the top of Cove Mountain (**three trees**) and saw a beautiful sunset, followed by all the colors deepening to black on the distant ridges. For the second time in as many months, I finished my day in the dark. It was cold but not unbearable... After finishing (1715) nearly 9 miles of hiking for the day, I drove into town and found a hiker friendly motel (Wattstull Inn - nice caretaker, had lots to talk to me about). Picked up "dinner" (snacks) at the Shell at the bottom of the hill (brisk walking!) at 1900. More hiking planned for tomorrow - I'm hoping to tie up a loose end near Troutville... AT Today = 6.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 581.00 miles]