Buena Vista, VA (USA)

[Aaaahhhh... It was good to be back on the trail after more than a month! After a good night of sleep, I got on the road (0905) and made my way back (through fog and rain, using I-66 and I-81) south toward unhiked sections of the AT! Stopped on the way for gas (Raphine, 1145) and used US-60 to get to the BRP (arrived at 1230). The weather was brisk and windy but all precipitation stopped while I was hiking. Starting from mile marker 51.7 (with a bit of a misdirection, initially), I made my way NOBO and returned to the Pedlar River Bridge. I'd been there on a pleasant day back in February 2015, right before a massive snow storm. I was prepared for the same change in weather but it never materialized, fortunately. I only saw one small group of hikers - I passed them outbound and then caught up to pass them on the way back to the car. Other than that, I saw several pretty views, a wild turkey and other large birds in flight (that I guess I flushed). Lots of hill climbing and I didn't finish until around 9 miles (at 1600). Headed into Buena Vista for the night, planning to hike again in the morning (if the snow holds off...). Picked up dinner at the Burger King in town (1810) and then watched some NFL Playoff games. AT Today = 4.10 miles / G.T. AT = 595.70 miles]