Glasgow, VA (USA)

[After a nice sleep, I thought my body had recovered enough for another day on the Blue Ridge... I ate breakfast at PC (finished at 0720) in Natural Bridge, which delayed me - then my drive to Petites Gap wasn't direct (the James River was far more of an obstacle than I'd hoped). Still, I arrived at the AT trailhead by 0800 and started NOBO again. This hadn't been the plan, but the steep climb up Apple Orchard Mountain (in the other direction) looked too intimidating. This proved to be a fateful choice... The wind was very strong on the west side of the ridge and I actually had to layer up until I crossed the first (high) crest. After that, though, the wind was calm. Eventually, the sun rose high in the sky and I wished for the breeze to return after the temperatures soared into the 60s (yikes!). I didn't see any people or wildlife on the outbound leg. The section was in the James River Wilderness, which includes the highest point and the lowest point of the BRP in VA. This meant a climb to 3000 feet initially and then a descent to around 700 feet at my turnaround point (Matts Creek Shelter). I met up with another hiker there (he was fishing along the creek). After resting for a bit, I was startled to see and hear about 15 city-folk day hikers as they arrived at the shelter. By the time I left, there was actually a line for the privy! Glad to leave people behind again and made my way back up the mountain. It really kicked my ass - about 2/3 of the way up, I had to fight past obstacles so I could continue: not enough gas in the tank, muscles struggling, poorly-patched hiking pole broke and water in my reservoir almost gone. Life Metaphors were abundant all the way back to my car - I had definitely taken on more than I should have but didn't quit, creeping along tenaciously until I finished. I got a short break when I met a couple and their "don't worry, she is friendly" (while she snarled and raced toward me) dog - their thick Virginia accents were pleasant sounding but soon I was alone again. It took all I had to clamber up to the top of the "better than the other" ridge (from this morning) and I was glad that the last mile was downhill. My brain was fried too - almost nothing in my head except "ouch"... Actually, my roughly 15.5 mile day was much more challenging (psychologically?) than yesterday's longer hike. I was utterly spent at 1545 but still had the 3+ hour drive back to my house (via US-501 to US-60 and then I-81, I-66 and I-495). Ate dinner (free sub) at Sheetz (1845). By the time I arrived back in the DC area (1945), I could barely walk. Despite this, I'm very glad I got away from the city/work/etc. and feel recharged! Hope it isn't six weeks until the next chance to hike AT again... AT Today = 7.70 miles / G.T. AT = 623.50 miles]