Buena Vista, VA (USA)

Other plans fell through for this weekend, so I headed out into the woods for some "me time"... I left home at 0730 and used I-66 and I-81 to drive towards the AT. Got gas in Woodstock, VA (0850) and made great time to the trailhead at US-60, east of Buena Vista. I started NOBO, up Bald Knob, at 1045, encountering descending day hikers at the beginning of my hike on the cool, sunny morning. There were many signs of Spring: it was green everywhere and there were other amazing colors visible in the blossoming flowers on the ground and in the trees. I climbed over 2000 feet in the first three miles, followed by a quick descent and another climb. I had no cell signal and didn't see evidence of people for several hours. But when I did, just before the crest of Cole (AKA Cold in the AT Guide) Mountain, the series of sorority girl group encounters was actually pretty stunning! When I reached the grassy ridge-line (with spectacular views), there were LOTS of people... I finished my outbound leg at Hog Camp Gap around 1330 and encountered a dad with his kids ("we are first time hikers - what trail do you recommend?"). Decided to avoid the crowds and hiked back on USFS Route 48. I saw even fewer people on the gravel road and it was easier on my feet. About two thirds of the way down, a young couple driving in the same direction offered me a ride, which I happily accepted. It turned out that these trail angels, Charles and Ella, had begun their thru hike at Springer Mountain several weeks earlier and made it to Bland (VA) before deciding that there were just far too many other people headed NOBO this season (now I know where the bubble is...). So they got off the trail, rented a car and planned to use the next few months for a cross country road trip (VA to NY to US-66 and home to CA). They had been checking on trail supplies that were shipped to the Three Springs Hostel (where I stayed last year) - lucky break for me! It was great to hear about the wide open freedom of their lives right now and I wished them well as they dropped me off at my car (1445). End result: only hiked about 10 miles today but I used the rest of the afternoon to map out tomorrow's trek. Found a hotel (Budget Inn) in Natural Bridge at 1530 (after trying other ones - too expensive). Watched TV and rested for several hours. I wanted ice cream from Pink Cadillac but it closed at 2000. Looking forward to another day on the trail! AT Today = 6.30 miles / G.T. AT = 668.20 miles