Buena Vista, VA (USA)

Woke early, grabbed breakfast (Hardees - 0735) and drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Started SOBO at Punchbowl Overlook (m/m 51.7) and headed up Bluff Mountain (0815). After yesterday, the change in elevation wasn't very strenuous. But the fatigue in my muscles and the higher temperatures made it slow going. I passed thru hikers all morning, chatting with a few. Views at the top were nice and I kept going across a series of small roller coasters until I reached an overlook of the James River on Big Rocky Row, my turnaround point. A larger pack of thru hikers caught me soon after I headed NOBO again and I had conversations with most of them as they passed me (or I passed them while they were picnicking). Butterflies where everywhere - and so were lots of pesky flies (I killed several) and ticks (on the outside of my clothes only). Flora & Fauna: the many Trillium and Rhododendron flowers were beautiful and I saw several large birds (from above). Throughout the day, there was a pleasant breeze that kept me from overheating too much. At the top of Bluff Mountain again, I spent an enjoyable time talking to Flicker (he was from Pittsburgh) and Shiver (she was from Hanover NH). They were carrying over 14 pounds of food and set up an amazing spread! Departed for my car just as weary dads and little kids arrived - it was getting downright crowded! I love the whole hiking culture but encountering so much of the leading edge of the NOBO bubble may be a warning for me to hike farther north in the future, though... On the way back, I encountered a Ridgerunner and we talked for a bit - he had lots of tips for enjoying the mountains. Finished my roughly 12.5 mile day around 1415 and headed home. There was very nasty traffic on I-81 - I had to use US-340 to get to I-64 and then US-29. Even then, the traffic was bad and it was a frustrating drive... Got gas in Bealeton (1625) and continued via I-66 and I-495, arriving in Alexandria at 1730. Ate dinner with Brenna at my apartment and then watched "Game of Thrones" episodes with Bob. Nice weekend - it will have to hold me for awhile, I think... AT Today = 6.10 miles / G.T. AT = 700.30 miles!