Buena Vista, VA (USA)

[It's been so long since I hiked the AT and, despite blazing hot temperatures and a forecast of rain, I was determined to get back out there! Left my house at 0445 and made great time to Lexington. Got gas in Buena Vista (0745).  I was treated to a beautiful sunrise and bright clear skies. I'd planned to put in my miles on Cole/Cold Mountain (FS Road 48) but made a wrong turn (no cell signal) and ended up on the Blue Ridge Parkway (I also saw a huge hound hunt getting started). The detour wasn't bad in itself but it meant I wasn't on the trail (at a completely different trailhead - Spy Rock Road) until 0845 - and it was already getting hot... I had to use a 1 mile approach trail (all uphill) to get to the AT. After that, I headed SOBO towards Hog Camp Gap. There was a noticeable breeze on the ridge and the thick canopy kept me from frying, thankfully. I didn't see any people for almost two hours but enjoyed watching pretty butterflies eating, heard cheerful songbird tunes, marveled at brilliantly colored flowers and startled some wild turkeys into flight. Just before my turnaround at Piney River north fork, I met my first hiker of the day: "Backtrack", a teacher from Staten Island who was working on his last few states south of Vermont. We talked bears, hydration strategies and maximum mileage in a day. After I left him and turned around, I ended up walking for a few miles with Peggy & Kenny ("Mourning Dove" & "Seldom Seen"). A retired couple, they have been section hiking like I have and have completed GA-VA and northern Virginia to Duncannon. They knew about a lot of sections I haven't completed, so the chat will help me in the future. It was nice to be with other people, especially on a hot day like this... I finished my return leg but still had about half a mile to complete so I could get to Spy Rock. I made the climb OK but almost didn't see it. What a difference three months made: the canopy on and around the rock was just getting started back in May but it was completely overgrown today. Once I located it, I clambered up the huge rock for some spectacular views! I had a harder time getting down (had to sit/slide so I didn't break my neck!). Lots of day hikers were still climbing up for their chance as I walked down to my car. I left the trailhead at around 1400, with more than 11 miles to show for my day. I stopped to visit the Montebello Fish Hatchery and got some ice cream at the little sportsman resort in town. Explored my options for Sunday (near the James River) but it started raining on BRP. Called it a day before 1700 - staying in Buena Vista Motel.  Tired and sore but feeling great. I want some more!!! AT Today = 4.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 733.28 miles]