Buena Vista, VA (USA)

[Tried unsuccessfully to view the Perseids after sunset and before dawn - too bad... It was too early for any real breakfast so I got some snacks at the gas station (0525).  Left Buena Vista at 0530 - and made my way to the trailhead on VA-812. The dark, hilly, winding roads made it slow going. I'd hiked part of this section before and wanted to locate another road crossing (to shorten my day) that I'd seen when I had cell signal. It looked like I would be successful - until I found the ending of two gravel roads (but no AT) and had to backtrack to my original starting point (one hour wasted). I headed NOBO just as the sun cleared some ridges in the east and I retraced my steps to the sign for the Johns Hollow Shelter. This section, a 2000 foot climb with numerous switchbacks, was almost completely a mental challenge. The climbing was physically tough but I was able to lean forward and move my feet - to a point. I didn't see any people or wildlife but it was just as well (didn't need anymore encouragement to stop or turn around). In some ways, the whole day reminded me of the Nefud Desert crossing in "Lawrence of Arabia" ("In one hour comes the sun..."). I WAS racing Sol! My brain and body were both fried by the time I reached the top of my climb - I'd dealt with with several "false summits", was completely drenched from head to toe and had trouble finding my turnaround point (much different views of the James River valley and vegetation since the last visit). One positive: I escaped the worst of the sun because I spent the morning mostly on the western side of the ridge. I'd also hydrated all night and morning and it paid off (along with some snacks I'd brought). After admiring the great view, I was able to get back down the mountain in half the time. Not wanting to spend one extra minute in the heat, I blew by three guys who'd apparently just started a late climb from the shelter (yikes!). Back at my car after finishing about 7.5 total miles (1000), I changed every stitch I was wearing and was STILL wet for another hour! Fortunately, my drive north went very well.  Got a gas fillup in Raphine (1105) and I arrived home just after 1400. I've got 20 miles in SNP, 30 in Del Water Gap, 1.5 miles near Greenwood Lake and a 6 mile section near Orinocco. In other words, I've almost completed a continuous section from Roanoke (VA) to Orange Turnpike (NY) - more than 650 miles (and back)! AT Today = 3.10 miles / G.T. AT = 736.38 miles]