Blacksburg, VA (USA)

[Working a career fair at Virginia Tech all day.  Still, I managed to squeeze in another trail section (VA-635 to Bailey's Gap Shelter, NOBO) after a full day at work in Blacksburg. I found a good trailhead after driving on US-460 towards Pembroke and then heading into the National Forest. Hadn't been in the area since May 2014 and I was happy to find a way to connect to a remote section I'd previously only accessed via gravel roads. I started climbing (NOBO) at 1730 and felt really strong, even with the 1000 foot per mile gradient. It was cool in the woods and there were minimal rocks. Didn't see anyone at all... Turned around at the shelter and raced back down the hill, hoping to get in several more miles before sunset. But then I met another (section - Damascus to Glasgow) hiker... Instead of continuing, I found myself in a longer conversation with him about landmarks, trail experiences and even "do you know so and so...". Normally I like this but this time it was cutting into my trail time (and making my 4+ hour drive seem that much longer). In the end, though, I decided to just revel in the camaraderie and settle for just three miles today. I packed up (1900) and drove home (via US-460, I-81, I-66, gas in Haymarket at 2330, I-495).  Sad to see the end a streak of six straight days of AT - it will be hard to beat the hiking chances I got this week! AT Today = 1.50 miles / G.T. AT = 764.58 miles]