Atkins, VA (USA)

Got a really late start today - almost didn't leave but the great weather ultimately convinced me. Gas fillup in Lexington (1220).  Checked into Relax Inn (Rural Retreat in Atkins) at 1500.  Got changed and drove to the trailhead.  Started SOBO at about 1530 from the parking lot on VA-617. I'd hiked in this area in 2014, before I had a map or trail guide - needless to say, I had not estimated the mileage correctly... Still, my hike to the vaguely recalled turnaround ended up being easier than I expected - in a short time, I'd located a familiar spot and was able to turn NOBO, bound for newer treads. The initial climb took me through some cow pastures but then the trail went into a deep forest. Before long, I could barely hear the sounds from I-81. White tailed deer continually scattered as I climbed up Little Brushy Mountain - they were everywhere! I encountered four SOBO thru hikers: three were in a hurry and didn't chat much but one ("Mojo") engaged me in conversation immediately. He was sitting by the side of the trail, looking concerned - it turned out that he'd run out of water. Fortunately for him, I had extra (how many times have I been able to pay the trail magic forward this year?). While we talked (about the trail in both directions), I noticed that he was hiking in Crocs - he said they hurt his feet but his boots were worse (yikes! not his day, I guess). After I turned around at the crossing of the Crawfish Trail, the sun went down (beautiful sunset). I was able to walk without my headlamp for another hour but it eventually was too hard and I put it on. By the time I reached the cow fields again, though, a huge moon had risen overhead. I was glad for the extra light because there were cows everywhere! They didn't want to move, either (several interesting eulogy stories went through my head at that point...). I eventually made it back to my car (2000), after finishing about 12 miles (with the uncountable distance and backtrack). Dinner at El Burrito Loco (2015).  Staying with a bunch of hikers tonight! AT Today = 5.20 miles / Grand Total AT = 793.78 miles