Blacksburg, VA (USA)

After the week I had, it was nice to discover that I had scheduled a trip to our office in Fauquier County for Friday... The sunrise on the way to work (around 0645) was that I found the ground covered with snow when I arrived. After about five hours on the job, I headed west to I-81. Traffic sucked for some reason but I was off the interstate (at VA-311) by 1400. Unfortunately, it took me a while (and a LOT of driving) to locate the AT trailhead. After trying several dead-ends off Newport Road and Mount Tabor Road, I figured out that I had to drive around the entire mountain. I actually ended up on US-460 before I found a way to access Craig Creek Road (VA-621). Parked near Lee Hollow and started NOBO at 1515, bound for the top of Brush Mountain (near the Audie Murphy crash site & memorial). Felt good in the climb and made great time to the ridge. Just like my last hiking weekend, I could see the turnaround point for the entire trip - the trail meandered back and forth above me and I could see for miles. There was no snow (just mud) and I peeled off a layer by the halfway mark. Saw no wildlife or people for the whole afternoon - hauntingly quiet. Made even better time on the way back down, finishing at 1745 with a beautiful sunset. VERY glad to squeeze the 6 mile hike in before dark - I needed that... Stayed at Red Carpet Inn in Blacksburg (arrived at 1835) and took care of more work in room before bed.  Should be even better weather again tomorrow and I'm going to make it count! AT Today = 2.90 miles / 856.18 miles