Blacksburg, VA (USA)

Up very early in Blacksburg and, after breakfast at McDonalds (0645), arrived at the trailhead on VA-630 at 7:00 AM. I'd been there before but never saw the parking lot last time (always find something new when I'm exploring near AT...). Encountered treacherous mud all day - caused by the melting ice that was still visible on the biggest rocks. I spent more than five hours alone on the trail - again saw no wildlife. I first climbed Sinking Creek Mountain (more challenging than yesterday's hill). Passed a tree ("The Keffer Oak") that the trail guide said was over 300 years old - it sure looked its age... I had started in a short sleeve short (carrying layers) and almost broke down for a pullover because of the stiff breeze that I encountered at the top. Soldiered on and the temps reached the high 50s by the end. The views from the ridge were amazing, especially to the northeast - I swear I could see more than 40 miles (all the way to McAfee, the Priest and Three Ridges Wilderness - wow!). I spent hours on a relatively flat section with occasional rock scrambles - pretty easy, though. I turned around at the top of the climb up from VA-621 (where I was yesterday) and encountered a sign about the eastern continental divide at the same spot. On the way back, the wind died down, it got warmer and more overcast. I saw at least two clues that there might be a bear on the ridge... In the last hour, I saw more people than usual (it was so warm). Most asked me for directions - at least one pair of young lady hikers were horribly lost but took the "Road to Abilene" after refusing my caution to head back to their car and reposition. Oh well... I reached my car at 1245 after nearly 13 miles. The lot was packed and there were even more cars on VA-42. On my way back to the interstate, I passed the parking lot for McAfee and the overflow ran up and down VA-311 (sure glad I was done!). Headed back to civilization via I-81, US-29 and VA-3.  Almost killed by crazy truck driver near Roanoke...  Gas fillup in Troutville (1400).  Drove to Kelly's house in Woodbridge and changed.  Headed to Brew Republic for the Beer & Donuts event.  Encountered drunk friends (Jim H., Arnol, Mike and Kelly) and decided to go home early (1930).  Apart from the less-than-easy social interactions, it wasn't a bad weekend.  Getting lucky that I've missed most of the deep snow this winter! AT Today = 6.4 miles / G.T. AT = 862.58 miles