Bland, VA (USA)

It was a bright, clear day today! I got breakfast at DQ (0800) and headed east on VA-42, bound for the Dismal Falls area again. Was NOBO from VA-606 by 0830 (40 degrees). Like so many days recently, I had to retread the first part (0.3 miles). Other than that, though, this was a very nice section: an easy climb at the beginning, flat for almost all the rest. There was a bit of mud but mostly I just wandered through rhododendrons, marveled at pretty hardwoods and followed the meandering bed of Dismal Creek. Passed an access trail to the Falls but had enjoyed them last evening. Crossed the muddy “road” I explored yesterday (Lion’s Den Road) and turned around at Wapiti Shelter. Didn’t see any wildlife or people nearly all day: just a guy with his dog (near the turnaround point) and the couple from Florida (and dog, Oliver) from yesterday (one mile before reaching my car). The temps warmed up a bit and I flew through the section! Finished 15.5 miles by 1420 (yeah!!!).  Left the area on VA-100 and I-81, making good time (despite traffic) towards the north.  I texted with the Twins that I was passing through Harrisonburg and coordinated a short visit.  Erin found me at the Leasing Center (1705) and then we got together with Brenna, who told me she was too busy to eat dinner (studying for exams).  Erin drove me to her favorite restaurant (Vietopia) and we had a nice meal (she liked the menu selection I made).  When we were done (1820), she gave me her grocery receipts and we said goodbye.  I called Mollie on the way and we talked a lot about upcoming plans (birthday parties on the weekends of December 9 and December 16, our trip to Massachusetts, Zoo Lights and a school Field Trip on December 8).  I got back on I-81 and stopped for gas at Sheetz in Mount Jackson (1905).  I called Bonnie as I got on I-66 and arrived back at my apartment by 2130. What a great weekend! AT Today = 7.40 miles / G.T. AT = 1044.27 miles