Bland, VA (USA)

I watched the weather all week to see which direction was the best for hiking this weekend. I left open the option to depart in either direction, packing my car before I left for work. Stopped for gas near my house in the morning (0615) and took the Metro to work. I left work as early as I could (1200) and headed to the parking garage, still unsure which direction to go. The kids broke the tie by letting me know I could have dinner with them on Sunday night. So, I headed south (via I-495, I-66 and I-81). I guess it was the Easter holiday - the roads were packed. it wasn't quite bumper to bumper all the way but it felt like it! I had to leave the Interstate near Harrisonburg just to keep moving (not a lot gained but got south of the accident). Continued towards Wytheville and got in Max Meadows (1650) and switched to I-77. After all the accidents, rubberneckers and rain/sleet, I ran into Big Walker Mountain tunnel traffic. Frankly, I had given up any notion of hiking when I arrived at my destination (Bland, Virginia) at 1730. After all, there were only two hours of daylight left... Still, the sun was visible over the mountains to the southwest and my hiking zone (VA-610) was about 15 miles west of town - so I went for it! I left my car (SOBO) at 1810 and headed into the woods. I immediately encountered Thru Hikers (my first of the season) - I passed (and chatted with) seven (plus a dog) as I made my way to the turnaround point - a camping area near the Crawfish Trail (where I'd last been in 2016). The climb up Walker Mountain was OK but the descent was even better (an old fire road). The temperatures were good (high 40s) - so only had two layers - and I was prepared for precipitation. I did have to contend with mud in several places and the occasional rocky area. I didn't realize it at the time but I later learned that the area had received 17 inches of snow just eight days earlier. Today, though, there was no evidence of winter. In fact, the trail went through heavy rhododendron patches (this made it hard to see as the sun went down. After searching for (and finding) the non-descript location where I stopped last time, I turned around and quickly headed back, knowing that I'd soon lose the daylight. As I crossed the Walker Mountain ridge again (windy this time), I had to put on my headlamp. It was then that I realized that the light drizzle I'd felt earlier had turned to snow! It was pretty, though, and didn't accumulate. Still, I noticed the definite temp drop - hands were cold. I was glad I'd picked a short section because I really didn't want to stay out too much longer... It was mostly quiet on the trail by then but I was startled to hear the (very loud) "who-cooks-for-you-hoo-hoo" of an owl (I believe it was a barred owl) above me - I heard him almost all the way back to my car. For the last mile, I didn't need my headlamp because the moon came out - it was BRIGHT! I couldn't get any pictures that do the effect justice... Finished my evening at 2100 after almost seven miles (because of the sidetracks). Drove back into Bland and checked into the Big Walker Motel (2115). The desk clerk told me that the area had received 17 inches of snow a week earlier and hadn't had power at the hotel until the day before I arrived - at least I got lucky in that regard! The weather for the next 48 hours is supposed to be good so I will be staying in the area for more hiking... AT Today = 3.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 1086.57 miles