Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

After looking at the weather and terrain this morning, I decided to return to the trailhead on VA-615 (same place as yesterday). I had breakfast at Dairy Queen in Bland (0815) and then drove to the AT. By 0820, I was hiking, SOBO into the woods. Within the first 100 yards, I began to encounter areas where many of the trees (including large ones) had fallen on the trail. And, even worse, some of the standing trees made loud (sometimes disconcerting) groaning noises, like they were also about to fall... Let’s just say that this motivated me to get to the top of the ridge quickly! I started the day with a light jacket because it was breezy and overcast. I took off the coat within the first hour, though, after the Jekyll and Hyde weather showed its cards: it went from sprinkling to sunny (and warm) to windy to cloudy again. It was a pleasant day mostly but I was never sure what was going to happen! I met one Thru Hiker (opposite direction) all day. We had a brief chat about the Bubble, trail difficulty and mileage goals. After that, I had to hike down a steep hill to a pretty creek near my turnaround point, Jenkins Shelter. Thought I’d see some more people in that area but I never did. The climb back up to the ridge took a lot of energy but I felt good after I reached the top. Also made excellent time to my car, finishing over nine miles by 1200. Once again, though, the mileage in the trail guide and my pedometer didn’t seem to match (not as bad as yesterday). Taken together with some intel I found in a hiker blog yesterday, it seems that the mileage in the whole area is suspect. Oh well. Left Bland at around 1245 and began my drive back to NoVA (ugh)... Used I-77 and I-81 to get to Harrisonburg. Got a gas fillup at Sheetz in Harrisonburg (1520). I took a shower at Erin's and then ate dinner (O'Neill's Grill) with her and Brenna at 1630. Had a nice conversation - very glad I visited. Left Harrisonburg at around 1745 and immediately encountered a big traffic jam (of over three miles) on I-81. Eventually arrived back at my apartment at 2010 (no parking - grrr). Feeling great after my weekend on the trail! AT Today = 4.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1097.87 miles