Bland, VA (USA)

Worked half a day today and made a decision on direction for hiking zone based on weather - rain was forecasted everywhere but south looked better (barely). Left DC at 1230 and used I-495, I-66, I-81 and I-77. Got gas in Marshall (1300). It was a good drive, so I decided to pass up a zone on the way, taking my chances with the rain in the hopes I could hike a longer section near Bland. Checked into Big Walker Motel (1615) and quickly put away my stuff. After getting gas (1715) and early dinner at Dairy Queen (1720), drove west on VA-42 to Ceres and then headed off road on VA-625. I was a bit concerned about the condition of this road after a rainy summer and I did encounter several messy mud areas. Still, I made it to the AT Trailhead at around 1800 and headed NOBO. Temps in town were in the high 80s but it was cooler in the hills, fortunately. Unlike the last few hikes, there were no people at all in this area: Thru hikers were all way up north! The section had a 2000+ climb (fortunately, with lots of switchbacks) in just over four miles. I was pleasantly surprised to find I’ve retained some climbing legs this summer - I was able to keep up a 2.5-3 mph pace all the way up and back. This really made my day! No animals to see but the plentiful birds were cheerfully singing all around me. As I reached the ridge (about halfway through the outbound), I found myself in a long open clearing with views of the valleys and mountains all around me. There were ominous clouds on the western horizon but the sun was in the clear somehow. Wanted to pause and enjoy the peaceful solitude but the daylight was fading fast... Turned around at one of the finest looking shelters I’ve ever seen on the AT (Chestnut Knob). My pace picked up considerably while I was still in the clear but it was almost pitch black by the time I entered the trees again - over an hour of hiking by headlamp. The bugs were loud - reminded me of my home on the Cape. Made good time to the car, arriving at 2130 after almost nine miles of hiking. Felt very good after the hike: not too hot, good pace and finished with a tough to access section. Drive out was tough, with mud, dramatic switchbacks and non-existent shoulders. Encountered suspicious (but ultimately friendly) locals - that’s happened every time I’ve been in the area - but eventually reached VA-42 again. Drove back to Bland and went to bed late. More (probably wet) hiking and another gravel road tomorrow! AT Today = 4.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 1154.82 miles