Pearisburg, VA (USA)

As much as I have loved the AT hikes near Pearisburg, it was time to finish it up today. While waiting for Bob, I got breakfast at Hardees (0730) and gas at Clover Dew (0745). Bob met me again at 0800 near the Dairy Queen and we drove back to the same parking spot as yesterday (corner of Clendennin Road (VA-641) and Pocahontas FS Road. He then drove me back to the bridge over the New River (US-460) and I started NOBO on the re-routed trail section at 0815. It was foggy and cool when I started but I climbed very quickly until I was above the scud - the sun was shining gloriously as I climbed and there was no evidence of snow. The new trail was very nice - no rocks or roots. It seemed to parallel the property of the city landfill and there were some pungent odors! On the other side, I passed a series of fields with deer stands and I heard distant gunfire from time to time. When I reached the ridge, I started to get hot - and only had two layers to start - was very much enjoying the increasing temps! And then I started downhill towards my car and it got cooler again as I lost the sun. Just before I reached the road, I ran into Swiss Feet (Ryan), who had just (0945) started his climb from the place where I picked him up last night. The AT Thru Hiker purist in him forced him to go back to the last place he’d been... We chatted briefly and I wished him luck as he headed towards the Smokies. Minutes later, I was at my car. Mystery solved: the section was 3.5 miles, meaning the difference from VA-635 to the New River was about 19 miles - almost a mile longer than the 2014 trail guide mileage. Since I’m using that as my reference, I only counted 2.8 miles for the leg. Immediately drove east, headed for an unfinished section near Newport. It took me almost an hour to reach the trailhead on (gravel) VA-601 - I had to dodge fallen trees and precarious muddy tracks on the cliff side... There was actually a ton of ice on the ridge - startling after my earlier hike! As I was leaving my car (1045, NOBO), a young couple arrived and took the only other parking spot. I didn’t wear my backpack and just brought water and snacks. Layered up again and headed up a steep (and icy!) hill. After about three quarters of a mile, I reached a nice plateau. It was still icy but I wasn’t worried about falling for awhile. Encountered a white tailed deer and a father/son duo (with their dog) as I headed towards my turnaround point, Kelly Knob. I’d been in the area at dusk one day so had not seen the view. It was crisp and clear and I could see for miles. The lookout was a series of tall boulders, with nearly three feet between each one. With all the ice and the possibility of a very big fall in my mind, I only crossed one of the gaps to take some pictures. Was relieved when I was back on the access trail again (whew!). Headed back towards me car and made great time! After a long Fall with the sounds of fallen leaves to keep time with my steps, it was strange to hear the harsh sound of boots on shattered icicles. Passed a trio of day hikers with their puppies and found a packed parking area when I reached the car again (1230). My pedometer said I’d covered nearly eight miles for the day and I felt really good after my weekend of hiking in the snow. Dreading the drive home (because of the recent major traffic jams I'd seen each weekend this Fall), I took VA-601 to US-460. Just after I got on I-81, I found myself in a traffic jam (in Christiansburg). Stuck with the interstate and eventually made it to (near) Salem and found another back-up. Reacted by getting off the highway (used US-11) and drove all the way through Roanoke. Thinking the worst was over, I got back back on I-81 near Daleville and then hit another traffic jam near Lexington. Grrr... Finally had enough - got off on US-60 and drove east (through mountains). Had hoped to get on Blue Ridge Parkway (it was on the way) but there were trees down on the entrance ramp. Got on US-29 and drove all the way to Warrenton and Gainesville. Took US-15 to I-66, where I got a gas fillup at Sheetz in Haymarket (1745). Used I-66 and I-495 to get back to Alexandria. Stopped at Giant to pick up food for my company Thanksgiving Pot Luck (done at 1835) and was at my house before 1900. The only downer of the whole day was the drive back: am VERY happy that I don’t have to use this route again if I don’t want to... It was a great weekend! AT Today = 4.60 miles / G.T. AT = 1247.52 miles