Thunder Storm

• Day:  52
• Start:  642.0
• End:  657.0
• Miles:  15.0
• Hours:  5
• High temp:  66
• Low temp:  50
• People met:  6

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Wild iris are starting to show

 

Ominous clouds blanket the sky with the threat of rain. Thunderstorms are forecast for today with 100% rain predicted. So far just some sprinkles now and then. The trail leads me uphill for a while then evens out following the ridge from mountain top to mountain top.  Once on the ridge I encounter jumbled rocks to navigate combined with the wind.  I can hear the rushing sounds of the wind gusts coming up the mountain side in the tree tops. So far the trees are protecting me from the raw force of the wind. Occasional drops remind me of the forecast, but no thunder yet. 

 

Today there are pink ones 

The understory is lush with changing foliage as I move along the trail. I hike into an open bald where the wind picks up pushing me about. 

 

A nice reward view 

 

 

The last view before I drop into the forest 

I descend from the splendid views back into the forest and now there is thunder. As the rain starts I question if I really need my jacket. Since the rain is not relenting the answer is yes time to put it on. I make Stony Creek Road where there is a ride to take me to Angel's Rest.  

I have resupply boxes redirected to the Angel's Rest from the post office. A lighter sleeping bag as the days warm up is needed, so I send my warmer one home. Resupply food plus socks I'm looking forward too.  I have time left in the day to get my chores done and mail my package home. A successful day. 

Pearisburg

• Day:  51
• Start:  628.3
• End:  642.0
• Miles:  14.3
• Hours:  8
• High temp:  83
• Low temp:  57
• People met:  1

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A few of these beauties showed up today

After our community silence and sharing we enjoyed a breakfast of homemade sausage, skillet scrambled eggs, baked French toast and homemade bread. Plenty of fuel to hike until about noon.  I say my goodbyes and am sad to leave Glove and Maple, their positive energy and honest discussions are a joy. 

This is the first gap where I don't have a serious uphill climb.  Although my start is 0830 hrs I will be ok a the trail is easier now.  

 

Nice view clearing. Powerlines always make a good clearing. 

 

This is a great view spot with nice rocks to rest upon

I notice the taller trees are budding leaves but slower than the smaller trees below. Perhaps the tall trees are giving the new little trees a head start before shade closes in. 

 

Love these delicate, little gems

 

Pearisburg below from Angels's Rest

On my descent to Pearisburg I take a short side trail to Angel's Rest a large rock with a great view. Today's trail has been nicely rewarding with great views. As I drop lower the forest becomes denser with growth and an appreciated shade. 

 

 

Thankful for the shade as the afternoon is warm

A asphalt road appears, I know this is Cross Road the easiest way to town. I walk in the afternoon sun down the road to town. A further walk to the Angel's Rest  Hostel and I can rest a bit. After checking in and claiming a bunk I continue hiking another 4 miles to round out the hiking day. 

 

The first green spot today 

 

Angel's Rest amenities house. Shower, kitchen, tv, and laundry 

 

Bunk house

 

My bunk

The Angel's Rest is a new hostel starting late last year. The owners are pleasant and seem to care while showing a good business savvy. Tonight for dinner they are hosting tacos.  There is more than enough to go around so I eat 6, delicious.