Day 65: Uphill Day

Jennings Creek to Harrison Ground Spring campsite- 17.3 mi. 

Uphill, uphill, uphill. Seemed to be the theme of the day today. Our first break was at Bryant Ridge Shelter. A beautiful shelter supposedly made by an artist. It had a huge covered front porch with a picnic table. After that we climbed from 1302 ft to 4225 ft. We breaker halfway up and at the top then just hiked downhill to our campsite.

Day 64: Swimming Hole!

Wilson Creek Shelter to Jennings Creek- 17 mi. 

Not much to report today. The campsite we ended at had a wonderful swimming hole right next to it that we took a dip in to refresh ourselves after a long sweaty day. It was wonderful swim. 

Day 63: Recovering

Daleville to Wilson Creek Shelter- 11.2 mi.

Departed Daleville late at probably 2 or 3. I had a lot of chores to finish since I puked on some of my clothes and was in bed most of the night. We hiked out to the second shelter where Sota Sam, Two Ferns, and Jersey Girl were already camped. The heat of the hike took a toll on me and I felt nasesous most of the hike. Crossing my fingers I feel better tomorrow! 

Day 62: McAfees Knob & Sick Again

Catawba Mtn Shelter to Daleville- 17.8 mi.

The day began with two of Virginias biggest trail attractions: McAffees Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. After that we had some very hot but beautiful ridge walking down into Daleville. About an hour after I had arrived we had secured the hotel. Another hour later And I was puking all over the bathroom... Yes. Sick again. I ended up throwing up three times that night and barely slept. 

McAffees Knob

Day 61: Dragons Tooth

VA 620 to Catawba Mtn shelter-15.8 mi.

Right after breaking camp we crossed the footbridge over Trout Creek and proceeded to climb Dragons Tooth. Dragons Tooth on the south side is a very long, strenuous, and rocky hike up; the north side is a steep, downward, rock scramble reminiscent of the infamous White Mountains. On top of the mountain is a massive rock formation that somewhat resembles the open jaw of a dragon. Finally we made it farther up the trail to the 700 mile marker! Beyond that at the road crossing of VA 311 we had to get a mile up the road to eat at a trail famous restaraunt called The Homeplace at Catawba. It was a sit down family style dinner that had the best southern style food I've ever had. They bring you about 12 bowls of different food (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, roast beef, etc) and each bowl just gets taken and refilled as everyone at your table eats. It was wonderful. After eating we got a ride back with a nice family and hiked 2 miles to the shelter where we stayed for the night. 

Part of Dragons Tooth.