Central Virginia

Good Morning Everyone! I'm currently in Daleville/Troutville. Antspants and I split a room at the Comfort Inn last night, and had some amazing mexican food. We pushed a big 30 mile day into town yesterday. That kind of mileage isn't too out of the question these days, and around 23 we consider comfortable. I'm feeling good today after the long hike. I think this is mostly due to all the stretching I've been doing recently. I can put my hands flat on the ground now! When this leg of the hike started, I couldn't hardly touch my toes.

Two days ago, we woke up early to get the hike done with earlier in the day. The goal for the day was to hike 23 miles to Byrant Ridge Shelter. Well, we got up at 6A and we were on the trial by 7ish. At 10:30 we had only 6 miles done. Sitting down, taking a break I had no desire to hike at all. I just didn't want to. It was a terrible feeling not wanting to hike and knowing that we still had 17 miles to go for the day. I started complaining to Antspants about not wanting to go anywhere. Usually when one of us doesn't want to hike, or something of the like that we've set out to do, the other one does and we hike or whatever. But today neither one of us wanted to, so we sat there and read for 2 hours. After reading a bit, the prospect of hiking wasn't as bad as it was before, but I still didn't want to. Every once in a while it is hard to find the motivation, and want to hike. I think repetition is wearing on me a bit. The trail is amazing and beautiful everyday, and I wish I could feel that way about the hike everyday. It could also be a case of the 'Virginia Blues' or being in the same state for so long that it doesn't feel like you're making much progress. But I know I'm making good progress. Everyday is awesome, and I really look forward to it! Love waking up in the woods!

Recently I've seen some more wildlife. Last week, Antspants juggled a huge 4 foot long snake on his hiking poles, and later that day, we spotted an Eastern Coyote in the woods. There haven't been any bears around since we left the Shenandoah; guess they know where to go for food.The weather is still awesome, although I think some rain is coming later this week. Hiking in the morning is the best, and yesterday Ants and I got started around 6A. It was still a little dark outside, be cool morning air was great! It's getting pretty hot later in the day, guess that's because we're getting further south. Looking ahead, the terrain is flatish, so Ants and I will be making good miles. McAfee Knob is later today!!! McAfee Knob is this rock outcropping that juts out from the side of this mountain with a beautiful view. Total mileage is 1460, and with 719 to go. Today marks my 87Th day on the trail! Wow! Thanks so much for reading! Hope you are all doing very well!

The Kid