Mile 1358 - VA Route 56 To Mile 1336 - Humpback Rocks Trail Several weeks ago, Rocket and I were passing some day hikers who were walking in the opposite direction when they shouted out to us: "You're never gonna make it!" We started laughing hysterically and it gave us a huge burst of encouragement. … Continue reading Day 172. You’re Never Gonna Make It!

Mile 1383 - US Route 60 To Mile 1358 - VA Route 56 This morning we were both excited to be hiking again and also a bit nervous about our plans for today. Although the snow has stopped falling, there is now quite a bit on the trail, and the weather up on the ridge … Continue reading Day 171. An Amazing Surprise

Mile 1383 - Lexington, VA It turns out there is not much to do in Lexington on a Sunday in the middle of a snowstorm without a car. Fortunately we could walk to Walmart to do our resupply and also kill some time. Rocket decided to try out some possible alternatives to her blaze orange … Continue reading Day 170. Snowy Zero

Mile 1394 - Punchbowl Shelter To Mile 1383 - US Route 60 We reached the road to Lexington just as the snow was starting. It is disappointing to have to pause so close to our goal, but this is the right choice. The mountains that we could see in the distance when we arrived in … Continue reading Day 169. Lexington, VA

Mile 1416 - Stealth To Mile 1394 - Punchbowl Shelter We had originally planned to go into Glasgow, VA this afternoon to resupply. But a winter storm warning was issued for tomorrow, so we changed plans and instead hiked a full day today. That will allow us to get as many miles as possible before … Continue reading Day 168. Racing the Snow

Mile 1437 - Cove Mountain Shelter To Mile 1416 - Stealth Another beautiful day! However, snow is starting to appear in the forecast and getting worse each time we check. The temperatures are also getting colder; dropping over 20 degrees last night. Hopefully we can get close to our goal before the winter weather returns … Continue reading Day 167. Good While it Lasts

Mile 1457 - Fullhardt Knob Shelter To Mile 1437 - Cove Mountain Shelter We definitely did not save an easy section for last! There are lots of big climbs and long descents here, but they are all worthwhile. We have had a constant stream of rewarding vistas and interesting landscape along the way. I can … Continue reading Day 166. Ups and Downs

Mile 1457 - Fullhardt Knob Shelter To Mile 1537 - Cove Mountain Shelter Today the trail took us parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway for most of the afternoon, crossing it fairly often. We walked past about a half dozen overlooks along the parkway that were each deserted. We had fun stopping at each one … Continue reading Day 165. Clear Trails

Mile 1478 - Campbell Shelter To Mile 1457 - Fullhardt Knob Shelter So far the January weather here has been amazing. Cold, but sunny. We are in an area with a lot of popular day hikes, but there aren't many other hikers on the trail. So far we've only seen only one other backpacker out … Continue reading Day 164. Tinker Cliffs

Mile 1482 - VA Rt. 311 To Mile 1478 - Campbell Shelter After a much needed rest yesterday, we were ready to get back out there. Back in November we skipped a section in Virginia after an ice storm caused a tremendous amount of damage to the trail in this area. Because our goal is … Continue reading Day 163. Central Virginia Redux