Day 118, 18-Oct. Milepost: 1405.8 miles, Daily: 15.0, Ascent: 3820′, Descent: 4110′ Highest: 3350′. Town: Glasgow (Stanimal’s 328 Hostel). Great views from ridgetops on a chilly, windy morning. Warmed nicely for descent to James River. Joined three section hikers for Mexican dinner in Buena Vista. Nice, relaxing place to begin planning for colder weather into November and early December.
Day 119, 19-Oct. Milepost: 1413.5 miles, Daily: 7.7. Ascent: 2325′, Descent: 580′, Highest: 2610′. Camp: Marble Spring, James River Face Wilderness, 2350′. Excellent warm weather for climb above James River to a stealth camp in James River Face Wilderness. Short day on the trail after resupplying in Glasgow.
See my real-time location produced by the InReach unit I carry and a daily log of my progress on the trail.
Virginia has been a great section of the Appalachian Trail! The weather improved on October 13 which meant the expansive views from the ridges were awesome. I felt strong and healthy enough to hike two 20-plus mile days in the past week. The colder nighttime temperatures motivated me to make arrangements to get cold weather gear to me soon. I estimate I can reach the the end of the trail at Springer Mountain on December 15 by averaging just 15 miles per day and take four zero days. I have completed 64.5% of the trail with 780 miles remaining. The next three days before I arrive in Daleville will be great hiking in excellent weather!
During my stay in Glasgow I joined three section hikers for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Two of them had a car and the other bought margaritas for us! What a treat!
Coming down the home stretch. Virginia and the Appalachians should be lovely this time of year.
Only 780 miles remaining, keep it going!