Road walkin' and Blue blazin'

A beautiful day to hike - Bear Bottom Loop

It was a beautiful day for a long walk in the woods. The temps never went above 74° (and it was cooler in the shade). I saw lots of squirrels, and a turtle along the way (see last picture). There were also folks out on horses along the trail... so there a few land mines to dodge! We stopped and chatted for a little while before heading on. About half way along my planned 6 mile route, I put up my hammock for about a half hour break to rest, refuel, and rehydrate. I was able to process and talk through some things that have been gnawing at me.

Up Walkers Ridge and Manasas Gas

The weather is so nice! I got out of to the AT and hiked out to Manasas Gap. I don't think I even broke a sweat!

Happy feet

I've been having some discomfort in the joints of my big toes when I'm hiking and especially after I'm done. To combat the issue I've gotten these carbon fiber insoles... I'm really hoping they make a positive difference. I'm also wearing Darn Tough socks which are awesome and super comfy.

I've been seeing a lot of this Orange Jewelweed along the trails. It's a pretty little flower!

North Marshall Mountain part 1

I tackled a bunch of miles today, and the weather was perfect for it! I hiked NoBo on the AT up and over North Marshall Mountain thinking I would stop at Jenkins Gap, but I pushed more miles over Compton Peak! I took a big break at the parking area, hydrated, then started my return trip SoBo. All said and done - 12 miles! My feet are sore! 👣

North Marshall Mountain part 2

Miles is miles... and heat is hot 🥵

I went back to Allen's Mountain to see if my OnX Backcountry App had recalibrated... and it has! I really rely on this app for mapping out routes and monitoring my progress - working as it should! Here's a few pics from walk to the summit. I bumped into a maintenance worker on a skid steer and harley rake doing some trail work.