May 30 (Day 74) - Pearisburg, VA to Random Campsite

Despite lacking sleep and feeling ill (for some unknown reason, of course), I hiked out of Pearisburg.  I stopped at a campsite roughly five miles from town and called it a day.

May 29 (Day 73) - Nero to Pearisburg, VA

I awoke to a view of the forest canopy above me, since I'd left off the rain fly for my tent.  McKnee and I sewed up our gear and hiked out early, anxious to get into Pearisburg, VA.  Though, McKnee may have been a little more motivated, as his family was meeting him, and he raced off ahead of me.  I took my time, enjoying the views and leapfrogging with Cozy and Indigo (and her dog, Bailey).

Once in town, McKnee and I ate at Dairy Queen.  I was ravenous and downed two Flamethrower burgers, two orders of fries, three Mountain Dews, and a mango/pineapple smoothie.  I know, I know...I've turned into a gluttonous pig.

The massive intake of calories made me a bit lethargic, so I secured a room at the Holiday Motor Lodge for the night.  Then, Gilgamesh, Little Bear, Beer Goddess, Fast Times, and I went to a Mexican restaurant for a little food and carousing.

May 28 (Day 72) - Trent's Grocery to Random Campsite

McKnee and I set out from the field behind Trent's Grocery and hiked to Woodshole Hostel.  As we arrived late and wouldn't be able to take advantage of the amenities (given a strict 10:00 PM curfew), we collected my mail drop and continued on.  There wasn't much sense in paying $10 to camp there, when we could camp for free on the A.T.  McKnee and I found a suitable campsite, just shy of Doc's Knob Shelter.

May 27 (Day 71) - Helveys Mill Shelter to Trent's Grocery

Today, McKnee and I hiked from Helveys Mill Shelter to Trent's Grocery.  While our stop at Trent's was supposed to be a brief break for food and Mountain Dew, we decided to take advantage of camping and showers in their back field.  Robert and Melonie, section hikers, were there, as well as YNot2K, Marathon John, and others.

May 26 (Day 70) - Davis Farm Campsite to Helveys Mill Shelter

I don't know if the morning view was worth the trouble I experienced in making camp at this location, but it was picturesque.  I broke camp early and started hiking, aiming to do another 20+ mile day.  Though, I still felt a bit sluggish and homesick.  I dearly miss Christian and Adrianna, late nights watching Game of Thrones or Shameless with Dan and Jojo, and video games or the gym with Matt.

Just outside of Bland, VA, I met another hiker by the name of Gnar McKnee.  We hitched a ride into town together devoured Subway subs.  Then, we each packed out an extra sub for dinner.  After a quick resupply at Dollar General, we hitched a ride back to the trail.

At Helveys Mill Shelter, we made camp and started a fire.  McKnee, Sprouts, Achilles, Sawgrass, and I shared a fire and conversation, while toasting marshmallows that I'd picked up from Dollar General.

May 25 (Day 69) - Random Campsite to Davis Farm Campsite

I hiked well past sundown, attempting to find water, and came upon a sign for the Davis Farm Campsite.  Previous hikers had scrawled warnings upon the sign, stating that the water source was unreliable and that the path was overgrown with stinging nettle.  However, the alternative of hiking several more miles in the dark did not seem altogether attractive, so I made my way down the half mile side trail.

It was, indeed, overgrown with stinging nettle.  And, after being stung a couple times through my base layer, I decided to do some trail maintenance of my own, "mowing" the areas adjacent to the trail with my trekking pole.  Exhausted, I reached a tent pad with a small fire ring.  I set up my tent and wandered further down the slope to find water.  Thankful for small blessings, the source was viable due to the recent rains.

May 24 (Day 68) - Atkins, VA to Random Campsite

It was a bittersweet day.  I was glad to be back on the trail, but it was difficult to leave my family.  And, as I laid my head to rest, I couldn't help but feel a bit homesick.

May 23 (Day 67) - Massanutten, VA

What does a thru-hiker do on a day off the trail?

He hikes side trails in Shenandoah, of course.

May 22 (Day 66) - Massanutten, VA

Linda, Bill's mother, brought some kopi luwak back from her trip to Vietnam, so this morning's breakfast was extra special.

The best part of waking up...is $250/lb coffee in my cup.

For the uninitiated, the luwak is a civet.  The civet consumes the coffee cherries, and the beans pass through the civet's gastrointestinal tract.  Then, the beans are collected, cleaned, and roasted.

This evening, Roger, Jenne, Bill, and I went to the Flying Rabbit and shot a sporting clays course.

May 21 (Day 65) - Massanutten, VA

After a brief day hike, my family and I ventured into the Luray Caverns.

May 20 (Day 64) - Massanutten, VA

I spent the day relaxing, reflecting on the journey thus far, and soaking my sore body in the jacuzzi.

May 19 (Day 63) - Massanutten, VA

I made arrangements for my father to pick me up around noon, and I headed to Cowboys for some breakfast.  On my way back to the Lazy Fox Inn, I happened upon Stretch and Siren, who were on their way to get breakfast, so I joined them for second breakfast.  Then, I stopped at Dairy King to get a milkshake and say goodbye to other hikers.  Finally, I joined Spam at Mojoe's for coffee and to say goodbye, as he was headed home.

Four "breakfasts" later, I sewed up my gear just as it began to downpour and sat in the gazebo of the Lazy Fox Inn, awaiting my father's arrival.  Shortly after noon, I departed with him, and we drove several hours to Massanutten.  I spent the night soaking in a jacuzzi and drinking my favorite beer, Hoegaarden.