Kate's AT Blog: Views along the Blue Ridge Parkway

I just made it into the town of Waynesboro, VA. It is always so exciting, (and mentally refreshing) to recharge in all of these quaint-cool small mountain towns. I grabbed breakfast at Weasies kitchen- which had a full parking lot and all of the locals. (Grampy's type of place!) I walked up and down the main street and found a doughnut truck, with a line a mile long. A lady in line told me not to miss out- the truck only comes once a week and will be the BEST doughnut I have ever had. (It was.)

The town has made a park for hikers. We can pitch tents there for free and grab a shower form the local YMCA. The pavilion had solar panels so we could charge all of our cell phones. Sweet place and hiker friendly.

My feet HURT! I am not sure if it is the shoes- my pack weight- or the high mileage. I pulled four 27 mile days in the last week. Most likely a combination of all three. I am taking a zero day here to give them some rest. I have a normal routine of soaking my feet in the ice cold mountain streams, and rubbing them with tiger balm at night. I need to keep my wheels working!

Everything is in full bloom. It has been amazing to see nature burst! Walking along the Blue Ridge Parkway provided breathtaking views. The AT parallels the BRP for several miles. Instead of walking up and down hills, I took to the road. (Referred to as yellow blazing) I received views NOT blocked by the trees and enjoyed conversing with tourist at the overlook pull offs. I even had my pic taken with a mother whose daughter my age wants to hike. (And yes, about twenty "Have you seen the movie Wild?")

I experienced my first thunderstorm. Good-knight, New Hampshire and I were happy to be in a shelter as we watched the thunderstorm from our sleeping bags. The rain eventually turned to HAIL! Every time I get close to sending home my winter sleeping bag- I hesitate and say it might get cold. I am beyond thankful I still have it!

I dodged one rainy, windy night inside Three Springs hostel. Oma cooked us both dinner and breakfast.(YUM) As we all looked outside the window, we were collectively joyous to be indoors. I always wonder where all of my hiker friends are ..scattered along the trail. I was there with Good-kinght and Rambler. I received a package from home-with some sweet new MEGA protein bars to try and my light weight hiking clothes. Thanks for the awesome package!

By the end of the month I will have conquered VA! I am currently working on a mileage plan to meet up with some friends/family in the DC area. I am approaching that 1000 mile mark!

Happy Trails- New Found