5/22
Had a great 21-mile hike today. Hicks and Grubs left yesterday. It was nice to see them and we had a great time. Two days off in Blacksburg, VA – home of Virginia Tech. What a happening town. Food and beer were plentiful. Saw Bob Marley Band, The Whalers, perform. Next day we went back to a place I hiked through two weeks ago - the Grayson Highlands part of Mount Rogers National Park. We hiked to an outcropping where Hicks played the bagpipes – perfect setting. Other Thru-Hikers journeyed up to enjoy the show. Tons of fun. Thanks for the visit – it was a nice break! Back to putting in some serious miles.

5/24
As I sit at a campsite dozing off, I reflect on the weather. Virginia has had more rain this year than it has in 30 years. It’s been wet and cold – amazing as it’s the end of May. Very challenging weather – many people have left because of it. It can be discouraging, however, better days are ahead.

5/25
Hiked 24 hard miles today and feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. What a great feeling – pushing on towards Waynesboro.

5/27
Another cold, rainy day. That’s all it’s been doing. Hiked a non-top 22 today – walking trying to stay dry and warm – pretty tough. Haven’t taken many pictures of late – can’t see anything. Anyhow, into Waynesboro tomorrow for re-supply then I’ll be entering the Shenandoah National Park. Looking forward to sunny days and a little “yoging” (handouts from visitors) through the park. I’m told they view Thru-Hikers kindly. Hiking with a fellow – Trail Name “Spiderman”. Nice guy from Ohio.

5/30
Rain, rain and more rain. Had a nice day yesterday – and then today, rain all day. I entered Shenandoah yesterday and walked 27 mile to Loft Mountain. Earlier in the day I was sitting in the Trail eating the honeybuns when I saw a black furry fellow walking up the hill. It was a black bear – great sight, about 20 yards away, as I stood up to get a better look, it ran away. That’s the expected behavior – bears stay away, unless they’ve become nuisance bears. Beautiful park – of course everything is lush and green. I’m waiting outside a restaurant within the park for breakfast. Hopefully the rain will stop, so I can have a dry day of hiking. We’ll see.

6/1
Finally a nice day – high’s in the 50’s but feels like a fall day. Ideal for hiking. A big rain year so far, and with that comes bugs. Have to do a tic check every night – those little buggers end up in the most uncomfortable of places. Pulled a few off of me so far. Might go back to a tent instead of a tarp. Don’t know yet. Almost through Shenandoah. As you can see the deer have no fear of humans.

For more information on this portion of the trail, visit the:
Outdoor Club of Virginia Tech
http://www.filebox.vt.edu/org/outdoor/index.html
Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club
http://www.nbatc.org/
Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club
http://www.tidewateratc.com/
Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club
http://www.odatc.org/

Update 11
Virginia