So what’s a zero? A rest day, hiking 0 miles, and that was today.

I woke up to pouring rain and thunderstorms, So it was a pleasure to spend the day indoors.

Made a trip to the post office and Pearis Merchantile. They had an amazing selection for hikers; bought a new belt and cooling towel. Supposedly a heat wave is on the way! 🥵

Went to the Mexican restaurant across the road for dinner.

I’m planning on an early start in the morning. It’s off to Woods Hole Hostel tomorrow. It has a reputation as one of the best hostels on the AT.

Woods Hole Bunkhouse

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #9 (5/17/19)
Start – Pearisburg,VA (637.0)
End – Pearisburg,VA (637.0)
Today’s mileage: 0.0
Total section miles: 92.8
Total miles on AT: 809.2
Section avg daily miles: 10.3
“Zeros” taken: 1
Section avg w/o zeros: 11.6

“Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life. To find a balance in them is a skill in itself. Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have. Finding them in each other – activity in rest and rest in activity – is the ultimate freedom.”

I woke up on top of the ridge today; it was cold but oatmeal and hot chocolate/coffee hit the spot. I was hiking by 7:30 AM.

The views along the ridge continued to be magnificent, particularly looking into West Virginia.

Looking into West Virginia

I continue to meet NOBO thru-hikers. This guy was cool 😎; I took his picture as he hiked off along the ridge.

Lone hiker

The hike down into town was long and arduous. I stopped for water along the way. The water filter I’m using (Sawyer Micro) seems to be doing well, even though some people say it tends to clog.

Pearisburg is a fairly industrial town, but it’s very hiker friendly. I’m at a motel for the night and plan to take a zero tomorrow. The ladies at the motel did my laundry for me and I am making repairs, etc.

Chemical Factory

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #8 (5/16/19)
Start – Stealth Camp / Spring (645.2)
End – VA Rte 100, Pearisburg (637.0)
Today’s mileage: 8.2
Total section miles: 92.8
Total miles on AT: 809.2
Section avg daily miles: 11.6

If you’re not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you’re not a conservative at forty, you have no brain. – Winston Churchill

Today was totally amazing! It started out at Baileys Gap Shelter. The night was cold, but it warmed up quickly during the day and the sky cleared. It was absolutely perfect hiking weather.

I made pretty good time and had another 15 mile day! There was one big climb up Peters Mountain which included lots of switchbacks.

I met several southbound section hikers today. Now I know I’m not the only one. I met Mr Potato Head and Two Whoppers. They’re both ahead of me now but I might see them in town tomorrow. I’m headed into Pearisburg to do some shopping and make some repairs.

Mr Potato Head

Two Whoppers

The views from up on top of the ridge were totally amazing today. I hiked through an old apple orchard with open views into West Virginia.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #7 (5/15/19)
Start – Bailey Gap Shelter (660.2)
End – Stealth Camp / Spring (645.2)
Today’s mileage: 15.0
Total section miles: 84.6
Total miles on AT: 801.0
Section avg daily miles: 12.1

Did you notice? I made a big milestone today. 800 miles!

Things will get better – despite our efforts to improve them. – Will Rogers

I left War Spur this morning about 8 am; had a nice breakfast with others at the shelter.

Started out the day with about a 2,000 ft climb to the ridge at over 4,000 ft. Then it got cold. 🥶 My watch said 38 degrees and the wind was howling! Cell reception was spotty but I think I got my blog posted. I took a little video at Wind Rock up on top.

The last part of my day was a 3 mile descent through a rock field. Although there were some nice ferns.

The 8.8 mile hike to Bailey Gap turned out to be a tough one. Tomorrow looks to be easier. I’m hoping to do 11+ miles and camp along the WV/VA border on top of the ridge.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #6 (5/14/19)
Start – War Spur Shelter(669.0)
End – Bailey Gap Shelter (660.2)
Today’s mileage: 8.8
Total section miles: 69.6
Total miles on AT: 786.0
Section avg daily miles: 11.6

You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks. – Will Rogers

I’m in an area with a little cell service. My posts may be day to day now.

Patience is a virtue – Puffin