Well, I have found the “bubble.” There are literally dozens of thru-hikers at the shelter with me. It’s very entertaining but not peaceful.

Today’s hike was much more interesting. I left the shelter without breakfast, and stopped at Brushy Mtn Outpost for their platter (eggs, sausage and biscuits with gravy).

Classy place, huh?

It all began with a long uphill road walk over I-77.

I-77 Mtn Pass

There were some nice views and I also walked through a burn area.

Burn baby burn… 🔥

Since I’m now more than halfway through my planned hike, I’ve added the distance to Damascus to the stats below.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #13 (5/21/19)
Start – Helveys Mill Shelter (593.9)
End – Jenkins Shelter (580.4)
Today’s mileage: 13.5
Total section miles: 149.4
Total miles on AT: 865.8
Section avg daily miles: 11.5
“Zeros” taken: 1
Section avg w/o zeros: 12.5
Distance to Damascus: 109.8

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today I left Lickskillet and hiked 11 miles to Helvey Mills Shelter. It’s off trail with a long hike downhill to water, but it’s nice.

I also saw a baby copperhead today. Other than that it was an uneventful hike.

Except I passed the 600 mile marker.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #12 (5/20/19)
Start – Lickskillet Hostel (604.9)
End – Helveys Mill Shelter (593.9)
Today’s mileage: 11.0
Total section miles: 135.9
Total miles on AT: 852.3
Section avg daily miles: 11.3
“Zeros” taken: 1
Section avg w/o zeros: 12.4

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. – John Muir

Let me explain…

Some who hike the AT don’t feel “true” unless the hike past every white blaze, others are less fastidious. Personally, I like the challenge of finding new pathways and exploring in the wilderness. Today was such a case. I left Woods Hole about 6:30 am and had the option of taking the Ribble Trail (blue below). Because of this, I was able to cover 20+ miles of the trail. There’s also a saying on the trail that goes, “Hike your own hike.”

I resupplied at Trent’s Grocery before heading on to Lickskillet Hostel. It’s an old church and it’s full, so I’m sleeping on the couch. A hot shower, laundry and left over spaghetti from the local church hit the spot.

Shower House

It’s funny how the simple things become important when you’re out here.

Tomorrow should be a shorter day, heading for a shelter about 11 miles along the trail.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #11 (5/19/19)
Start – Woods Hole Hostel (625.4)
End – Lickskillet Hostel (604.9)
Today’s mileage: 20.5
Total section miles: 124.9
Total miles on AT: 841.3
Section avg daily miles: 11.4
“Zeros” taken: 1
Section avg w/o zeros: 12.5

To the purist, everything is impure. – Marty Rubin

Got an early start today out of Pearisburg. I started out with a road walk back to the trail and a 1,700 ft climb to Angels Rest. It was nice to get the climb early. The rest of the hike was along the ridge covered with Rhododendrons in bloom! There were flowers 🌺 everywhere.

I’m at Woods Hole Hostel in their bunk house for the night. Dinner with other hikers was awesome.

Tomorrow will be another day for miles and resupply at Trent’s Grocery.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #10 (5/18/19)
Start – Pearisburg,VA (637.0)
End – Woods Hole Hostel (625.4)
Today’s mileage: 11.6
Total section miles: 104.4
Total miles on AT: 820.8
Section avg daily miles: 10.4

“Zeros” taken: 1

Section avg w/o zeros: 11.6

The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings. – Masanobu Fukuoka

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.”