Day 46-On, Parallel, and Back On the Virginia Creeper Trail

May 3-15.7 miles-Broken Fiddle Hostel to Lost Mtn Shelter-AT mile 486.7

The day dawned sunny. It was a little chilly, but I still started out in my stinky pink shirt. We followed the white blazes out of Damascus, and on the Virginia Creeper Trail. 

Side note...if it wasn’t the year of COVID 19, we would have taken a zero here and done the bike ride from the top of White Mtn back to Damascus on the Virginia Creeper Trail. There are a couple of companies that rent bikes and shuttle you up to the top of the trail, and you ride back. Unfortunately, none are open because of the virus. 

All too soon we diverted off the VCT and back on the AT. 

Up the stairs and back on the trail. Shortly after getting back on the trail, we saw Ed from two shelters ago. He said he’d been trying to catch us. He was camped on the side of the trail. He said he was going to have his coffee, then he’d see us up the trail. Nope. Didn’t see him all day, and he’s not at this shelter tonight...so far. 

We did a bit of climbing, there were occasional views, but with Spring in full swing, we can’t always see much. 

But, here’s one. 

We came down to a creek crossing. The water was pretty high, and there weren’t enough rocks for crossing. Sure Foot made it across by putting another rock on top of a water covered rock, but it was wobbly. I knew for sure I’d get my feet wet. I was ready to take off my shoes and socks, but Sure Foot made it better with more rocks. Trail maintenance that benefited me, and those coming behind. Thanks, Sure Foot!

Just across the road there was a very nice bridge across the river. 

Perhaps they could have saved a little on this bridge, and built a small bridge over the other creek???

As we continued hiking, we could see the VCT down below. 

There’s a bridge and the VCT down there. 

Then we began climbing...and climbing...and climbing. There were several switchbacks. We had planned to have lunch at Saunders Shelter, but it turned out it was a 1/4 mile off the trail. Instead we kept going until we found a log to sit on. 

After lunch, we had 6 miles to go. We were both in need of water, but we managed to make it to the next water source. I really wanted to take my shoes and socks off and soak my feet, but it wasn’t really a good place. Not far later, we came to a stream that had two good sitting rocks next to it. The water was cold, but it felt great on our hot feet!

Sure Foot with his Sure Feet in the water. 

Ah...refreshing!

Another mile or so later, we returned to the VCT. This time we got to walk a fair amount on it. 

Very nice!

Even a long trestle!

Just after the long trestle, the AT departed from the VCT for good. Another two miles, and we arrived at Lost Mtn Shelter. We made it by 5:15. We were glad to be done. It was a hot day. I drank more water today than I have any other day so far! Soaking the feet was a good idea. There’s a chance of thunderstorms tonight, and I just heard thunder in the distance. Guess I’d better batten down the hatches!