VIRGINA
The Appalachian Trail is a crazy adventure that is hard to explain to people that haven't expirenced it first hand.
The days after a while become a routine, your body is on a walk, eat, poop, sleep schedule.
Wake up. dig a cathole. eat breakfast, the more calories the better. Breakdown camp. Pack your pack. Gear up. Stretch. Start walking. Walk for a few hours. Filter more water. Take a break to eat in order to appease the constant hunger. Walk until you make your miles. Set up camp. Filter water. Cook dinner. Wash your cookpots. Sign the shelter log. Converse about miles, gear & grub. Change cloths. Sleep. Repeat.
You become slightly programmed, automated, scheduled in an upredictable world that is constantly evolving, changing. The miles, conversations, internal ponderings and series of events that happen through the span of a day often feels like a weeks worth. In a way being out here slows a person down, bringing them back to basic human needs, survival and self sufficencency. Simultaneoulsy it also seems to speed a person up. The relationships and bonds that are formed are stronger and closer than most. Everyday is a differnt adventure.
Virginia is the longest state in the Appalachian Trail. "Virginia Blues" is a term used to describe what happens mentally to a lot of hikers while in VA. People get homesick. They feel like they haven't had any forward progress because they've been walking for weeks and are still in the same state. Money starts to dwindle. People get sidetracked. Ect ect. A lot of my friends and hiking companions dropped off the trail in virginia. They will be missed and I wish them the best with all of their future endeavors! RYFIP!! (rest your feet in peace).
Approaching Virginia:
The Appalachian Trail is a crazy adventure that is hard to explain to people that haven't expirenced it first hand.
The days after a while become a routine, your body is on a walk, eat, poop, sleep schedule.
Wake up. dig a cathole. eat breakfast, the more calories the better. Breakdown camp. Pack your pack. Gear up. Stretch. Start walking. Walk for a few hours. Filter more water. Take a break to eat in order to appease the constant hunger. Walk until you make your miles. Set up camp. Filter water. Cook dinner. Wash your cookpots. Sign the shelter log. Converse about miles, gear & grub. Change cloths. Sleep. Repeat.
You become slightly programmed, automated, scheduled in an upredictable world that is constantly evolving, changing. The miles, conversations, internal ponderings and series of events that happen through the span of a day often feels like a weeks worth. In a way being out here slows a person down, bringing them back to basic human needs, survival and self sufficencency. Simultaneoulsy it also seems to speed a person up. The relationships and bonds that are formed are stronger and closer than most. Everyday is a differnt adventure.
Virginia is the longest state in the Appalachian Trail. "Virginia Blues" is a term used to describe what happens mentally to a lot of hikers while in VA. People get homesick. They feel like they haven't had any forward progress because they've been walking for weeks and are still in the same state. Money starts to dwindle. People get sidetracked. Ect ect. A lot of my friends and hiking companions dropped off the trail in virginia. They will be missed and I wish them the best with all of their future endeavors! RYFIP!! (rest your feet in peace).
Approaching Virginia:
Hail on the way into Damascus, VA.
Damascus & Beyond:
Hobo & everyone's gear
Hobo
TK, Parks, Sunscreen, poofy
Above: Varsity & Below: Beachbum.
The Greyson Highlands aka home of the ponies.
Just Phil
Zander
Trail Days 2015
Nomad
Jewelweed aka cure for poisonivy
Noteable mentions in VA:
- Shoutout to a biker named Vince in Damascus who bought me & my hiking partners all milkshakes! They were appreciated!
- Four Pines Hostel, one of my favroite places along the trail, amazing hospitality and good people! I painted the front and back of the dragon wagon for them. Also note the restraunt called Home place down the road from Four Pines. Amazing country home cooked AYCE meal.
-Devils Backbone Brewery let's hikers camp out back for free. Their $5 hiker only breakfast was the best I've had on trail yet!
-Jason, who provided us with a hot shower, a place to sleep, good stories, and let us shoot guns out of his upstairs window.
-Max Factor who uses his timeshare at a ski resort to provide dirty hikers a place to sleep! He is also an amazing cook!
-Ciao-
