Day 50 -

Day 50 (Mike's last day)

Mike is offically no longer hiking the AT. We spent our last night with Mike drinking. Four Loco's are an interesting alcoholic concoction; and dangerous. It really sucks that Mike is gone. At least I won't be hiking solo. Paul is determined, and should be hiking with me all the way to Maine.

After we saw Mike off, Paul and I walked 23.2 miles, while hungover, to stay at Bailey Gap Shelter. Luckily it was a very nice day. On the way, Paul helped a random hiker by giving her some duct tape. We discovered she was a little nutty after she descirbed some oncoming switchbacks as "beeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuutiful." A little too much enthusiasm for something not so inspiring. Anyway, we also saw several not-so-shy deer right on the trail. I always find it hilarious when deer fail to fear people. This guy in Damascus told us that if we wanted to enjoy venison while in Shenandoah NP all we would have to do is bring a hammer. WHAM. lol. hmmmmm.

Day 51

The only way to hike more miles a day is to hike more miles a day. Thus, 27 miles we went, ending at Niday Shelter. And so much for the previous day's sunshine. This day was all rain. Day 51's highlight was a can of SPAM I found at the shelter. Somebody had left three cans (good until around 2050), and I ate one. It was a delicious 1,000+ calorie bonus. I love trail magic!

Day 52

24.7 miles took us to Catawba Shelter. We hiked across some more wicked ridgelines, but the overcast weather prevented any potential views. Therefore we did not take the side trail to Dragon's Tooth. For dinner we hit up a nearby gas station for some delcious Hunt's Pizza. Mmmmmmm.

Day 53 - 54

We hiked 18 miles to the U.S. 220 / Va. 816 intersection and met up with my friend Joe Willoughey. After we feasted on Taco Bell, Joe took us to his home. It was epic! Joe showed us downtown Roanoke. His mom cooked us breakfast and enchiladas. We watched Archer. We slayed Zombies. We hit up the YMCA gym. We partied in downtown Roanoke. We partied at a BBQ. I rocked a long hair wig (you have to see the pictures, now I am dead set on growing my hair out). And Paul slept-walk pissed on this girl's shoes (it happens, lol). Anyway, Joe's still enroute to become a Navy Seal. Badass! While we're going to college and enjoying Freedom, Joe's going to be kicking in doors and killing the bad guys. My heart goes out to him and all the rest of those continuing to serve our great nation. AMERICA!

Day 55

After we said our goodbys to Joe, and after eating Taco Bell again, Paul and I walked 18.5 miles to Bobblets Gap Shelter. At this point in Virginia the AT parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a amazingly scenic drive. We witnessed many suburb views.

Day 56 (April 4th)

April 4th is the day I enroll into class at MSU and enrollment starts at 8am. A lot of planning went into this day. We woke up at 4:30 am and hiked 3 miles to a road and another 5 miles into a town called Buchanan. We made it to the library before 8am, but found out it that it didn't open until 9am. Nonetheless the mission was a success. School starts August 31st, making that date the ultimate deadline for finishing this trail. I cannot tell you how excited I am to return to the "Land of Opportunity." Furthermore, now that we hike 20+ miles on average, the rough projection says I'll be finished with this trail early-early July. KILL!

Mike. The trail misses it's dragon. :-(