Updates and an October Hike

A Fall Return to the Virginia Mountains.

Self Portrait coming down
Whitetop Mountain

So, it has been a while since I updated the blog.  Sorry about that but come on, I have been busy!  So to de-stress, a couple of friends and I decided to head down to Damascus, VA to do a little hiking in the mountains and then a day of enjoying the small town life in Damascus.

Gear Check!

So we arrived in Damascus last Thursday night, received the keys to our rooms in the hiker hostel, checked out our gear one last time and then headed out to the local eating establishment for a bit of pizza before heading to bed so we would be rested when our shuttle to the trail head arrived Friday morning.

Friday morning arrived cool and sunny as we waited for our shuttle to arrive.  The drive through the mountains to the trail head was beautiful and the van driver (Jeff from MRO Outfitters) was talkative and was narrating the drive with information and history of the area.  The drive was pleasant enough and after about 45 minutes we arrive at Elk Gardens trail head (elevation 4430')  for the Appalachian Trail.



Elk Gardens Trail Head looking North towards
Mt. Rogers.

 The morning was sunny and breezy with a slight chill in the air as well as a bit breezy with 15 mph winds as we entered the forest at Elk Garden.  As we enter the forest, the cares of the world slip away.  It is us and nature...no phones, no cars, not a single luxury...Oh crap....Gilligans's Island syndrome is kicking in.  Ok, so I brought a luxury or two, my Ipod and an extra fleece. 



Hikers hikinig towards Whitetop
Mountain



The morning was spent with a moderate climb up Whitetop Mountain to Buzzard Rock where we intended to stop and eat lunch.  The temperatures during the climb were perfect and a light base layer was all that was needed to keep warm.  However, as I stepped out of the forest and onto the mountain bald, the wind was forceful and the temperatures on the exposed mountain reflected that.  Due to the wind and the temperature we decided to stop for a short break, photos, and to take in the view and then push on back into the forest and find a place for lunch.



Buzzard Rock



Whitetop Mountain

  Whitetop Mountain (Elevation 5080')

  Buzzard Rock on Whitetop Mountain

As we descended on the other side of Whitetop, I moved ahead of my friends to experience the forest as a solo hiker.  The rustle of the wind in the treetops, the birds singing their sweet songs, and the ground animals busily gathering nuts for the winter are music to my soul.  There is something to be said for a solo hike in the woods to rejuvenate the body and soul.  Lunch was taken at a trail head while waiting for my friends to catch up. As I was finishing lunch, several section hikers appear with my friends from the forest no worse for wear....well, except for some severe blister problems developing which made one of my friends switch from hiking shoes to sandals....which she ended up doing over 20 miles in....talk about strong hiking...



Lost Mountain Shelter

 After the lunch break and a good rest, we proceeded to hike to Lost Mountain Shelter, our destination for the evening.  Arrival at the shelter was around 4 pm.  We busily went about our camp chores, refilling and treating water from the spring, hanging bear bags, setting up tents, gathering firewood for a fire, and getting dinner prepped.

While getting set up for the evening, the shelter was a busy place with hikers coming in for a rest and moving on as well as hikers stopping here for the evening.  By the end of the night I think there were 10-12 persons either sleeping in the shelter or in tents pitched close by. 



After dinner conversation at
Lost Mountain Shelter

 Dinner was a pesto noodle dinner, ham jerky and a cup of hot chocolate.  A fire was lit and conversations of hiking, equipment, and other typical hiker conversation ensued well past hiker midnight.  It was a great night at Lost Mountain Shelter but sleep beckoned and I was wanting to try the new tent so off to bed around 10 pm.



LightHeart Solo Tent

 If you have been following the blog you know that I have been experimenting with shelters and I was excited to be able to try out a LightHeart Solo shelter. I must say it was easy and quick to erect and even though there was no rain, it appears to be designed well and should be able to easily repel hard rain.  I guess the rain test will have to wait for another day though.  There was enough room in the tent for me and if needed due to conditions, I can move all my gear inside with me and still have room enough to sleep comfortably. 


All in all it was a most excellent day of hiking in the Virginia Mountains...and the best part, no blisters and no Tylenol was needed for sore muscles at the end of the day....at least for me.....Paws, that was another story as far as blisters.....all I can say is she is definitely a hiker. :)

Oh, total miles for the day, 8 miles, pack weight loaded with food and water was ~ 26 pounds.  The next post will detail our long unplanned 17 mile day.....stay tuned.