Day 114 - That's me in the spotlight (23/10/2016)

Another cold morning, but it turns out that climbing a long hill keeps you warm. And The Priest is a loooooong hill. It's never particularly tough, but it felt like it would never end. Kinda like going to mass when I was a kid. I guess that's how they named it.

It did end, though, eventually, and I started the ridge crossing. It was beautiful. The leaves now cover the ground completely in most places, so every step is announced by the dry crunching under foot. I love autumn hiking.

For lunch, I stopped on Spy Rock. I'd planned a quick lunch to make up for the slow climb in the morning, but struck up a conversation with a nearby couple. They were very curious about the Trail and life on it. I've gotten so used to it that I forget how remarkable it is to experience it. I'm glad I lengthened my lunch to keep the chat going.

Later I met a pair of day hikers who shared their fresh fruit (!) and gave me a packet of ProBar chews. They're sort of like GU Chews, but taste good. I may try to order some for down trail.

I didn't get my usual mileage today, but as usual, the reasons were well worth the time.

Start: VA 56

End: near Tar Jacket Ridge

Distance: 17.7 miles