Daleville, VA

Yesterday, after forty days on the trail without getting rained on, it rained. It rained all day long, for 23 miles, and it was cold. On top of that, it was a very tough stretch of trail with several climbs and lots and lots of rocks. Definitely a low point for my morale. I did have something to look forward to at the end of the day though: the Homeplace restaurant in Catawba, VA serving all you can eat comfort food, family style. I met several other hikers there, and we ate some serious quantities of food. Today the weather was incredibly beautiful, with highs in the upper sixties and clear skies. I went over McAffee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the AT, as well as the Tinker Cliffs. Both were amazing! I got into Daleville by about 4:30 and headed to the outfitter to replace a broken trekking pole. I left behind the group that I had been hiking with today, so I'll be hiking solo until I see my parents on the 10th. Besides the great weather, I've also been enjoying the advent of spring! Each day the forest gets a little greener as more and more plants start to put out little green shoots. It's a much welcome change from the brown, cold woods of Georgia in February.

P.S. Thanks to everyone who has been leaving comments on the blog! I've been reading all of them but probably won't have a chance to comment on each one. Thank you for the words of support!!