The Exciting World of Bland, VA

Since leaving Damascus, we have had much excitement, wet weather, and some small interesting Virginia towns. We sadly left several of our friends and hiking companions back in Damascus. 

We left Damascus with a heavy load full of six days of food, which paired with a few days of hard climbing on a rocky trail led to all of our feet aching. Chris's feet fairing the worst with signs of Plantar Fasciitis, along with our plans bringing us into town for our next mail drop Saturday after the Post Office closed, and the poor weather, led us to the decision to cut our mileage down going into Bland. 

To get into the bustling metropolis of Bland, VA, we got a ride from Bubba!

And were educated that Bland is more flammable before 4pm. 

We gorged ourselves at Dairy Queen since that was all that was left open when we got in. The next morning we ate ALL OF THE BREAKFAST at the Bland Corner Grill, in the back of the town gas station, store, and horse feedery. 

Then passed out on the lawn outside of the Post Office. 

Out of the two of those pant legs lying next to Chris's arm, he only left with one. Luckily three days later, the other leg was still lying on the lawn and the nice postal worker mailed it ahead to him. 

Other highlights of the town included the car wash (not for livestock or farm equipment anymore), 

and combo ministry and dental services. 

Finally, Chris went off to get his foot checked out by a pediotrist. It turned out not to be as bad as we feared. He received a cortisone shot in his foot and some anti-inflammatory medication, and was given the OK to hike on! And so we have. 

Blacksburg VA, over 600 miles and some Hokies!

OK, what is a Hokie??

We made it into Periaberg yesterday afternoon to be picked up by our wonderful college friend Fran and her b/f Greg!  Whisked away on the highway (WOW-I had forgotten how fast cars move) we arrived in Virginia Tech's college town for showers and dinner!

Also, we slept like kings! (Yes couches, but cushy, no mummy bag, no waking up to bugs, or numb limbs from cramped sleeping conditions.. Etc). It was glorious!  Also I was reminded how awesome whole house fans are in nice weather.  So peaceful!

 

The last few days have been great!  Let me take a moment to chronicle the high points and then I'll get into some "trail injuries".

Leaving the Highlands, the weather improved (finally!)

We saw cows! (I swear this one was challenging me, I kept my eyes down and hurried on!)

More delicious trail magic!

And here are a few shots of Virginia, as people expect it to be - beautiful and nearly flat (so nothing like the Highlands elevation wise)

Here comes the F-L-A-T!

Following white blazes all day, sometimes can get you in trouble-here is Jeremy contemplating his next step

Some highway blazes -

And the best angry sign from "management" ever!  Take particular note of spelling and use of apostrophes on this classy trash bag notification (people were very nice, and food was good!  I felt bad for their paint problem)

And now!  Spring, every so slowly, is creeping up here and there.  Found some beautiful flowers this past week!

Beautiful views from the Davis Farm Campaite... However it has the worst 1/2 mile trail spur from the AT.. Quite a difficult and unmaintained drop to manage at the end of the day!

I skipped Bland and my visit to a Podiatrist in this post (a very anxiety ridden few days for me considering the repercussions of a badly hurt foot on trail).  I'll write again soon and fill in those gaps!

-Category V

P.S.  OVER 600 miles!