Cookie Outdoors

The post that was not destined to be Sorry for the dramatic title, but I'm rather frustrated. My draft post has accidentally been deleted twice now, so I'm annoyed at the Blogger mobile app. Yes, after the first time I was saving regularly. Day 62 Smiles for the marker right past the hostel The warm weather continues. If I feel noticeably tired when it's 80 degrees, how will July go? No, that's not a smudge on the camera. You can see the haze rolling across the valley. Here in the East Coast, sometimes you can see the humidity. The trail today and in several sections follows the Blue Ridge Parkway, an official scenic byway with many overlooks that connects to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Many of the views from the road are better than the trail Day 63 This part of Virginia seems to be full of lizards. Now, when I'm walking along and hear a sudden rustling in the leaf litter or understory plants, these little guys are

Virginia isn't flat Day 55 When feasible, I enjoy hiking in to town by lunchtime so I can get my chores done and still have time to rest. Besides proximity to town, the second benefit of the Pearis Ledges campsite was the sunrise. This was actually the first dedicated sunrise or sunset that I've watched during this trip. Normally, there's too many trees at camp blocking the view, and I'm not committed enough to wake up early and hike in the dark. Or, early on it was too cold and windy to want to camp near open summits. Sunrise from Pearis Ledges  I learned that Dairy Queen offers a standard fast food breakfast, but I opted for the pizza and salad buffet. The whole crew stayed at a hostel, taking over the back field with tents. I may sleep better tenting than in a shared bunkhouse, plus save a few dollars and still enjoy the amenities. Another common feature of hostels is a shared kitchen. I miss real cooking, so a quick dinner of rice, sauteed veggies, and a

Virginia begins First, thanks to everyone who reads my trail tales. I do see every comment, and it means a lot to me to have such a supportive network. Because I've been asked, if you're interested in more direct support of my hike, check out the "about me" page. Day 45 Took a zero day in town but was still fairly busy with town chores. That could include: food resupply, eating in town, gear repair, laundry, visiting outfitters or other specialty store, post office pick up or return, taking care of home business like banking or emails or anything requiring good internet or phone service, etc. New hat so I can continue hiding from the sun. Thanks Aunt Sue! New shoes are a big event One step closer to being an ultra light backpacker: I cut the handle off my new toothbrush. Yes, it might save 10 grams, but really it's to fit better in my kit. Day 46 I set a new personal Fitbit step record today, breaking 60k steps. We slackpacked about 24 mile