Setting My Sights on June

And picking up where I left off

My next free week for hiking is June 10-14 (plus the adjacent weekends), and I think I’m going to pick up where I crapped out on my last section hike. Right where the dead possum was, i.e. VA624. Also known as mile 703.9 per Guthook.

As chance would have it, Glasgow VA is at mile marker 786.5. Or at least the footbridge over the James River is.

Just a short roadwalk away from the bridge is Stanimal’s second hostel, recently opened in the small town of Glasgow VA. And I have confirmed the presence of a pizza joint in this lovely village.

I have tentatively mapped out a 7-8 night trip, presuming I can get a shuttle from Stanimal’s down to Dead Possum Rd. Unfortunately, the elevation profile for this stretch of trail looks like an EKG from hell.

My rapidly fossilizing joints didn’t enjoy the terrain on my last section hike, and it was friendlier. But I’ve got 5 weeks to lose 10-15 lbs., and that should help, along with upping my daily training walks. Anyway, 83 miles over 8 days SHOULD be feasible.

On the bright side, I would hit Daleville on the 3rd evening, and you’re damn right I will stay here:

This will conveniently put me across the street from a Mexican restaurant . I plan to savage it.

Also, with it being summer it looks like my pack weight will be down a fair bit. I’m going to plan for an 8 day food carry just in case, but even with 12 lbs. of food my pack should weigh no more than 25 lbs. including a liter of water. My joints should appreciate that.

And of course, I’m getting to work on some new recipes to try out. I think I’ve come up with some winners. Also, I’m planning to bring a generous amount of bourbon on this trip, because I can. Ah, the benefits of being ultralight. Some lucky shelter mates will reap the rewards.