Thursday, June 23rd

Woods Hole Hostel (625.5 mi) to Rice Field Shelter (644.2 mi)

Hiking Miles: 18.7

Total Ascent: 3,972.4 ft

Total Descent: 4,071.2 ft

Total Grade: 431.3 ft/mi

Steps: 44,563

I got up early and walked the grounds, hoping to get a glimpse of the sunrise. It was mostly cloudy but there were breaks of blue sky, and the birds were up and chirping a pretty tune. It was so peaceful. 

As I typically did at home, I poured myself a freshly brewed cup of coffee and sat on the front porch. I had friends with me both animal and human while I chilled and enjoyed my hot brew. I had the pleasure of talking with Scully (her real name was Tammy) and Guinness (a gentleman roughly my age), while we waited for breakfast. Stevie joined us with a mug of coffee and he shared a seat with the resident cat.

When breakfast was close to being served, Neville (hostel owner) rang the morning triangle that was hanging on the porch. While she clanged it, her dog sang along in tune with the chime. It was so cool, so I asked her to ring it again so I could capture her dog on video.

Neville asked us to join in a “Circle of Gratitude” on the front lawn, then asked each of us to say our names, where we were from and one thing that we were grateful for. During my turn, I said I was grateful to be alive and that I was able to put one foot in front of the other each day during this amazing journey. When it came to Stevie’s turn, he said “I am grateful to be able to hike the Appalachian trail with my dad”, which brought a tear to my eye. Double Trouble kiddingly said he also was grateful to be hiking with Croc’s dad. I think he enjoyed pushing me to hike 25 + miles per day – Haha. Joking or otherwise, it was heartwarming. We were fortunate to be part of a great tramily. 

As expected, breakfast was delicious, again all homemade. We all were now well-rested and fueled for our day’s hike. Thankfully, my leg was feeling much better and I was energized to make up some miles. Our replan was to hike multiple marathons (3 out of 4 days) leading into Daleville where Smiles’ dad and brother were meeting us.

The tramily had split up late morning with Double Trouble and Smiles (they needed a resupply) going into the town of Pearisburg, while Stevie and I hiked on.

We hiked a total of 18 miles today to one of the most gorgeous spots that anyone could stay on trail. The Rice Field Shelter was located on a ridge that straddled the Virginia/W. Virginia line and we had a stunning view overlooking towns in West Virginia.

Stevie and I reached the shelter first, but before the sun set, both DT and Smiles (in that order) showed up. We all watched an amazing sunset, Double Trouble flew his drone over the West Virginia towns (it flew a long way down), and we all gathered together at the ridge and sang “Country Roads” by John Denver. It was such a great time, and we were the only ones that stayed in the shelter that evening.