Sprout Day 172 (Thursday, September 15, 2016)

Today we hiked 12 miles to the parking lot at US 60, which will take us into Buena Vista, Virginia. We're excited to get into town because Bubbles has been hiking in Crocs for the past four days and has shoes at the post office waiting. The hike into town wasn't too bad, there were some ups and downs but the hike was nice.

I got to the parking lot at Route 60 and met up with Whiskers. He was there with a few other hikers as well. Three hikers were getting picked up from someone and one other hiker, PJ, was getting picked up by his uncle. He knew we needed a ride and offered us a ride into town. We were relieved because the nine mile hitch into town could have been difficult for 3 smelly hikers!

We went to the Glen Maury Park Campground at the edge of town. No one was working when we got there but the showers were free and someone told us to pick any spot and set up camp. I think I can get used to this Southern hospitality!

Next, we got a ride to a Mexican restaurant and had dinner. Then we made our way to the campsite. It felt amazing to have a hot shower.

Our plan is to get up early and get breakfast, then head to the post office because they open at 8:30. We have to get our resupply and Bubble’s shoes. The air is starting to feel like fall. I love all the different seasons and the changes they bring!

Make sure we are heading in the right direction

Met a fun guy on the trail today

As the season changes to autumn the greenery is becoming more subdued

Time to climb

Still blooms on this tree

View from the campground

Day: 172
Miles hiked: 12.1
Total Miles hiked on the trail: 1388.4
Baby Bear: 1
Bald Eagle: 1
Bluegill: 2
Butterflies: 8
Chipmunks: 3
Cows: 24
Crawfish: 1
Deer: 20
Donkeys: 2
Grouse: 1
Horses: 15
Hummingbird: 1
Inchworm: 1
Really Big Dog: 1
Mice: 2
Moose: 2
Nest of bugs: 2
Newts: 2
Owl: 1
Rabbit: 1
Red Squirrel: 1
Skunk: 1
Snail: 1
Snake: 2
Squirrels: 12
Toads: 3
Trout: 2
Turkeys: 4
Turtles: 107
Vultures: 6
Woodpecker: 1