May 20 - Central Virginia

DAY #66
START LOCATION: Johns Hollow Shelter
FINISH LOCATION: US-60/Buena Vista, VA
TODAY'S MILEAGE: 20.1
TRIP MILEAGE: 797.7
MILES TO GO: 1,381.4

We were all up very early. I was eaten alive by gnats last night. I
woke up this morning with about 40 red lumps on each hand and who
knows how many on my face. Castor and Bulldog had the same problem. I
will be getting some 100% deet very soon. I hit the trail at 7:30AM.
The sun was out and the sky was blue again... At last.

My steep climb out of Johns Hollow was seemingly effortless. I took it
very quickly and felt great during it. I was so glad that I saved this
part for today and did not try to push it last night. The views were
excellent with the clear weather. I arrived at Punchbowl shelter for
lunch and Castor showed up shortly afterwards.

We sat and chatted about the nice weather, the god awful swimming hole
the shelter was named after and the murky water we were drinking. Just
then, a thunderous noise came upon us from the skies. We looked up and
seemingly as close as we could touch them, two fighter jets screamed
through the skies. It was awesome in the true sense of the word. It's
great to see we are protected.

The push to the Buena Vista road crossing was relaxed terrain and very
fast. I got to the road crossing and the typical AT shuttle services
were advertised all about. I had a problem though. My phone had died
earlier in the day. So I had to resort to something I hate doing...
Hitchhike. What's great about hitchhiking along the AT is that
everyone along the trail understands it is a must sometimes. So,
there's always an accommodating passer by that understands this. We as
hikers ask a few questions to build a trust before we ride. We just
have to be smart about it.

My ride was a very kind metal worker getting off for the day. He said
he loves to help the hikers out because of the respect he has for us.
As we rode the 9 miles into town, he told me all the places I could go
for hotels, food, etc. It was great.

So I'm at the Buena Vista Motel, and the unbelievably kind desk
attendant Becky lent me her car to go the 2 miles formy resupply. As
long as I had the car back by 8 when she got off work, I could use the
car as much as I needed. I was humbled. I filled her tank on the way
back and I hope that showed her in addition to my thanks how
appreciative I was for her trust in me. She's a trail angel through
and through.

-natedog