May 23 Mile 491

Virginia is not flat, contrary to the hopes of us hikers. Today we did the long hike that takes us up to Mt Rogers, the highest mtn in Virginia. When Cisco and I added up all the "ups" we did today it was about 5000 feet! This mtn is about 5500 feet, but kindly, the trail doesn't take us to the very top- guide book says there is no view there anyway. It skirts the mtn top. On the way up we got to climb over beautiful balds and meadows. Where we finally ended up- at a shelter area just past the summit - has exquisite views of the mountains and valleys below. Another great place to have a front porch.
On the way up, Cisco was looking closely at the edge of the trail. As I got closer he said, "look here" . Down on the ground at the edge of the trail was a small hole with baby birds ! I also thought birds nested in trees! Cisco told me that he had once read that if you see a bird dart up from the ground look and see the origin of the flight and you might see it's " nesting" place. Sure enough, that's what he did. And as we peered down at the little birds, we could hear one of the parents screeching above us! So, we moved on. The weather is perfect, except for a few clouds and we are waiting for the sunset while sitting on huge boulders. One of the attractions here are the wild ponies and we can see them now in the field in front of us. Should see more tomorrow when we get to the Grayson State Park. The mtn is named for a man that was the state geologist for Virginia in the 1840s and later went on to found MIT. The mountain is covered in Fraser Firs, so hiking up here is like walking through a Christmas Tree farm. Sure smells good. Certainly, better than us hikers after a long day. And today was long-14 miles with all those ups is a bit tiring. Hope to have a shorter day tomorrow.