May 24 Mile 502

A milestone day, literally. Broke 500 miles! The shelter area we arrived at last night really did not accomodate tenters very well- top of a mtn with lots of rocks! Plus no campfires as the potential firewood has rare salamanders living in them . Don't want to burn them up. So we decided to stay in the shelter- it had an "attic" where we stayed. It worked out very well as it rained hard during the night, but cleared off by 2:00AM. I went outside to look at the stars- but the moon was too bright- I can see more stars in Atlanta. Did have lots of snoring though down below. Need to remember to get some ear plugs.
This morning we got up and it was pretty clear right after sunrise for about 10 minutes. We were looking forward to the hike this morning through the Grayson Highlands- a beautiful state park-with lots of rocks and balds-Cisco said it reminded him of Scotland-and we could see the little ponies and their foals that live there wild. Supposedly the foals will come up and nibble on your pant leg. Anyway, a big cloud or fogbank rolled in as we were about to set off. No views for us and no ponies out to play. We did get lots of rain and cool air- about 52 degrees. And lots of rocks to climb over. It took a long time for us to work our way picking over the rocks through the park. Like to come back someday when it's clear. It's a beautiful area and very unique. Lots of fir trees.
Decided to have an easier hiking day and went about 11.5 miles to a shelter area. Lots of tent camping here, so we found a spot far from the shelter. Too much snoring there, plus a lot of folks on vacation camping in the area. They have alot more stuff and food than we do and I'm sure they'll be up late with their electric lights.
Set up our tents and relaxed, Cisco made our usual afternoon tea, we built a fire and settled in. But then the rains came, so we went back into our tents to wait out the storm. Then made dinner.
The trail today and the mtns are so different than Ga, NC and TN. Much more genteel ( it is Virginia after all) and refined, though high, so far. While there are certainly lots of rocks, the trail is not as exhausting. No "pointless ups and downs" yet, anyway. And beautiful meadows and balds to hike through with brilliant yellow wildflowers. I like Virginia so far.
There are lots of nasty flies at this campsite. The most I've seen. They seem to like the top of my tent fly, as they are all gathered there. Luckily they can't get to me, cause of the netting.
Knees still a little achy, but ok. Another big blister on my left foot. When will they ever cease! But at least I am able to pad them for walking and have no pain. So, all in all, things are good.