Days 61-67

Shenandoah National Park was a lot of fun. I saw 11 bears, sooo many deer,  lots of snakes, a gigantic rat, and a bobcat. There were also many spectacular views, many of which could only be reached via rock scrambles or blue blazes. Just my kind of lookout!

The AT parallels Skyline drive, the road that makes up the park. Every 20 miles or so, there are waysides, small stores or restaurants. Those were a treat! I could stop in and grab a cold drink, ice cream or other snacks. An oasis on the trail that certainly spoiled me.

Despite the many grand views, great people, and easy trail, I was ready to leave. Virginia is just so long and I was so close to being out of the state and teaching a huge milestone, 1,000 miles. That was in the back of my head the entire time. Reaching 900 miles felt almost blah. It didn't seem very far.  

Lessons learned: perseverance, contentment, embracing side trails for new adventures, and overcoming fears by facing them directly (seeing so many bears all the time.)