Hot, Hot, Hot

Dinner at a real table in the woods. What a treat.

It just keeps getting hotter out here in Virginia, and more humid. That, combined with some really rocky terrain and steep climbs, made the hiking over the past two days pretty slow going. But we made it another 20 miles, and managed not to sweat off any vital organs. We stayed near a shelter on our overnight, mostly because there was a really nice creek there, and most of the other water sources we've passed lately have been completely dry because of all the hot weather. We hiked through forests most of the first day, but on the second day, after a very rocky 1,700 foot climb, we got to a great view at Kelly Knob.

On Kelly Knob.

The view.

We also did several miles of hiking through open fields on the second day. Nice views, but brutal walking exposed through the sun.

If you look really close, you can see me.

Needless to say, I was one hot and happy camper when I got to the pickup spot today. It's been so nice having the Jeep here so the Trail Angel Mamma can come get us without dragging our whole house around. The Trail Angel and Trail Dog were waiting for us with root beer and ice (oh how I miss ice when we're out overnight...), and we walked a little further up the trail to see the Kefer Oak. It's the second largest tree on the whole AT, and it's estimated to be 300 years old.

Uninspired by the promise of the Kefer Oak, Trail Dog prefers the creek.

Me standing next to the Kefer Oak. It's 18 feet in circumference. That's almost 4 of me.

An epic treehouse could be built in these 300 year old branches.

The Kefer Oak is older than this country. If only trees could talk. What changes that thing must have seen. Just one of the many things about being out here that never ceases to amaze me. Even more amazing was the dip in the river that I got to take to cool off when we got back to the RV park. Way better than some old puny shower. I don't have any pictures of the river, so another picture of the giant tree will have to do.

Save a teddy bear. Hug a tree.