Mile 495. (Zero day.) Weather.

I am addicted to miles.   

I like to see my number grow each day, like a meter rolling slowly and steadily and persistently.   I need my fix.

Standing in my way are promises of up to 5 inches of rain, temperatures in the low 40s, and wind gusts up to 38 mph.  It’s guaranteed misery.   At 5700 feet, Mt Rogers is the highest peak in Virginia.  Haven’t I learned my lesson about high elevation weather from the Smokies?

I stay in the town of Damascus to catch up on my writing.   I like this feeling of progression.   At the same time, I’m getting itchy.    My body needs to move.

My trail family calls me from the next town of Marion.   “Come play with us,” say Gadget, Kenny Powers, Magic, Jersey Girl and Hairball.  They plan to wait out this massive storm system a second day.   As much as I want to get back to the Trail, the forecast indicates they are making the right choice.

A day of Netflix prevails.   And pizza.   And beer.   And all the watermelon-flavored Blow Pops available at the local gas station.

Storm or no storm, I can’t sit idle another day.   Mile 500 is calling my name.  I will see her tomorrow!