We completed our stay at Woods Hole Hostel with an excellent breakfast and what X described as “the best massage she ever had!” Both Neville and Michael seemed to have the knack for addressing exactly the right muscles that needed attention after 600+ miles on the AT. We both felt rejuvenated as we got back on the trail.

The first mile and a half was more of the same rocky trail we saw at the end of yesterday, but hiking it uphill was easier (or maybe we were just in a better frame of mind!). We followed a steep narrow ridge which gradually rose towards the scenic viewpoint Angel’s Rest before making a steep descent into Pearisburg. We could really feel the near record heat as we got closer to town, and were glad most of the afternoon had been spent at a cooler 3,500′ above sea level.

Most of our hiking bubble makes their way another mile to Main Street and a motel with a pool and closer location to a super market and restaurants, but we find a threadbare, hardly looks open place just off the trail. Skeeter at the Rendezvous Motel was very accommodating, helping us get to Food Lion to buy groceries, and to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner. It’s been great to have the luxury of hot showers and prepared meals for four straight days, but tomorrow the trail moves away from civilization for the next hundred miles…