Today is a slack-pack day, as Waterboy, Warrior Princess, CornDog and Orange Crush prepare to leave trail for a zero and a nero. We’ll soon head to DC for a diversion; to see Wanda Sykes!!!
Slack-pack = hiking without your full pack; the majority of your gear is delivered to your terminus. This allows for less weight, speedy hiking, happy hiker.
The AT intersects the Settler’s Museum, outside Atkins, at mile 543. It’s a nice place to take a break and soak up a little local history.
Per the museum website, “The mission of the Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia is to preserve the cultural, historical and natural resources of the museum and to educate the public about life of early inhabitants of the region.”
https://www.settlersmuseum.com/about
My first found article of “trail bootie”, a partially used tube of Buc-ees lip balm. A little underwhelming, I must admit. By this time on the PCT we found a bag of marijuana, ear buds, sun glasses, so many condoms, etc. The funny thing, this balm belongs to Waterboy. I don’t want to even think about what else he’s dropped.
This section we hiked in the early morning. It was really beautiful.
This section must have significant trail support. There are several considerable man-made hiking structures, such as bridges, marble water crossings and elevated walk ways.
The Sweet Water Venue restaurant, mile 546, is an AT stopover. Good southern fare. Waterboy and I dropped in. Outstanding collard greens and buttered cauliflower. Flavorful and uncomplicated dining.
Photos from the historic and largely overlooked Davis Cemetery (mile 547). It’s well worth the short hike.
There were trail postings earlier of a controlled burn, and a section of the trail had been closed. I’m betting this is what I’m looking at. I hope that’s all it is.
I think this might be the best memorial I’ve seen so far. Well written, and simple. What better designation than to be a friend of a trail.
Today, Waterboy and CornDog passed the “1/4 completed” marker. That’s roughly 550 miles hiked. Not bad having hiked less than 2 months. Congratulations!! 🎉🎊🍾🎈
End of the trail for today, Holston River.
