The Virginia Creeper Trail is absolutely beautiful. The AT shared the trail for a while today on a flat path along a rushing river. I was sad to see the double-blaze appear as the Creeper Trail continued on its way and the AT headed for the hills. An AT blaze is a 2”x 6” white mark that’s painted on trees, posts, rocks or other materials along the trail. A double-blaze—one atop the other—alerts hikers to pay attention. When the top blaze is offset to the right of the bottom, it signifies a change in the trail direction to the right, etc.

We’re staying at 5,400ft tonight—the highest we’ll be until we hit Franconia Ridge in NH over 1,300 miles north. Thomas Knob Shelter has a loft that we’re occupying – we came in through rain and changed, cooked and ate up here. The clouds have since cleared and there’s an amazing view of about six ridges of mountains visible now.

The really cool thing about today is that we’re now north of Mt. Rogers. That means winter is over. Done. No more 20* nights, no more snow. It will NOT be missed!

The last few days have revealed many new flowers, butterflies & an abundance of birdsong at sunrise. Spring is here. I love Virginia!