Virginia

Miles: 9 I woke up early and hiked with Modelo 9 miles across the Tennessee-Virginia border and down into Damascus. When crossing the border I drew a line in the dirt and made a big deal out of stepping across it. Virginia is where the pee stick gets caught in the ceiling fan for many hikers because it’s the longest you are in the same state. It’s said that progress feels slower here but I’m excited for the Highlands, Shenandoah Valley, aqua-blazing, seeing my friends homes, and visiting my brother in DC. The very bad news is Modelo must go home tomorrow. His mother is seriously sick. I will really miss hiking with him. Getting to Virginia is atleast a decent run and he’s already hiked the PCT. I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns next year or so to finish. I bought new actual hiking shoes. I loved my keen sandals but I can’t afford to sacrifice the support trail running shoes offer. I’m done with the hiking staff I had been using for the past week. Modelo gave me his poles which at…