Taking off deeper into Virginia has been quite a roller coaster. Rainy days have drenched us, sunny days dried us... And all our belongings, and the weather has finally warmed up! Spring is officially here! 
Sunset at Chestnut Knob Shelter. This shelter was unique in that it was a concrete block shelter, fully enclosed with a door.... Cool! There arn't many doors out here in the wilderness.
My favorite place we have stayed at so far was this slice of heaven, Woods Hole Hostel! Known for the historic 1800's chestnut-log cabin. Roy and Tillie Wood opened the hostel in 1986 and Neville and her husband Michael continue their legacy. They place an emphasis on sustainable living through beekeeping, farming, organic gardening, yoga, and massage therapy.
Dinners were the best I've had since starting the trail! Neville makes multiple loaves of her own delicious bread everyday and serves it at dinner with whatever mouthwatering meal she comes up with. Salad, entirely from her garden, tomato soup and a stew over rice was dinner our first night here.
Followed by a homemade cake to celebrate Rambo's 20th birthday!
^ hostel cats!!! :)
Neville and Me
Rambo, Halfmoon, Mamma Bear, Joules, and Canary loading up the truck to get back to the trail.
In order to do laundry... We resorted to wearing the clothing we found in a hiker box... This is what Young Beard found.
Stonebear and Me!
Our hiker friend Heiko from Germany!
We had the pleasure of staying at The Captain's one night. He lets hikers camp in his front lawn and set up this awesome zip line to cross the creek.
This is the Keffer Oak, which is the largest oak tree on the AT in the south. It is over 18' around and over 300 years old.
This is the Audie Murphy Monument. Murphy was the most decorated American soldier of WWII. This monument was just off the trail, definitely a humbling experience seeing this.
Young Beard's mom and Joe came to hike with us. Even though it unexpectedly rained the whole time they were troopers. They got to experience sleeping in a shelter with us for a night and hiking a few miles in the pouring rain. We are so thankful for the visit and deeply enjoyed spending time with family!
Youngbeards mom got to sumit McAfees knob.
We also got to go into Daleville, VA and eat at the 3 Lil' Pigs restraunt, where hikers get free banana pudding!!!
This is The Homeplace, a restaurant in Catawba, VA. The food just kept coming.... So much food! A hikers dream!
Climbing to the top of Dragons Tooth.
And climbing down Dragons Tooth
On top of McAfees Knob!
With Nala... Simulating Pride Rock!
Tinker Cliffs
Went into the town of Buchanan, VA to await the arrival of Sunshine's parents.
Hung out by the James river all day relaxing.
And got to borrow a truck to go to dinner in! I remembered how to drive a standard thanks goodness!
We also met Debra and Mike who were awesome and let us hangout at their home for a few hours until the parents got there! Thanks guys!!!!
A few days of bliss was spent with these two... Hot tub included! We got to drive along Skyline Drive and see the magnificent views!
Dinner at the Green Leaf Grill!
Playing arcade games before going into the movie theater :)
It was sad to see them go..... More on that in the next blog.
But we saw some fascinating wildlife... No bears....... YET!
^ Mr. Turtle
^ copperhead ?
^ bunny
^ rattlesnake (almost stepped on it)
^ some pups (technically not 'wildlife' but I just loved them)
We got a hitch into Big Island, VA where we met Kenny and his wife, who so kindly paid for our lunch! Thanks a million!!
Remember,
Life's short, do epic shit.
Love,
Sunshine ☀️ & Young Beard
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