Mt Rogers - VA highest peak - 5729 ft

4 PM - my tent is pitched - sun is shining - 1st time in 7 days - HOORAY!!

We went over Mt Rogers on 5-7 in some rain - mostly overcast.

Last two days we were in Lewis Fork Wilderness and also went through Grayson Highlands State Park (494.2 miles) Saw lots of wild ponies (not so wild) - they eat carrots out of our hands - came right up to Thomas Knob Shelter. Most of the mares are pregnant - we did see a few babies (very cute) The first pony that came to camp did not want carrots - it ate lots of dirt, rain water (could here it crunching on dirt). Then a group of 6 came and chomped away on the carrots. The pony visit made up for the last 5 - 10 miles of horrible hiking to the shelter.

What fun!! It rained so much the trail was like a creek - not sure if we should hike or canoe. We had to play hop scotch - jump rock to rock to log - or Chess - checkmate was when there is not rock or log to step on and when you loose your footing on the 1 rock and slip into the creek. The trail/creek was probably a good foot deep. Now, you can hike in the creek - but you boots get very heavy and will take days to dry. Looking back - it was fun and new experience - like hiking in the snow.

Last night we slept in the Wise Shelter (Miles 496.1) - Patches & Chipmunks tents leaked again. It rained none stop for 14 hours pouring down - thunder & lighting. What fun!

Today we start off in rain - still playing hop scotch or chess. The Virginia Highland is very pretty - quite rocky with these green meadows and wild ponies. This afternoon was a pleasant, dry, sunny, mild hike. Went over Hurricane Mtn pitched tents at Hurricane Mtn Shelter (507 miles). We have met up with old friends - Storyteller, Stick man and Poppins. Poppins, Patches and Chipmunk washed in river - now they are busy making fire - so peaceful.

Tomorrow we plan to have more fun - hit the trail early - eat breakfast at Jerry's Kitchen - hoping to make it to Partnership Shelter.