Thirteen-miles running on the Appalachian Trail from Sam’s Gap to the summit of Big Bald (5,516′) and back, followed by some hiking on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Asheville later in the week.

First visit to Little River Canyon National Preserve, which appears to have plenty of backcountry roads and trails worth exploring in the future.

First visit to the local national forest: From highway 82, Lake Payne Rd / 726 (past Shiloh Methodist Church) to forest service roads 738, 707 / 710 / 705 / S. Sandy Rd, and then back to 82 – mostly driving with a few foot excursions at spots that looked promising.

Last family hike in Virginia before the move: Horse Nettle Trail and a few of the unmarked trails just off the forest service road by our house.


Paced Henry during the Brush Mountain Breakdown 5k in the Jefferson National Forest, where he was one of the top fifteen finishers in 36.17.

Henry leading at the start of the race.