Got up early and was on my way along the Virginia Creeper Trail. Nice bridges and wide path. Soon the AT got away from the Creeper Trail again, and the big climb up to the highlands started.

Got to Buzzard Rock at noon, rested for half an hour, then had an easier trail for the rest of the day.

Got really good trail magic at a road crossing. Gatorade, apples, bananas, peanut butter, cookies.

Got early to Thomas Knob Shelter. Has the nicest view from the water source on trail yet. Waited for the other three to arrive and had dinner and an apple in front of the shelter.

Another two Germans in the shelter tonight, we might be the majority right now.