for Elizabeth’s T Stands for Tuesday this week I am sharing another update on our son’s thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT)…
on Friday we drove south for a little less than three hours to spend the weekend with him in Waynesboro, Virginia…
he decided to take a zero day/day off on Saturday to recharge his battery spending time with us and doing some laundry… loading up on carbs and enjoying some nice hot baths/showers too (his Dad even gave him one of his famous foot massages)…
most days on the trail he hikes 20+ miles and even clocked in 31 miles a day or two burning lots and lots of calories in the process (we have never seen him eat so much!!!)…
we enjoyed hearing about his life on the trail and got to meet some of the hikers that seemed to pop up all around town…
they know all of the best all you can eat buffets and watering holes near the trail…
the Edelweiss Restaurant was a favorite of ours on the way back and forth from Virginia Tech when Colin was going to school there… right after I explained how special the song EDELWEISS is because it was the wedding song I walked down the aisle to we stepped into the restaurant and guess what that gentleman in lederhosen was playing on his accordion ♥
thru-hikers take on a trail name…
Colin’s is Deuces…
Waynesboro really lives up to their city motto of Hospitality in the Valley by offering free rides from the AT into town with everyone being very friendly and gracious (they maintain a volunteer calling list to provide rides to hikers all around town)…
by Sunday morning he was itching to get back on the trail so he enjoyed a last big all you can eat breakfast at the hotel and we bid him Auf Wiedersehen after a quick Traveling Tea Cup photo (pinkies in the air)…
~♥ happy trails to you ♥~
Magpie's Nest ~*~ Patty Szymkowicz 
Somehow I think I misunderstood this trek your son is on. For some reason, I thought he not only slept in the wilderness, but had to build his own fires and cook his own meals.
Is that stout beer I see at the Devil’s Backbone? That’s the only beer I’ll drink.
These are some fantastic photos that you, Mr. Magpie, and Colin took. The heights are giddying and even the photos scared me a bit. But it looks like Colin is definitely up to the task.
Thanks for sharing this update on Colin, the fun you had at the various places you visited over the weekend, and the traveling teacup (and pinkie in the air) with us for T on this soon-to-be Tuesday,.
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You understood correctly Elizabeth. But after hiking for almost two months he was ready for a break. A thru-hike is typically done within a years time from start to finish. There are various reasons a hiker might have to take time off as you can imagine. Some hikers are called section hikers doing the trail in chunks over a year’s time. Colin hopes to continue with his hike north taking a zero day as needed (a break). The hikers have to leave the trail now and then to get food restocked and such. Carrying food and water can be quite heavy for a week or longer. They may decide to put up their tent and stay put for a day which is also called a zero day.
We are learning a lot of interesting things.
Sites like this one are full of info: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
That brewery had a wonderful array of beers from light to dark with even a sour raspberry one in the mix. We tried a couple of the beer flights where you get small samples and a chart with descriptions of what you are sampling.
Thanks for your visit.
oxo ~*~ Patty Magpie’s Nest Blog *“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” -Mary Oliver*
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This sounds so amazing Patty! I’m really missing the hikes we went on in Scotland, and the Lake District. It really becomes addictive. I think it’s the peace and tranquility, and the wonderful nature, the being ‘at one with the Earth’! I wish your son continuing happy travels.
Hugs,
Alison xox
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Love the trekking trails and the idea of being in the Wilderness..
I have a joke to share about the EDELWEISS song. As a girlguide.. for many years.. we were told that is an Austria National Song.. and we should be serious about it when we sing it.. Then.. when the internet era came.. we googled it.. OMG.. it was not.. lol.. but we still love this tune and always sing with pride during campfire
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Thanks for sharing the photos of the visit to your son. He is looking well and fit, and I am sure he needs lots of food. It’s a great idea to do that hike over the trail. I am already hearing ‘Edelweiss’ in my head ….Have a lovey T Day, hugs, Valerie
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Its a lovely landscape, and on to explore freely in I can see. With such glorious views I’m sure it makes for a nice trail. Greetings!
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how wonderful that you share his trip with us… esp as i never could go on ways like this (fear of height). i´m sure these are experiences one never forgets.
happy t-day – xox
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Thank you for showing the photos of your son on his epic journey. He will be storing memories that will never leave him.
Happy T Day.
Yvonne xx
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Oh wow – thank you for sharing…. great that he makes this … I salute him!
Happy T-Day dear Patty! Edelweiss and Austria lol…. stereotypical and wonderful♥♥♥
oxo Susi
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Wow, gorgeous photos from the trail. Do you worry about him as he walks off on his hike? I am amazed how much distance he has traveled. It is very impressive. He’s already gone so far. I’m glad you got to spend some time with him during his travels. I think Edelweiss is a beautiful wedding song. It must have some special meaning to you. Loved all the photos and your stories today Patty. Hugs-Erika
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Oh what nice photos from the amazing landscape and your meeting point.
I am so glad that you could meet him to look if he is allright and to spend a little time with him. He has the best parents ever, giving him food,love and even a food massage, hugs and kisses too. On the photo of Jim and Colin I can see that your boys are always ready for a joke. 😉 I wish Colin all the best for the rest of his journey, may he come home wise and healthy.
Liebe Grüße
Sabine xox
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What a great collection of photos! I’m so glad your boy is enjoying his hiking and that he took a day off to rest and catch up with you. I love the quotes you showed. The Edelweiss place looks really nice. It is an unusual choice for a wedding song. (But it obviously has a special meaning for you). The song is about the love for Austria. The song was written for the musical, The Sound of Music, and is sung by the von Trapp family “as a statement of Austrian patriotism in the face of the pressure put upon the Captain to join the navy of Nazi Germany…” and to say goodbye to Austria before they fled (Wiki). Captain von Trapp is mourning the loss of his country by singing about the flower is found all over Austria, and is representative of life there as they know it. Edelweiss literally means nobel and white.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca
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What breathtaking views and photos. Colin looks like he is thoroughly enjoying this special hike, and he looks good and happy too! I’m sure seeing him made you both more at ease. How nice you were able to take a zero day together. And Edelweiss- I tear up everytime I hear it in the movie The Sound Of Music…
wishing you a happy T day and wonderful rest of the week too!
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What a wonderful experience. It truly is some of the most beautiful area in the US. Happy Trails is quite fitting. xoxoxo
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What an adventure! I like little hikes 😉 but seeing someone do this one is an inspiration. Happy T Tuesday
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It seems we have some things in common. I was born and reared in Asheville, North Carolina and then spent the last 11 years in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina. So many pictures reminded me of the view we had from our front deck and windows. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through all of our areas there. At one point in my life, it ran right behind my house!
You son drinking from the “traveling tea cup”? Now that is priceless. Talk about a son standing on his father’s shoulders – I never heard of head!
Loved all the pictures Patty –
sandy xx
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Happy Trails to Colin. Loved the photos and the update for this great adventure.
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I just had to reply to this post. I am so happy you could meet up with your son along the trail. Sounds like he is doing great and enjoying it. Oh to be young again.
Hugs
FredaB
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What an amazing adventure! is he taking photos? or keeping a journal? this will certainly be an experience of a lifetime! so great that you got to spend some time with him…I can’t imagine 20 miles a day. ( I am doing good to get 5 mi. a day.) Love all your photos, the raised pinkie cracked me up, and the Edelweiss story is a sweet treasure! happy T day! ♥
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What a great way to see your son and to give him a wonderful “zero” day! A friend and I stayed in Waynesboro at the Belle Hearth Inn B&B in December. We were in the area to attend a wedding in Crozet. It’s a lovely little town. As our time was limited, we didn’t go on the Blue Ridge for hiking but did do a walking tour in Waynesboro. Not quite the same, but fun anyway!
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Amazing photographs, the scenery is so beautiful. How wonderful that you could meet up with your adventurous son on the trail. Cheers Shirleyxx
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Wow, what a fantastic adventure! Great photos, it’s very inspiring and I admire your son’s courage and accomplishment …it’s just wonderful! I love the song Edelweiss, it must have been amazing to have them play it at the restaurant and such a beautiful memory with it being your wedding song too! Wishing your son “happy trails” 🙂
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Oh Patty !!! Thank you so much for sharing your visit with Collin and his fantastic photos. Thanks for the link too. I”m sharing that with my son 🙂 Sounds like you had a grand visit and he looks as if he’s handling things very well. We watched “A WALK IN THE WOODS” over the weekend and I thought of your son. The movie was very good and I’m glad I finally got to watch it. 🙂 Happy T Day!!!!
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love your photos..I bet we are all singing Eidelweiss when looking at your post..love the phone with him standing on his dads head
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What an adventure he’s on! And he’s on his own? I guess I thought he might have a companion or two. Glad you got to spend some down time with him before he was back on the road. 🙂
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OmGosh Patty i wish him all the luck in the world!!! Have i told you that this a childhood dream of mine… ? I was going to hike the Appalachian Trail right out of high school… until life got in the way and it never happened… To this day it is still on the bucket list…although i am getting rather old to tackle such a thing , it is still a dream of mine… Have you seen the movie A Walk in the Woods with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte?? I loved it and have seen it at least three times… Nick Nolte is a little hard to take with his brash ways but loved the movie anyway… Happy happy T day! Hugs! deb
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Darling post, Mrs. Magpie, and I loved the Edelweiss story, how charming and what a synchronicity! xoxo
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I was visiting my friend Sami’s Colourful World blog today and thought of you for several reasons. The ceilings especially reminded me of you. Hope you have time to take a peek:
https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com/2016/06/portugal-sintra-i.html
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Actually, Patty, it was something you wrote that made me think Colin didn’t fix his own meals when you said the hikers knew all the best all you can eat buffets near the trail. I guess that’s what threw me. I kept thinking he must be spending a fortune eating each meal in town. Boy, did I misunderstand THAT one!
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What a fascinating post, Patti. Like Elizabeth I find even the photographs scary, all these heights and wilderness. Colin looks very fit, what a super photo of him with the travelling teacup.
The last three photos made my hair stand on end, so I can only imagine how you felt seeing him striding away.
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I’m glad it is going so well for him. He is looking great! And I loved each and every photo! Our niece Olivia did that last summer and it’s quite the trek. I really admire these hikers and I’m glad he got a zero day to chill out. (I remember Rick’s brother, who lives very near the trail, had a houseful when Olivia and her gang hit Pittsfield. He said he’d never seen people eat so much in his life and he and Elaine were delighted to feed them all they wanted — and extras to take along for lunch!).
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Just imagine the feeling of achievement your son will have when he finishes. I think it is amazing that people take on this sort of thing. I enjoyed the peek into the hike that you fave us.
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Good to spend some time with your son, just to assure yourself that he’s okay…and to help him refuel. Mind you, seeing those last pictures made me tear up – and he’s not even MY son!!
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Patty, how did I miss this ,…..
Colin surely is experiencing a wonderful time in his life, with this hike, so filled with ( I can imagine) amazing nature , meetings with other hikers, now and then, and the being alone with himself and the big life surrounding him. I love the Edelweiss story, dear, and of course know the song 🙂
Also I love the name your son has ,as hiker, a lovely name, meaning the gesture for piece . I`m happy for you, you got to meet him along his route, to dine with him and hear some stories from his tour.
I wish him many more wonderful experiences on his further tour.
Hugs,Dorthe
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Wow, Patty, I’m in awe! I have heard and read a lot about that trail. It is such a beautiful trail, but also such a challenging one. Great job your son is doing! Thank you for sharing his story with us. Sending you hugs, xx
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Wow! Colin is certainly covering some miles! I would think that ‘all you can eat ‘ places are really popular ! Love the photos and wish him well as he continues his trek! Hugs, Chrisx
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I asked for and received my latest update! heehee
Omgosh- what a character that Colin is! He must be a joy to be around Patty! Love the photos and so happy you were able to meet and spend time with him! xx
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