May 19

Started out in Daleville, VA after a peaceful night at the Howard Johnson. Split the room with Keeper and his dog, Duke.

It was a later start than normal, but calls had to be made and I had to plan my rendezvous with my hiking buddy and friend, Mike P. After Keeper and I ate pizza, again, and Duke ate cicaedas, we set off. Duke is comfortable enough with me that he'll follow me sometimes instead of Keeper. I didn't want to upset the owner or teach the dog bad habits so I pressed ahead at a faster pace than Keeper.

After starting and getting further into the woods, it really is apparent how loud a million cicaedas? (Bonus points if you can spell it in a comment) can be if chirping at the same time. To me it sounds like what I'd imagine a whole city of car alarms to sound like. It's like walking through a house alarm's high pitched squeals for hours. Tiresome.

Due to previously mentioned plan, I chose a tent spot at 737.8. The spot happens to be about 40 yards from the blue ridge parkway! Turns out that road loses some intrigue or calling when you're not in a car.