The next thing on the trail is the norovirus… Who got hit, where did they go, how did they behave… I replace the hand sanitizer in my little containers with some liquid, biodegradable hand soap. People get scared of people, of shelters, of hostels. I try to continue hiking and behaving normally, sleeping in my tent when the weather collaborates, otherwise I keep using shelters but I was my hands obsessively. I stop using my filter, preferring to boil or chemically treat my water.
Of course, this is the moment when Dame Nature decides to give us water… a lot of it! At some point I lose my courage, even zeroing in a shelter.
The next section of the trail is a dream coming through for me. The ” Triple Crown of Virginia” was one of the first images to come to my mind when I didn’t know much of the entire Appalachian Trail adventure, in particular the famous image everybody posts on McAfee knob. Actually, last year, when I was hiking a section of the Mountain to Sea with my daughter, she asked me what section of the AT I was the most excited about and this is the one I mentioned to her. I was going to get my own picture on McAfee knob! Now that it is done, without wanting to deny the undeniable beauty of it, I realize there are WAY more to the AT than this very popular and touristic spot.
The whole Triple Crown for me starts from a hostel situated just north of Dragon’s Tooth. I slackpack this section, going southbound from the hostel, since I had heard of its technical difficulty. Later on, I admit I could have done it with my pack since I end up to be too much of a wimp to actually climb the whole thing! There is still some rock climbing to get there, but I think I could have managed with my backpack. Nonetheless, a day without 35 pounds on one’s back is always appreciated!
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The view from the top of the mountain is impressive, sometimes in a Jurassic Parc way, but what impresses me the most is the abundance of rhododendron and mountain laurel.
The next day, I finally go up to MacAfee knob. I am not disappointed. This place is impressive and makes you feel so small!
Afterwards, Tinker Cliffs shows to be some kind of a repeat of MacAfee to me, but in more remote, less touristic setting. There is a bear nearby the shelter where I set my tent up later on. Of course, I did not happen to see it.
The next day starts slow. I am all mixed up with my maps. Distances don’t match. It is Mothers’ Day and I miss my family. I want a treat. I decide to go down to Dalesville, it seems there is a Kroger nearby. I think it is a mile from me, but it happens to be 3! Instead, I end up in a gas station and I get a pint of Ben&Jerry’s. I eat it with my spork, in the front of the gas station, sitting on a plastic box. Total homeless look. Afterward I fly my last 5 miles. I sleep in my tent, alone at the shelter. Thankfully this day is over.
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The next day, I wake up at 2:45 am. Rain is supposed to start at 3 am so I decide to pack my tent and walk. I reach the shelter at 1:45pm and norovirus or not, I am going to sleep in it tonight. I unroll a tarp that is in the corner and set-up on top of it. It’s going to work. Time for a nap.
Days continue to roll. It rains a lot. My socks smell horribly, and so do my feet.
I see some wildlife.
I cross a giant bridge on the James and arrive to Glasgow.
Right after Glasgow I climb the majestic Punchbowl. Views of the mountains and the James river are spectacular.
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And then comes the Shenandohah.
I have mixed feelings about the Shenandohah. There are a lot of people, a lot of facilities, thankfully a lot of bear accomodations. Shelters are called huts and are made of stones.
We have a wonderful picnic where Truck Stop serves us venison, drinks and snacks. Bear and deer were hunted here, just down the hill.
Nature is beautiful in the Shenandoah. Wildlife is visible. Almost tame. And of course it rains.
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We’re highlighting the many threads that make Virginia so special
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States and Virginia, we’re embarking on a journey to celebrate the rich history of the place we call home. (WSLS 10)
Virginia is filled with so much history just waiting to be explored. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States and Virginia, we’re celebrating this milestone with a new series: Patchwork 250.
The series will highlight the many threads that make Virginia so special and celebrate every patch (whether that’s a remarkable person, an unforgettable location or a memorable event).
As this new initiative gets underway, we’d love to hear from you. Share your favorite pieces of history and be a part of Virginia’s ongoing story.
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Using Pin It or the form below, let us know: what’s a unique piece of history from your community that you think more people should know about?
Click here for more details.
Copyright 2025 by WSLS 10 – All rights reserved.
About the Author
Jazmine Otey headshot
Jazmine Otey
Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.
A fatal collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on Thursday evening has claimed a life and prompted a significant road closure in South Reno.
The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) responded to reports of the crash at approximately 5:29 p.m. on February 26. The incident occurred on northbound South Virginia Street, just north of Damonte Ranch Parkway.
According to the Nevada State Police, the rider of the motorcycle, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The driver of the pickup truck remained on-site, though no further details regarding other injuries or the cause of the crash have been released. Northbound South Virginia Street: Completely shut down from Damonte Ranch Parkway to Bishop Manogue Drive.
Southbound South Virginia Street: Open, but expect “rubbernecking” delays as drivers pass the emergency vehicles. Officials expect the northbound lanes to remain closed until at least 11:30 p.m. as the NHP Highway Patrol Division completes their investigation.
A new effort is being led by Commonwealth Attorney Krystyn Reid, with support from Sen. Danny Diggs to help missing persons. (Ron Lach/Pexels.com)
HAMPTON ROADS— A proposed initiative known as The Guardian Network seeks to strengthen coordination and public access to verified information when children, seniors, and vulnerable adults go missing in Virginia.
The effort is being led by Commonwealth Attorney Krystyn Reid, with support from Sen. Danny Diggs through a budget amendment to SB30. If the amendment passes, development would move forward through the Virginia State Police.
Reid said the idea grew from her years of public service.
“The difference between politics and public service is simple,” Reid said. “One is what you say. The other is what you do.”
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Reid began her career representing domestic violence survivors and said she witnessed firsthand how quickly families can be thrown into crisis.
“When someone does not make it home, that is a family’s worst moment,” Reid said. “The Guardian Network comes from a belief that we can strengthen coordination in those first critical hours and better protect vulnerable communities.”
The network is designed to complement existing alert systems such as AMBER, Silver, Ashanti and CODI alerts. Participation would be voluntary for both families and the public.
“It does not replace them. It reinforces them,” Reid said. “What we lack is one centralized, accessible place to see verified information. This is about coordination and clarity.”
Currently, information can be fragmented, she said, making it harder for families and communities to respond effectively.
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“Families in crisis should not have to search multiple platforms,” Reid said. “Public safety requires structure. Our response should be organized and accessible.”
The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula has expressed support for the initiative, citing its alignment with the organization’s mission to improve lives by advancing education, financial stability and health.
“Children are the highest age demographic experiencing eviction and homelessness, which creates unique vulnerabilities including separation, exploitation and trafficking,” said Charvalla West of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. “Seniors face increasing isolation, housing instability and caregiver strain in what many describe as the ‘Silver Tsunami’ of a rapidly aging population.”
She said the organization supports The Guardian Network because it strengthens coordination during the most critical moments when vulnerable individuals go missing.
“The Guardian Network aligns directly with our work to stabilize families and protect vulnerable communities,” West said. “When vulnerabilities are reduced, safety increases.”
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United Way collaborates with certified partner agencies across the Virginia Peninsula that focus on homelessness prevention, youth development, domestic violence response, aging services and housing repair. Those organizations would continue serving in their core roles, providing safe housing, trauma-informed care, mentorship, caregiver support and case management, while the network enhances coordination and awareness.
“The Guardian Network enhances coordination and awareness, while nonprofits provide the direct relational support that protects individuals before, during and after crisis events,” West said.
The concept also includes a second phase of development that would establish a standing advisory committee composed of survivors, impacted family members, nonprofit leaders, victim advocates and public safety professionals. A third phase would focus on identifying and allocating resources to support coordinated response efforts in collaboration with law enforcement, including ensuring necessary logistical supplies are available during active situations.
The immediate focus is Virginia. If successful, supporters say the model could be scalable to other states seeking to strengthen coordination in missing-person cases.
Reid said the goal is clear.
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“A stronger safety net. Better coordination. And helping bring loved ones home,” she said. “Everyone deserves to come home.”
