Long Legs and Luke

Scenic Views on Skyline Drive

Deb and I pulled into an overlook along the BRP, and I introduced myself to these two hikers. One of the guys was named Luke. Luke informed me that a hiker needs to earn a nickname when trekking the AT. He is still “Luke.” “Long Legs”, didn’t have a name other than “Long Legs.” I wonder if he was related to “Staff”. Luke and Long Legs were traveling solo, but joined forces early on in Georgia. The thrill of sleeping on the ground and walking in the rain, well lets just say it escapes me . They were getting along brilliantly when I saw them.

Completing the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T. Long Legs and Luke figured it would take them 120 day’s, and for the most part they are on schedule. I offered to shake hands when we parted, but instinctively Luke corrected me to do a fist bump. Evidently using water to wash your hands is a big deal, and getting sick on the trail can be a real bummer. Deb wondered, “Well, how many germs can there be out in the wilderness? It’s not like being crammed into a subway car.”

We prayed for safe travel, fist bumped, and I last see the two travelers enjoying the Shenandoah Valley view, and eating granola bars in my driver side rear view mirror. Good luck, and safe travels to Long Legs, and Luke.

Click here for interactive Appalachian trail map

Virginia is a very beautiful state. We did a lot of hiking at Sherando. Humpback Rocks trail was our favorite, at several points it tied into the Appalachian Trail, cool kids simply call it “The AT”.