mount rogers, highest in Virginia

Most people warned me that there is not a lot to do around Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Even when calling in search of housing, one realtor told me that "I better bring some fun, because there ain't none here." But when you love the outdoors as much as I do, there are plenty of things to do. This was evidenced in conversations with my CI, who also likes to be outside, that went something like this: there's this great hike...and this state park...and this camping site....and its an easy drive to Asheville...and..... Now it seems like there is almost TOO much to do, and there aren't enough weekends to do it.
This saturday though, we hit one site that I really wanted to conquer: Mount Rogers. Not only is it the tallest peak in Virginia, but its along the Appalachian Trail and is high enough that the temperature is 10 degrees less than the Gap. This was a blessing as the high on Saturday looked to be 91 degrees. To get there, we drove east towards Abingdon, which is known to be a cute little town, almost metropolitan in these parts. We then crossed under 81 and made our way through Damascus, which is known to be the friendliest town on the AT, and it looked the part. Restaurants, bike shops, outfitters, campgrounds, everything that a trekker could want. It also is a starting off point for the Virginia Creeper Trail, 35 miles of bike trail that goes from White Top Mountain through Damascus to Abingdon. Save that for another weekend. Past Damascus, we drove up switchback after switchback until, nearly nauseated, we made it to Mount Rogers.
The hike began with an open meadow, filled with dozens of butterflies, and a cool breeze that blended perfectly with the warm sun. We couldn't have asked for better weather. After about a half mile, we hit the AT, which was much more challenging than I imagined, not a smooth path, but instead lots of rocks to clamber over. The majority of the trail is above the tree line, with open meadows, bright green grassy hills, dotted with charcoal gray boulders. Aside from the pine trees in the backdrop, I could have been in Ireland. We climbed up one of the boulders to get a panoramic view and eat our lunch. As we sat and enjoyed the breeze and the view, we saw a group on horseback, cowboy hats and all. As I caught sight of the dog running amidst the horses and their riders, I then thought I might have been in Wyoming. Both Brittany and I remarked that this was a unique Virginia hike as it was not tree covered and you could actually see the expanse of the Blue Ridge all around you. This Western girl was in heaven. The path led us past many AT trekkers, some walking, some napping in the shade. We finally made it to the spur trail that led to the summit. This became immediately covered in trees, unfortunate for a summit trail. Actually most about the summit trail was unfortunate, namely it ended with no demarcation that you had just reached the highest altitude in the state. Instead, a tree stump with one last blue blaze was the indication we had reached 5,700 feet. A little disenchanted, we turned around to head back, but were quickly reminded of the amazing beauty of 90% of the hike. I feel like I cannot do justice to the beauty of this hike. Hopefully the photos help.