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Day 7 on the AT, Skyland to Pass Mountain Hut
Friday, November 18, 2016 Mostly, it was a beautiful hike today. I ate an early lunch at Pinnacles Picnic Area. It’s a luxury to sit at a picnic table and eat. A couple of hours later, I stopped at Bird’s Nest 3, a day-use shelter. Just as I was getting ready to go, a truck…
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Day 6 on the AT, Rock Springs to Skyland
Thursday, November 17, 2016 It’s not far to Skyland, and it really wasn’t a hard hike, but I was worn down. It took me all morning. As I approached, a lovely voice said, “Stay the night!” Huh? “Stay the night. Get some rest.” Great idea! I’m in! I walked down to the lodge and went…
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Day 5 on the AT, Bearfence Hut to Rock Spring Hut
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 I felt like I was getting somewhere now. I had crossed Rt. 33 and was headed to Big Meadows, a place I was familiar with. I climbed up Bearfence Mountain that had a great overlook. There was a loop trail there, but I wasn’t sure where it led, and I didn’t…
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Day 4 on the AT, Hightop Hut to Bearfence Mountain Hut
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 I woke up early feeling pretty good, but it was so nice just to lie there for a while in the quiet. Sure there were noises in the night. Mice scrambled around the hut. Squirrels combed the gutters for nuts, and something walked around outside. The big full moon was great…
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Day 3 on the AT, Pinefield Hut to Hightop Hut
Monday, November 14, 2016 Since I went to bed so early and slept so well, it wasn’t hard getting up at 5:00. I knew the game now. Get your ass in gear and get going! It takes a while though. Gather some firewood trying not to wake the neighbors out back. Now go fill up…
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Day Two on the AT, Blackrock Hut to Pinefield Hut
Sunday, November 13, 2016 Everyone started getting up at 5:00. There were three up top. I apologized profusely for waking them, and told them my story in a shorter form. They were sympathetic, but all business. They were just there for the night and a two-day hike, so they headed right out to a beautiful…
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Starting the Hike on the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park
November 12, 2016 We had just finished a wonderful tour of eastern Canada in our lovely Airstream. We had done a lot of day hikes and bike trips, and I was anxious to do more. My initial thought was to hike the Smokies, but they had forest fires, bear problems and very dry conditions where…
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Stony Man Hike, Shenandoah National Park
November 8, 2016 Martha and I decided to take a hike in the park, so we drove up through Sperryville, which is a beautiful drive. Once on the parkway, we chose The Stony Man hike as it was pretty short and easy with a good view. We went down to Skyland Lodge and walked around.…
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Going Home
November 2, 2016 We talked about our favorite parts of the trip were as we drove 83 to 695 to 70 west to Leesburg, then picking up 15 south to Culpeper and Orange. Rt. 15 from Culpeper through Orange and Keswick to Charlottesville is one of the top scenic drives in America. I love this…
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On to Baltimore
31℉ at 6:00 Tuesday, November 1, 2016 We drove country roads to Merry Meadows Campground north of Baltimore. It is a campground with great ideas, but in need of serious updates. It suits our needs of visiting my sister in Baltimore. After riding in the car all morning, we took a short bike ride on…