Tag: Shenandoah National Park
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Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park
August 7,8, 2018 Martha was having 12 ladies over for bridge. We have a small house, so I decided to retreat to the mountains in the Airstream. I am embarrassed to admit I have never been to Big Meadows, and why pack up all that stuff and only go for one night, so I signed…
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Finish Hiking AT in Shenandoah National Park
Sunday, November 20, 2016 I had seven miles to walk to Compton Overlook to meet Martha. I was sore and tired, but it felt good to be finishing the hike. It was still blowing very hard when we got up, and it was cold. The water bottles weren’t frozen, but they had ice in them.…
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Day 8 on the At, Pass Mountain to Gravel Springs Hut
Saturday, November 19, 2016 It wasn’t as hard as some other days, but it was long – 13 miles. Sweating all morning, by the time I rested at the top of Hogback Mountain, a front was coming through. Nick had taken a long break at Elkwallow Wayside, and he caught up with me at the…
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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…