Weekend may be a no go

Well, the weekend looks a bit iffy on weather. Alone, I would go, but I don't want to take the boys and have them disenchanted with the experience. Best to wait. I'll check the weather again when I get home tonight, and make the final decision then. I was really hoping to get out with them.

Ready to go

Well, I got the last of the camping stuff aired out yesterday and checked/updated the camp box for the season. The plan will be for the boys and I to head out Saturday morning to the campground. I'm still thinking it will be Elizabeth furnace Recreation Area. It's quiet, which is what I want, and the boys are familiar with it as well. There are lots of stream areas to play near. and some good open areas to play in. They also have hiked a one mile loop trail in there which was fun with interpretive signs. It is also close enough to Front Royal to go into town and look around too if the boys want another change of venue. I'm debating going to a full service campground for more options for the boys, but it also means steeper prices. Can't beat $10.00 at Elizabeth Furnace. Of course it doesn't have water or plumbing, but that is part of it. Have to play it by ear. Weather may be a bit iffy as well, with possible showers in the forecast. temps do not appear to be a problem.

Back to work

Well., it's back to work today. Actually kind of looking forward to it. Need to get back into the groove. I got a bunch of our camping gear aired out over the past two days, so I got a jump on it. I am hoping to take the boys camping this weekend, weather permitting.
I have committed to my first backpack in may with a group from the Mid-Atlantic hike page that I love to look at (Thanks Mike). The trip will be in the Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania. It will be a good beginners backpack trip May12th and 13th covering 15 miles. I am really anxious to learn some "tricks of the trade". Mike, the hike leader, has been kind enough to put up with my questions so far. He also mentioned a biker bar for lunch after hiking out on that Sunday. Sold me on the trip. It will be the first time I have hiked with a group.

Back to my playground and lessons learned.

I decided to head out to my favorite place in the world to camp and hike- Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area in Fort Valley. I chose a 7.6 mile hike from Hiking Upward (link on left of the page), since it offered a low difficulty rating......reeeeally. First off, I got a late start. I usually like to get going by 6 or 7 in the morning. I didn't get out of the house until 10:30. The ride took about an hour and a half. I went farther into Fort Valley to get to the parking area which was along a very secluded fire road. Almost beside myself with excitement, I laced up the boots, checked my pack and headed on down the fire road in search of the trail head. I was a mile out when I finally turned around after not locating the trail head. I walked all the way back to the car and retried the directions. Ticked at myself, I headed down the road ( in the car now) a little farther and, of course, found where I was supposed to be. I had not kept track of my car mileage and was short of the intended parking area. Just plain stupid mistake. So, with 2 unanticipated miles of hiking under my belt, I restarted my hike. The trail ( orange blazed Massanutten Mountain West) was essentially straight up for 700 ft. for the first half mile. It was sloppy in some areas from rain and run off. My knee felt fine, but my fatigue from not working out since mid-February had me panting. I can't tell you how thankful I am, again, for my trekking poles . they really help out and offer a good thing to lean on when resting. I made it to near the top in 20 minutes, so knew I needed to slow down a bit. I was trying to make up time for my blunder. It threw off my pace to be sure. Just mad at myself. The trail turned onto the Tuscorora Doll Ridge trail for the last part of the ascent to the ridge line. I was happy to take off my pant legs of my convertible pants at this point and be in shorts. The ridge line was rocky with lots of "ankle biters" waiting to snag me. My knee held up fine, but I rolled my ankles more than a couple of times. It was hot and I was going through a lot of water. I anticipated resupply at the base at a stream. Views were fair and only because there was no leaf cover. Views would be all but obliterated during the summer. I spied an area of rocks to the east on Green Mountain. Appeared to be a landslide area in the middle of woods. Views were better off to the west. As time wore on, I got a little concerned over my water supply. I did not fill my camelback to save weight and just took my outboard bottles and my water filter for resupply. I stopped and consulted my map. For the first time I was able to pinpoint my location on the map with the use of landmarks and my new high quality topographic map (thanks Mari). I was able to use up my water with confidence, knowing a stream was coming up soon. The decent went well, with only a couple squints of pain from my knee. It was more friendly and gradual than the climb up. When I got to the base of the mountain, Little Passage Creek was flowing there. I used my new Varios water filter for the first time. I filled 2 liters in less than a couple of minutes. Woohoo!! Instant ice cold, SAFE, drinking water! The return leg of the trip was now along the fire road back to the car. Essentially uneventful other than passing Strasburg Reservoir.I had been starting to feel some ache in the right thigh on the ridge and stopped for a breather and took some Motrin from my first aid kit. I am thankful I did. I returned to the car tired and a bit sore, though my knee felt fine, surprisingly. Almost 10 miles....sweeeeet.

12 pounds and out for a hike

It's Saturday afternoon, and I am sitting relishing my first true hike after the knee surgery. With some free time today, I decided I would strap on a light pack and head out to a state forest I had just found surfing the internet. I upped the ante by loading on 12 pounds to the pack.Conway Robinson State Forest is one of 17 state forests in Virginia and is located in Gainesville. It is little known, but a haven for mountain bikers, apparently. For me, it offered the opportunity for a "rehab hike" to get back in shape. I must say, it provided a great outing, and I plan on going back tomorrow or Monday to get in another hike. Despite being surrounded by urban areas, the 444 acre park provides a decent trail system. By cris-cossing trails, one can easily get in about 10 miles or better. I managed 4 1/2 miles today and got in a little hill climb work as well, which included a couple of easy switchback areas. Trails were pretty sloppy after last night's rain and some normally wet areas to begin with. Mountain biking probably keeps the trails fairly boggy until things have really dried up. The noise from Rt66 is pretty much inescapable, but fades decently once you get far enough out. The trail remained fairly level for about the first 1/2 mile and began to climb a ridge. A side trail was too inviting and I took that. It provided the switch back you see in the first picture. There was also a pretty cool rock outcropping that I was able to walk on at the top since I approached it from that angle. It would have been fun to explore, but I did not want to push my luck. It was in this area that a small stream came into view as well. Another pleasant surprise considering the proximity to neighborhoods. I found myself curious to know if those people knew what a pleasant gem they had in their own backyards. The orange blazed trail came back unto the blue trail that I had already been on, so I re-hiked that section of the blue trail and continued past where I had explored the orange. The forest was loaded with little stone mounds all over the place. I'm not sure what these were, but seemed odd. The trail meandered on past a pretty field and then entered a pine forest. The light faded considerably in here, but skies were also clouding up. Despite cool temps, it was very humid and I took off my fleece pullover and just kept my rain jacket on. The trail looped back after some time to my starting point. Numerous cross trails were tempting, but best saved for another time. A came upon a small group of 6 or 7 deer at one point. Their white tails stood out in the woods and reminded me of people carrying lanterns at night in the distance. The knee held up fine for the trip. I snagged my right foot on a vine in the trail once. That was the only time the the knee complained. I must say I really noticed the help from using my Summit trekking poles. They really absorbed a lot of the impact. I tolerated a few rocky areas well. Fun outing!

A good day! A darn good walk!

Well, my follow up at the Dr.'s office went well this morning. I was given clearance to return to work next week and to start exercises including weights. I have agreed to get physical therapy for the knee if there is no further improvement in 2 weeks time. I was also given the OK to start hiking, though obviously at a reduced level.
We decided to head over to Purcellville and try one of the walks in a book we have called "Darn good walks in Loudoun County". We got the book last year from John and Doris whom have enjoyed it. We chose a 3 miler in a small village south of Purcellville, called Lincoln. The road was packed dirt and gravel most of the way, with some areas of paved road where the never ending boom of developments have changed the landscape. The weather was wonderful with temps in the 70's under sunny skies. The roads were, for the most part, very quiet. For not being on the trail, the walk provided some wonderful scenery and a fair amount of wild life. A herd of deer ran out in front of us at one point and was a thrill for all, especially the kids. We also saw some horses, cows, and a curious little fellow along one of the banks that was very intent on watching us. We have already had to print the picture of our groundhog friend for Mason. The first couple of hills were a bit tough on the knee, but we all were enjoying the day. Spring was evident in the the tree buds and the presence of Daffodils,Crocus, and other small flowers showing their colors. A number of buildings were old Quaker homes and beautifully constructed of stone. It was sad to see how much construction had occurred since to publishing of the description of the hike. None-the-less, the hike provided a nice glimpse at old Virginia. The streams were beautiful and clear. Crooked Run seemed to flow under the road quite a few times. The barns were also pretty to look at. One barn had massive beams as the flooring supports. It could probably hold a great deal despite it's age.

At the top of one rise, we were able to catch a view of Hog Back Mountain off in the distance. It was nice to think of getting back on a ridge line in the near future. The boys managed the hike quite well, and I was proud that they were pretty enthusiastic about the trip for the whole time. We passed a site of an old railroad cut. There seems to have been a controversy here in 1857 between the Irish railroad workers and the quaker women. The women were opposed to the railroad which was to tunnel through Hogback Mountain. Their opposition was apparently significant, as the militia was called out at one point to quell a disturbance caused by the "Quaker maidens". The militia was led by Richard Ashby, brother of Turner Ashby, who was a famous cavalry commander serving under Stonewall Jackson. The brothers are buried together in Winchester. Both lost their lives during the Civil War. Mosby also engaged a company of Pennsylvania Cavalry here. The engagement is known as the Battle of Katie's Hollow. No markers point out the history, but the railroad cut is still there, overgrown and with a new house straddling it on one side. The hike ended, as it started, on a pretty little road. We passed a beautiful house with a lovely barn in front. The barn had been used to move escaped slaves along the underground railroad. We finally ended back at a little school house. The boys were very curious as to how all the children were able to go to school there with just one room. We explained that they are in the process of building more schools now. :)
I felt pretty good afterwards. I have, though, felt better after a 6 miler with good elevation gain. All in good time. We celebrated the walk with fruit smoothies in Purcellville later. Nice end to the day. So that was our walk. Sorry for the format of this post. Again, I am learning as I go.

Spring musings and more progress

With temps in the 50's, sunny weather, and the realization that Spring officially starts tonight at 8:07; frustration was ramped up just a bit. I decided to walk along the trail by our house, which is actually part of the Potomac Heritage Trail. I completed a 1.24 mile loop (according to my GPS) and seemed to manage OK. I also walked along the road later to pick up Mason at the bus stop. Total outing of 2 miles. My knee is sore,no doubt, but I at least feel it is now just a matter of strengthening as apposed to duration. No, I do not intend on seeing how far I can go.
With the warmer weather comes the inevitable increase in outdoor activities. I am determined to get Mason and Matthew out more this year. I purchased a smaller tent for the 3 of us to use when Mari is unable to join us. We used it once before colder weather set in. It will be time to start checking out the camp boxes and making sure they are ready to go for the year and air out the tents and sleeping bags that have been stored since our last family outing last October. I had used the family tent earlier last Summer on an outing to West Virginia with my neighbor Jay. We were under a huge tree by a little river. Not sure of the name of the tree, but the sap, which dripped on the tent during the night, had the distinct odor of horse manure. Took awhile to get that out. I had not noticed it the night before while polishing off a bottle of wine and some beers after a long day of hiking. Go figure.
The calendar is starting to pop up with the numerous offerings of the coming warm seasons. Re-enactments, festivals, outdoor concerts, winery events, family and friends' gatherings and so on and so forth. It is always a matter of triaging to decide what to do. What a wonderful dilemma!
National Trail Days is coming, and I hope to celebrate it by volunteering on a trail crew or a clean up of some local area. With our schedule, that may not be feasible on the actual day, but I will complete the commitment at the earliest convenience. I hope you will all consider a similar investment.

"That's one giant step..."

Walked down to pick up Mason at the bus stop today and walked a bit along the road while waiting for his bus to come. Ended walking a total of about 1/2 mile. Despite being pretty sore upon returning home, I think I felt OK for a first jaunt outside and without crutches. Will do another walk this afternoon if the knee feels up to it. Crystal clear blue skies and a nice crisp wind was a nice change from hanging out indoors. My goal for the end of the week will be 2 miles in a single walk.

Trail Dreaming

Just gotta keep motivated!

Phoenix Rising

After two days of severe pain and minimal mobility, I feel things starting to turn around. My follow up visit yesterday went well. Dr. Kavanagh changed my pain meds to Oxycontin and Percocet since the Vicodin was not controlling the pain. We considered draining the knee due to the amount of swelling, but decided to let it try and reduce on it's own. I will be out of work next week and see him again on Thursday. I can start range of motion exercises and leg lifts. The meds and alternating icing and heating the knee finally has gotten the pain more manageable. At two this morning, waking from a drug induced sleep, I felt like moving the knee. I did some small exercises and quietly relished an improvement in the amount of mobility. I am able to sit with the knee bent more easily today. I feel like the pain is under control, though still uncomfortable. Walking is still more of a hobble than anything else. BUT....it is improvement. I think I'm at the bottom and ready to start the climb up again.

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Yesterday, I received my membership papers in the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, which I had joined a week or so ago. This is a very active club and one of the oldest trail clubs. I am planning on volunteering to maintain the short expanse of the Potomac Heritage Trail which pases by our house down by Broad Run. The club has also been charged by the National Park Service to help construct a portion of the new Great Eastern Trail (GET) ,which will run from Florida to upstate New York. I am hoping to participate on a trail crew to be part of that. More motivation to get the knee back in trail condition!

One hurdle passed

OK, surgery is over. Got in this morning and got it done. Went very well and I barely remember getting into the operating room. Very nice staff. The ACL ended up having a little tear. Dr. Kavanagh just cleaned it up a bit. Thank God I did not have to have a repair! Sore and tired now, but very happy it's over. I'll see the Doc for a follow up in two days and start working the leg as soon as I can. I'm reading the journals of AT hikers that log in as they work their way along the trail. It will keep me motivated to get back on the trail. I can't wait!!

New addition

I added a listing of hikes that I have completed and will update them as they Occur. I also added a miles total for my personal tally. I will try and classify hikes as those that require a fair amount of varied terrain. I will likely add a total amount of miles on the Appalachian Trail as well, since one of my goals is to see how many miles of that trail I can complete in my lifetime. I have already completed a fair number of Connecticut AT miles with my Father and some in Northern Virginia. I will likely repeat the Virginia miles simply because it is close to home and a way to do some shakedown hikes for backpacking and testing gear.

"Ay, there's the rub" -- William Shakespeare

Most people quote Shakespeare as saying "Therein lies the rub", however it appeared within another context as noted in the title of this posting. Either way, the "rub" on my right knee is a complex tear of my medial meniscus along with an ACL with , fortunately, minor damage. Ironically, the tear has occurred while getting in shape for lengthy hiking during a treadmill run. The tread slipped causing my knee to bend backwards. Now the knee is fairly unstable on uneven ground or stairs and tends to lock at times. So now on to surgery, have the meniscus removed, and start from "ground zero" for returning to long hikes and backpacking.