Thanks to Mike at Midatlantic hikes ((you locals really need to check out his site), I have a nice print out of a topo map to use for the hike. I am going to hike Mike's suggested route of climbing White Oak Canyon to Skyline Drive. I'll bypass the Limberlost and Cresent Rock trail as I originally planned. I'll cross Skyline Drive at the Sky land Visitor center and head south on the AT. I'll climb the spur trail there leading to Betty's Rock to gain a summit. Heading back down from Betty's Rock, I'll cross over Skyline drive and make my way back down the mountain along Cedar Run on...well...Cedar Run Trail. This loop makes for about11 miles with about 5,000 ft elevation change over the course of the hike. This will make for my most significant hike this year. I am really excited about it!
I have been pouring over my maps and reading hike critiques for the past couple of days. My plan to pack lighter due to the use of my water filter has failed, due to shipping delays by UPS. It will be frustrating being by water almost the whole way, and not being able to drink it. I will at least be able to splash in some cold water. I will plan on resupplying my water at Sky Land and having lunch there. I contacted the trails manager/ ?Ranger at the Park. The trails are open, with Cedar Run having apparently just been cleared by a trail crew recently. Trails in the park were terribly damaged last November by an ice storm and then again by terrible winds a couple of weeks ago. I feel like I'm prepping for a major backpacking trip! It will be embarrassing what I do to get ready for the back pack in another 2 weeks! I plan on leaving the house tomorrow by 5am if not sooner. White Oak Canyon is a busy trail, and I want to beat the many other hikers likely to be visiting tomorrow. Hopefully not too many.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
More stuff
With the backpacking trip fast approaching, the need to complete my gear list is in full swing. Unfortunately the cost of said gear continually breaks the piggy bank. I just ordered my new 20 degree sleeping bag yesterday along with the replacement carbon for the vario filter. That sucked up all the money, except for $20, I earned on Ebay selling my old games. So with $20 I was off to REI to see what gaps I could fill in on the gear list.
I really need a footprint for the Hubba tent. I want to protect the floor of the tent as much as possible. The price for that protection is $40. The cost for the waterproof tarp about the same size, that will fit the purpose was $8.50. A good compromise for now, despite the weight. I also got 50ft. of nylon cord for hanging a bear bag. Not quite sure what bag to get yet. $3.50 for this cord. I found a great little pill box for .40 There are some nice little containers there for spices, mixes, etc.
Lastly, I got a couple of new bandanas. My one and only camo one is getting old. $3 each. Ended going over my budget by a few bucks, but not bad. The tarp will temporarily fill the gap of a much needed item until I can get the real deal.
I really need a footprint for the Hubba tent. I want to protect the floor of the tent as much as possible. The price for that protection is $40. The cost for the waterproof tarp about the same size, that will fit the purpose was $8.50. A good compromise for now, despite the weight. I also got 50ft. of nylon cord for hanging a bear bag. Not quite sure what bag to get yet. $3.50 for this cord. I found a great little pill box for .40 There are some nice little containers there for spices, mixes, etc.
Lastly, I got a couple of new bandanas. My one and only camo one is getting old. $3 each. Ended going over my budget by a few bucks, but not bad. The tarp will temporarily fill the gap of a much needed item until I can get the real deal.
Hitting the trail again
Well, the weekend is shaping up to be pretty nice with temps in the 70's and only partly cloudy. My good friend, Jay, and I had talked about hiking and he had mentioned the White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run Loop in the Shenandoah National Park. I had been eying that hike also, and started looking at it again. I have been hoping to get back to the Shenandoah national Park for some time now. At about 8 miles with over 2400 ft. elevation gain, it is a fairly substantial hike. I am, however, looking for more length, so I plan on continuing up the mountain to Limberlost trail and cutting over on the Crescent Rock Trail. This will then join to the Cedar Run Trail heading back down the mountain side. This venue will add some summit views as well, a good combo with the abundant waterfalls on this hike. It should add 2 to 3 miles or so to the hike. With the amount of water nearby, I can reduce the amount I carry as my water filter will be back on line then. Jay may accompany me on this outing. We have not hiked together in awhile, and it would be great to get out with him again. I can't wait for this hike!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Raven Rocks
Well, my daughter, Jess, left to head back to Connecticut today. It is always a hard day for me when she leaves. Hiking is a good way to get away and let it pass. So today, after dropping her off at Dulles, and making sure she was off on the plane, I headed out to Bluemont to get in a little workout of a hike. Raven Rocks is a nice little hike, and I have done this one a few times now. It offers some nice little climbs and descents, a couple of nice views, and a couple of streams, though these are small.
The trail was fairly busy, but I knew it would be. Still, they were sporadic encounters and nothing too overwhelming. I passed what I think was a girl scout troop heading back and ascending the last climb before reaching route 7. They looked pretty beat up. There was a girl trailing behind the group, with one of the adults, who was considerably over weight. She obviously was not used to the exercise. I'm glad they were getting this girl out, but I'm not sure they needed to do so on such a up and down section of trail. I debated checking her for dehydration, but figured the adults would have said something.
After the first descent and view, the trail winds down into a little gully where there is a stream. The cold water is always good for splashing on the face . The trail climbs for a short while after that. I always look forward to seeing this part of the trail. The trail is littered with white quartz rocks. It looks like snow at times in colder weather. Kind of neat to see, though.
It is about 2/10 of a mile after this that one hits the first real climb that can get the heart chugging along. The reward is a nice rock outcropping with a pretty nice view. It's a good spot for a break. After this the trail is fairly level for a bit before a sharp decent into another valley.
The trail is pretty rocky and with a couple of rock scrambles. I could hear water flowing pretty easily, but no stream is really visible. It passes under a rock patch, and it sounds like you are about to crash through into the water a times. Little waterfalls are visible from crevices here and there. Beautiful sound. At this point it is time to gear up for the last ascent to Raven Rocks. The cliff sides are visible from the valley , but because leaf cover is not quite enough to conceal it. It makes you take a breath to start the climb. With weather bright sun and mid seventies, I worked up a pretty good sweat. The occasional Spring breeze was a welcome relief. Finally, near the top, I passed into West Virginia. About 17 miles to Harpers Ferry from here....another day. Soon after the sign and a bit more of a climb, I came out onto Raven Rocks. The crystal clear blue skies offered a wonderfully rewarding view of the Shenandoah Valley beyond with mountains in the background. Just Gorgeous! 
I kicked back on the rocks and had lunch. Cuisine du jour was a can of Vienna sausages and 2 cups of jello with fruit. Fine fare on this little jaunt. I catnapped a for a while and watched some people rock climbing. Looked like fun, but I've seen the cost of equipment. Don't need that on top of Hiking and camping gear! Feeling rested , I started out for the return leg. Same exertion, different direction. I reached the stream before the final ascent. I thought of that girl earlier. I splashed a lot of cold water on me and drank a lot from my supply. Made the climb in 10 to 15 minutes and then stopped for a bit to replace the lung I coughed up on the way up. Actually... it really was not that bad.
After 3 1/2 hours, including my dining al fresco on Raven Rocks, I arrived back at the car having covered about 5 1/2 miles. Great little hike. I still miss Jess.
The trail was fairly busy, but I knew it would be. Still, they were sporadic encounters and nothing too overwhelming. I passed what I think was a girl scout troop heading back and ascending the last climb before reaching route 7. They looked pretty beat up. There was a girl trailing behind the group, with one of the adults, who was considerably over weight. She obviously was not used to the exercise. I'm glad they were getting this girl out, but I'm not sure they needed to do so on such a up and down section of trail. I debated checking her for dehydration, but figured the adults would have said something.
After the first descent and view, the trail winds down into a little gully where there is a stream. The cold water is always good for splashing on the face . The trail climbs for a short while after that. I always look forward to seeing this part of the trail. The trail is littered with white quartz rocks. It looks like snow at times in colder weather. Kind of neat to see, though.
It is about 2/10 of a mile after this that one hits the first real climb that can get the heart chugging along. The reward is a nice rock outcropping with a pretty nice view. It's a good spot for a break. After this the trail is fairly level for a bit before a sharp decent into another valley.
The trail is pretty rocky and with a couple of rock scrambles. I could hear water flowing pretty easily, but no stream is really visible. It passes under a rock patch, and it sounds like you are about to crash through into the water a times. Little waterfalls are visible from crevices here and there. Beautiful sound. At this point it is time to gear up for the last ascent to Raven Rocks. The cliff sides are visible from the valley , but because leaf cover is not quite enough to conceal it. It makes you take a breath to start the climb. With weather bright sun and mid seventies, I worked up a pretty good sweat. The occasional Spring breeze was a welcome relief. Finally, near the top, I passed into West Virginia. About 17 miles to Harpers Ferry from here....another day. Soon after the sign and a bit more of a climb, I came out onto Raven Rocks. The crystal clear blue skies offered a wonderfully rewarding view of the Shenandoah Valley beyond with mountains in the background. Just Gorgeous! 
I kicked back on the rocks and had lunch. Cuisine du jour was a can of Vienna sausages and 2 cups of jello with fruit. Fine fare on this little jaunt. I catnapped a for a while and watched some people rock climbing. Looked like fun, but I've seen the cost of equipment. Don't need that on top of Hiking and camping gear! Feeling rested , I started out for the return leg. Same exertion, different direction. I reached the stream before the final ascent. I thought of that girl earlier. I splashed a lot of cold water on me and drank a lot from my supply. Made the climb in 10 to 15 minutes and then stopped for a bit to replace the lung I coughed up on the way up. Actually... it really was not that bad.After 3 1/2 hours, including my dining al fresco on Raven Rocks, I arrived back at the car having covered about 5 1/2 miles. Great little hike. I still miss Jess.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
That's just WRONG!!
OK...Just reading the new issue of Camping Life magazine, in which this gadget was featured. It is a portable microwave for the campsite!! IT'S CALLED CAMPING, PEOPLE!!!!!! Now, I like creature comforts as much as the next person....but holy campfires, batman! Just buy a camper for pete's sake!!.....OK...I'm done ranting.....for now.
Back to the work outs
Well, after a week and a half of pretty severe back pain following a 65 year old woman beating the crap out of about seven of us when she had an unpleasant reaction to an anesthetic; I started working out again. I resumed the 1/2 hour session on the stationary bike and then got on the treadmill again. Now, before I hear the ranting about how I injured my knee on that thing, I'll just say I need the treadmill to get me back to running. I loathe the stationary bike...it's boring. I'll keep doing it because I want the cardio, but I hate it. I want to get back to trail running again. I was really enjoying it a while back. Plus...I spent some decent money on trail shoes back then, and I don't want them to go to waste. Any way, It was good to at least get a first jog in. It was brief along with a fast walking pace for 20 minutes after the bike. I have this fear of not keeping up with the back pack group in May...it keeps me motivated to push harder.Well, now we'll see if I can keep up a routine. The new issue of Backpacker has a good exercise routine for strengthening the legs for climbs and descents. It should prove helpful for my knee as well. Only another few weeks until the back pack in Pa. Woohoo!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
New Gear!
Well, I have made my next big gear purchase. I bought a brand new MSR Hubba single person tent from a hiker on one of the trail websites I look at. He was selling it as this was a give away to him from his outfitter after he had already purchased another tent. He invited me to speak with him on the phone and send me any photos. I have no doubt this is a good deal. I will save almost $75. No warranty, but MSR is well respected in the field. This tent weighs in at less than 3 lbs! A good thing since my pack is 6 pounds to begin with. I think of different packs, but I like what I have. The new tent will be very good in poor weather conditions. Next... I need a good sleeping bag.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Hike your Own Hike
After my hike the other day, I have been thinking about the upcoming One Day Hike on the 28th. I have decided not to enter that hike now. In the various hiking circles out there, I have read and heard many hikers say "Hike your own hike". I believe I do that whenever I go out, though I need to slow my pace down a notch. The hike is a release, and very hard to describe. My experiences on the trail will vary greatly from any other hiker who treads the same single track or fire road that I do. I was reviewing pictures from the past One Day Hikes. I saw a multitude of people being released from the starting points and heading down the C&O. I feel I would lose the personal effect of the trail with that many people around. I want to hike the C&O, but it will have to be on my own terms. Not with a number on my chest and checking into stations. I admit to wanting to challenge myself in how many miles I can do this year. It's in my nature to do that. I do not, however, want to lose what I feel when I am out hiking in a remote trail. It is why I primarily hike alone, though I do sometimes wish I could be sharing it with someone at the time. My upcoming back pack in May with Mike's group will be a first back pack, but also a first with a group. I look forward to seeing how that plays out, and seeing what other people are getting from the experience.
I have, for many years loved a famous poem written by a Canadian Pilot during the WWII era. Many people have quoted it over the years, but I suppose it holds meaning to each person in it's own way. For me, the poem helps me express my feelings when I am following a ridge line or finally reach an overlook that I want to claim. It is not complete, but I am not sure anything could express what I feel when I am out there. The poem was written by Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee Jr. Magee was killed in 1941, 3 months after writing this poem on the back of a letter sent to his mother, in a mid air collision in England. He was 19 years old.
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings,
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
I have, for many years loved a famous poem written by a Canadian Pilot during the WWII era. Many people have quoted it over the years, but I suppose it holds meaning to each person in it's own way. For me, the poem helps me express my feelings when I am following a ridge line or finally reach an overlook that I want to claim. It is not complete, but I am not sure anything could express what I feel when I am out there. The poem was written by Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee Jr. Magee was killed in 1941, 3 months after writing this poem on the back of a letter sent to his mother, in a mid air collision in England. He was 19 years old.
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings,
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Back on Track
I headed out to fort valley yesterday to tackle the Duncan Knob loop. This is, again, in the George Washington National Forest. I wanted to test my hiking ability with a full pack. I loaded my pack with 6 liters of water and a bunch of things that would use for a longer journey. I ended up with a pack weighing in at about 35 pounds.
I got to the trail head just before 11:00. I missed the turn on the fire road, so lost some time there. I need to start planning my own driving directions rather than relying on Map Quest or the planned directions. The trail head is along a well used fire road that we have been to before with the kids. Very remote and I did not see one other person or car. The road had just opened from the Winter. The skies were mostly over cast with occasional bursts of sun. It was cold, only in the 30's.
I started the hike at 11:00 setting out on the Scothorn Gap trail the trail quickly started the beginning of a long ascent towards Duncan Knob. The trail leveled off for a while after about two miles at the junction of the Massanutten Trail. Elevation gain was already a good workout. I passed a small pond, and stood there for a while hoping to catch some wildlife around the edges. Nothing happening, so I moved on.
The trail became pretty rocky and in many places a messy quagmire of mud. I had gained about 700 feet, and then it started to snow. It was very light, but made me realize how cold it was. After a little while I started to catch glimpses of Cat Back Mountain, the top of which is Duncan Knob.
It rose up pretty high, and seemed to challenge me to take it on. I was pretty psyched for it. Scothorn Gap trail ended and I turned onto Gap Creek Trail climbing more sharply up Cat Back. 
The trail leveled after .3 miles and I stopped and had a snack ( Love my peanut butter Cliff bars) and some water and prepared to assault Duncan Knob. I set out on the white trail marking the way to the Knob. It quickly became very rocky and deteriorated to a field of rocks.
I reached the base of Duncan Knob to see a boulder field heading almost straight up to the Knob. I attached my trekking poles to my pack and scrambled up the rocks, almost vertical at times. I could sense Mari yelling for me to be careful. After an awesome climb and a great adrenaline
rush, I made it to the top! 
Fabulous views were the reward for a hard climb.
I felt good and satisfied with my triumph. 
I also was concerned about my climb back down. I stayed for some pictures and to heat up lunch. Cajun Chicken by Backcountry Pantry. They are a little much for me, since they are supposed to feed two. I need to rethink some of my meal planning. I had Ramen soup too, but I was hungry. I refilled my camel back water bladder. and was ready for the return leg. The return leg down the other side of the mountain was tough. My legs were shaking at times when I stepped down. I hate going down trail when I am tired. 
I finally got to the bottom of a ravine and reconnected with the Massanutten trail. The forest on this side had been devastated by a forest fire some time ago. I did not see one single animal while I was hiking. 
I saw one hawk when I was on Duncan Knob and heard a woodpecker in the distance as I started climbing again when I got on the Massanutten Trail. It made for a very eerie feeling and such complete silence ( except when the occasional plane flew over. The trail became overgrown close to the reconnection with Scothorn Gap Trail. The second ascent up Middle Mountain made for a total of 2,000 feet of elevation gain for the day. I made my way back to the car, very pleased with my journey. I was sore ( and still am), but the knee held up fine. The bottom of my feet....well they were not happy. I returned home and had pizza and a well deserved beer. Can't wait for the next adventure!
I got to the trail head just before 11:00. I missed the turn on the fire road, so lost some time there. I need to start planning my own driving directions rather than relying on Map Quest or the planned directions. The trail head is along a well used fire road that we have been to before with the kids. Very remote and I did not see one other person or car. The road had just opened from the Winter. The skies were mostly over cast with occasional bursts of sun. It was cold, only in the 30's.
I started the hike at 11:00 setting out on the Scothorn Gap trail the trail quickly started the beginning of a long ascent towards Duncan Knob. The trail leveled off for a while after about two miles at the junction of the Massanutten Trail. Elevation gain was already a good workout. I passed a small pond, and stood there for a while hoping to catch some wildlife around the edges. Nothing happening, so I moved on.
The trail became pretty rocky and in many places a messy quagmire of mud. I had gained about 700 feet, and then it started to snow. It was very light, but made me realize how cold it was. After a little while I started to catch glimpses of Cat Back Mountain, the top of which is Duncan Knob.
It rose up pretty high, and seemed to challenge me to take it on. I was pretty psyched for it. Scothorn Gap trail ended and I turned onto Gap Creek Trail climbing more sharply up Cat Back. 
The trail leveled after .3 miles and I stopped and had a snack ( Love my peanut butter Cliff bars) and some water and prepared to assault Duncan Knob. I set out on the white trail marking the way to the Knob. It quickly became very rocky and deteriorated to a field of rocks.
I reached the base of Duncan Knob to see a boulder field heading almost straight up to the Knob. I attached my trekking poles to my pack and scrambled up the rocks, almost vertical at times. I could sense Mari yelling for me to be careful. After an awesome climb and a great adrenaline
rush, I made it to the top! 
Fabulous views were the reward for a hard climb.
I felt good and satisfied with my triumph. 
I also was concerned about my climb back down. I stayed for some pictures and to heat up lunch. Cajun Chicken by Backcountry Pantry. They are a little much for me, since they are supposed to feed two. I need to rethink some of my meal planning. I had Ramen soup too, but I was hungry. I refilled my camel back water bladder. and was ready for the return leg. The return leg down the other side of the mountain was tough. My legs were shaking at times when I stepped down. I hate going down trail when I am tired. 
I finally got to the bottom of a ravine and reconnected with the Massanutten trail. The forest on this side had been devastated by a forest fire some time ago. I did not see one single animal while I was hiking. 
I saw one hawk when I was on Duncan Knob and heard a woodpecker in the distance as I started climbing again when I got on the Massanutten Trail. It made for a very eerie feeling and such complete silence ( except when the occasional plane flew over. The trail became overgrown close to the reconnection with Scothorn Gap Trail. The second ascent up Middle Mountain made for a total of 2,000 feet of elevation gain for the day. I made my way back to the car, very pleased with my journey. I was sore ( and still am), but the knee held up fine. The bottom of my feet....well they were not happy. I returned home and had pizza and a well deserved beer. Can't wait for the next adventure!
Friday, April 6, 2007
New Challenge
I recently stumbled across the website for the One Day Hike, which occurs in Maryland every year. This hike is done in either a 50K or 100K hike along the C&O canal path. The 100K starts at 3a.m. and since I am working the night before until 11:30 or so, it would not be a good idea. The 50K (31 miles), however, starts at 10 a.m. at Whites Ferry, which is not to far from here. The hike ends at harpers Ferry. The site discusses a training plan over a 4 month period... not going to happen. I have put in a couple of good hikes now with various terrain and have done well. I will be getting in a couple more before the ODH event. The C&O is essentially flat, so I believe I can give this a good run for it's money. The hike ends at Harpers Ferry, where Mari will happen to be doing one of her parties. Perfect timing. Hopefully I will celebrate a completed hike at the "Secret Six" Tavern. I have been wanting to get in some miles on the C&O for some time now, and this seems like the perfect excuse.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Early trail time
I was up and getting ready for hiking at quarter to five this morning. I was able to get to the Appalachian Trail head at Keys Gap in west Virginia by 6:20 a.m. It was still dark , so I used my headlamp to get going on the trail. I was surprised at how cold it was! I left Ashburn with no wind and cool temps, but it was windy, raw and cold when I got on the trail! I apologize for no pics on this one, but they have uploaded into a file that I don't seem to be able to retrieve. I'll add them as soon as possible.
The rain had held over night. I was a little frustrated that did not go camping, but the boys would not have done well with the cold and gloomy skies. I put on my rain jacket, as it felt like it was going to start soon. I climbed out of keys Gap at 6:30. I passed a couple of tents in the first 20 minutes. The noise of cars faded steadily. Soon after that, I was able to take off the headlamp. The climb was gradual, but steady. I packed light. I carried 4 liters of water after breaking my filter on my water system when I was cleaning it. Oops! Well, lesson learned. Albeit, a $30 lesson when I replace the filter. Crap. Anyway, I also had a couple of snacks, the camera, and my binoculars and a dry shirt. I wore a long sleeve shirt, Sweatshirt, and my rain jacket. Total weight was not much more than 10 to 15 lbs. I was limited on time, so I was planning a quick pace.
Even with cool temps, I was getting a good sweat going on the climbs. I made it to the David lesser Shelter in about an hour. It is a nice shelter with a deck, nice pavilion with grill and fire ring. There are multiple tent sites also and a well maintained privy. There has been an abundant amount of fire wood left for campers. I heard some movement in the shelter so i did not go in. It was still just getting lighter out. I took a break under the pavilion and had breakfast. This was a Cliff bar and some beef Jerky and water. Ahh...breakfast of champions. I missed my stove and having some coffee or hot chocolate, but the time thing played into that decision not to bring it along. There was a pretty quick climb after the shelter and I made my way to Buzzard rock, an interesting rock formation with a fairly decent view. The view also included my next climb which was discouraging, but viewed as another challenge. I passed Deer Lick and the area of Copperhead Spring ( which was dry) and eventually made it up to the cut off for the Blackburn Trail Center. There was a wonderful view west into the Shenandoah Valley from here. This was my goal and it was time to turn around. It was 9:15 and I had done 6 miles. Not bad. That was with short stops for pics and exploring a couple of side trails. I called Mari to let her know how it was going. My voice startled me when I talked with her. I figured everything was going well. Then the rain started. I was ready for it. I just put my head down and quietly said"Bring it on". As it turned out, it only lasted about 15 to 20 minutes. Just enough to leave some drops on my clothes. I had lucked out. With the possibility of being able to get back before Mari need to drive out to meet me with the kids (the original plan), I picked up the pace. My GPS showed me at almost a 3 mph average pace. I made good time and even climbed the hills at a good clip! The trail is always an adventure, even on return legs. You see things from a different angle, so it's almost like being on a different trail. Of course the end of this hike was a lot different since it was now light. I had passed a small pond at the start and never knew it was there. I was back at the car at 11:30 having covered 12 miles. My feet were singing a bit, but otherwise I felt OK. I rolled my left ankle once, but it was not too bad. I was back home for lunch. Early day, but worth the effort. Can't wait for the next one!
The rain had held over night. I was a little frustrated that did not go camping, but the boys would not have done well with the cold and gloomy skies. I put on my rain jacket, as it felt like it was going to start soon. I climbed out of keys Gap at 6:30. I passed a couple of tents in the first 20 minutes. The noise of cars faded steadily. Soon after that, I was able to take off the headlamp. The climb was gradual, but steady. I packed light. I carried 4 liters of water after breaking my filter on my water system when I was cleaning it. Oops! Well, lesson learned. Albeit, a $30 lesson when I replace the filter. Crap. Anyway, I also had a couple of snacks, the camera, and my binoculars and a dry shirt. I wore a long sleeve shirt, Sweatshirt, and my rain jacket. Total weight was not much more than 10 to 15 lbs. I was limited on time, so I was planning a quick pace.
Even with cool temps, I was getting a good sweat going on the climbs. I made it to the David lesser Shelter in about an hour. It is a nice shelter with a deck, nice pavilion with grill and fire ring. There are multiple tent sites also and a well maintained privy. There has been an abundant amount of fire wood left for campers. I heard some movement in the shelter so i did not go in. It was still just getting lighter out. I took a break under the pavilion and had breakfast. This was a Cliff bar and some beef Jerky and water. Ahh...breakfast of champions. I missed my stove and having some coffee or hot chocolate, but the time thing played into that decision not to bring it along. There was a pretty quick climb after the shelter and I made my way to Buzzard rock, an interesting rock formation with a fairly decent view. The view also included my next climb which was discouraging, but viewed as another challenge. I passed Deer Lick and the area of Copperhead Spring ( which was dry) and eventually made it up to the cut off for the Blackburn Trail Center. There was a wonderful view west into the Shenandoah Valley from here. This was my goal and it was time to turn around. It was 9:15 and I had done 6 miles. Not bad. That was with short stops for pics and exploring a couple of side trails. I called Mari to let her know how it was going. My voice startled me when I talked with her. I figured everything was going well. Then the rain started. I was ready for it. I just put my head down and quietly said"Bring it on". As it turned out, it only lasted about 15 to 20 minutes. Just enough to leave some drops on my clothes. I had lucked out. With the possibility of being able to get back before Mari need to drive out to meet me with the kids (the original plan), I picked up the pace. My GPS showed me at almost a 3 mph average pace. I made good time and even climbed the hills at a good clip! The trail is always an adventure, even on return legs. You see things from a different angle, so it's almost like being on a different trail. Of course the end of this hike was a lot different since it was now light. I had passed a small pond at the start and never knew it was there. I was back at the car at 11:30 having covered 12 miles. My feet were singing a bit, but otherwise I felt OK. I rolled my left ankle once, but it was not too bad. I was back home for lunch. Early day, but worth the effort. Can't wait for the next one!
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