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!