Back on trail!

I took a short break from the heat, but got back on the AT today. It was still quite warm and steamy (about 85°), but there was a breeze. I never felt the need to switch out of my long sleeve sun shirt. As the pictures show, there is recovery from some fire damage going on along this section of trail. My hike started where my last one ended. The Thornton River Upper trail led me to the AT... I hiked southbound to the summit of Neighbor Mountain.

My next out and back on the AT will conclude the Northern section of Shenandoah National Park!

Update: Lesson learned. I would've finished out this hike as well today if I'd worn the right shoes! I wore my Altra Lone Peak Mids (size 10½) which were fine hiking uphill and flat along the Ridge, but on the downhill return my toes were slamming into the front of the shoe which was painful. That won't happen again!

The heat finally won!

I haven't been out much with all the heat, but I did manage a short walk and rest in the trees!

I've lost my mind... I went hiking

I had somehow missed this connector trail on Allen's Mountain. It's called Campbell's Jump... it seems to be not often used, but it was fun!

Another day on the AT

The humidity and heat weren't all that bad today on top of the mountains!

Miscellaneous Stuff...

Got my feet on trail the other day with a friend!

I've been looking around for a 7" inch frying pan for a little while (not for every trip)... today I stopped in ALDI for a few things, and guess what I found? Not just a frying pan, but a 3 piece cook set with the 7" inch pan, a 2 quart pot and small water kettle... all for only $16!

Also got this gift... it was delicious!

New creations

I'm trying some different folds just to see what will happen... some of these I really like 👍

Up and over Hogback Mountain

Today I got a late start (about noon), but still got out on the AT! I hiked the trail over the summit of Hogback Mountain. There a series of switchbacks going up. I walked through a lush tunnel of blooming mountain laurels... beautiful! I think the red flower is a columbine? I just had an awesome adventure and really got a chance to clear my mind (much needed).

Gear I Use On Trail

This is the majority of brands I use on trail when I'm hiking and camping. I am not sponsored by any of the brands, but if any of you would like to send some free gear my way... I wont say no! 😁

Shenandoah National Park - Mary's Rock

Today I decided to tackle this hike from a different direction. I used the Meadow Spring trailhead across the road from Hazel Mountain Road. At about 0.8 miles it intersects with the Appalachian Trail. it levels off at the top for a basically flat Ridge walk to the main attraction: Mary's Rock 🪨