July 11, 2015 by Kylena

Morning Stroll at Antietam Battlefield

I understand, I think, why the battlefields are made for auto traffic…but to really get a sense of what a Civil War soldier might have felt you might want to get out of the car and walk. I only say “get a sense” because there is no way for me (with no battle experience) to really understand on any level what a soldier, who is carrying all his stuff, wearing a wool uniform, eating whatever is in the ration can, and who might be miles away from home, is going to feel lugging himself through some muggy, hot farm field in Maryland to fight in a war he may or may not understand.

When I began my walk this morning on Rodman Avenue (just off Route 34 east of Sharpsburg, MD), it was a pleasant 75 degrees. Probably about the same temperature on September 17, 1862, the bloodiest one day battle in American history. 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing at Antietam…wrap your head around that number.

Walking down Rodman Avenue

Along the road, are monuments, similar to Gettysburg. If in a car, there is no place to park along Rodman Avenue or even pull over in order to get out and read the about the monument…of course this is why they have a podcast…so one will NEVER, EVER, have to get out of the car. Great for those who truly need it, but come on America, many of us are able to get out and walk!! Um…okay, I’ll stop now.

Colonel Benjamin C. Christ – Monument to the 50th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Corps)

It is beautiful walking up the road. To the left are views of the mountains and Sherrick Farm and to the right are meadows blooming with wildflowers. It is an easy road walk and this morning it was pretty quiet. The birds chattered and flitted from the field to the meadow and back again, sometimes resting on the fence line before taking off again. There was a nice breeze, but I could feel the humidity bullying its way in and knew in a few hours this walk would be unbearable.

Good Morning Mountains!

Bucolic Sherrick Farm

The fields were already heating up so I decided to hike those first, then dip down towards Antietam Creek. At the end of Rodman Avenue, turn left and continue to Burnside Bridge.

Burnside Bridge

I passed the bridge and continued to the “Final Attack Trail” as this traversed through many open, sunny fields.

Along the “Final Attack Trail”…I love those fences…

Leaving the ridge on the “Final Attack Trail”

However, there are spots of shade to find respite! Sidekick Pauli and I found a wonderful tree under which to take a little break before heading back out into the field.

Then we were blessed with a longer walk through the woods. Nice and cool!

Sidekick Pauli’s Saturday Smile!

We stayed in the woods for much of the time as we wound our way down to the “Snavely Ford Trail”. Turn to the right at this trail junction in order to walk along Antietam Creek. Sidekick Pauli very much wanted to go to the creek as it meant she would be able to get in and cool off!!

Where are my hedge clippers when I need them?

The trail is a bit overgrown at the moment and I sort of wished I had on long pants. That thought only lasted for a moment though as I was soon hot, hot, hot, climbing back up the hill to reconnect with the trail to Burnside Bridge.

We crossed the bridge and rounded out our hike by meeting up with the “Sherrick Farm Trail”. This trail is quite nice and passes a genuine swimming hole complete with a swinging rope!

Sidekick Pauli crosses Burnside Bridge

Beginning of Sherrick Farm Trail

After the swimming hole, the trail goes uphill to meet the Burnside Bridge road. Take a left, cross the bridge, then take a right and continue on the trail. At this point, “Sherrick Farm Trail” starts to resemble a real, meaning more rugged, hiking trail and may not be for everyone…it is not bad, just a little slanty with roots and a few rocks.

It doesn’t last long! Sidekick Pauli and I were back at the car in no time!

This hike was about 4.5 miles long and included road walking, easy trail walking through rolling cornfields and along Antietam Creek. It is a beautiful way to spend an early summer morning.

So get out of the car and Hike On! 🙂

July 6, 2015 by Kylena

Shenandoah NP – Snead Farm Trail

The day after I got back home from my section hike in Pennsylvania, I honestly felt like sleeping all day. A late to bed on Friday night after hiking 18 miles, then early rise to drive four hours in the rain back home left me a bit ragged out!

However, Little Caesar (my partner, not the pizza), did not have to do much convincing to get me in the car for a trip to Shenandoah NP. We had no intention of doing any serious hiking, but we have an annual pass and felt even a short visit would be a nice way to reconnect after my week away. Well, I thought that…it’s totally possible that she just wanted to get out of town and away from our pack of animals for a few hours. 🙂

After reaching the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center in the north district, we walked across Skyline Drive to pick up the Dickey Ridge trail to Snead Farm.

Oh, were my feet happy! I deserved this soft, soft, cushy, like a dream, trail after my week of communing with those rock strewn pathways of Pennsylvania! Beautiful, woodsy trail until you reach the fire road.

We swung left on the fire road to continue to Snead Farm. Wildflowers lined both sides of the road making our stroll more pleasant.

This is a short three mile hike and seemed to be popular with families. I love seeing Mom’s and Dad’s sharing and teaching their kids about the outdoors. 🙂 Takes me back to when I took my son out on hikes. 🙂 🙂
Anyway, a very adorable family came down the road as we returned.

One of the younger children had a camera and I asked of what he had been taking a picture. He replied with all the seriousness of a professional, “I am capturing the wilderness. ” 🙂

Keep clicking Kiddo and Hike On!

July 2, 2015 by Kylena

AT – PA Smith Gap to Wind Gap ~8 miles

Day 6: June 25, 2015 My Dad’s Birthday

We hiked this section starting at Wind Gap and hiking south to Smith Gap. There were more thunderstorms in the forecast, so we agreed to another night in Stempa’s garage.

I thought about my Dad today as I hiked backwards to Smith Gap. He has Alzheimer’s and his mind is not what it used to be. My moving south, instead of north, confused me at times and I wondered if my Dad could relate. We ran into hikers that had passed us yesterday. My Dad runs into thoughts daily that have passed him over the years. Is it now, or is it then? Have the years passed since meeting you, or am I meeting you for the first time? I hate what is happening to my Dad. I hate what is happening to my Mom as she experiences my Dad’s erratic behavior. I hate that I cannot help my sister and brother who are taking on the brunt of the responsibility for making decisions for my Mom and Dad out there in Hoosierland. I hope someone reminds my Dad that it is his birthday as I hike down this trail backwards.

***************************************************************************************************

The first climb going south out of Wind Gap is a climb, but not one that deserves much attention. Here are a few things that stuck like glue in my memory of our hike from North to South.

CanDo at Hahn’s Lookout

1) There was a negative guy wearing snake guards who I never met but I knew him intimately through the stories of other hikers. My eyes scanned the trail and shelters for this guy all day long…never ran into him! My takeaway…Be positive, Be polite, Be helpful if possible, and for God’s sake, smile at people on the trail…they are spreading stories about you the minute they run into another hiker!

No sign of Snake Guard Guy.

2) A thru-hiker at the shelter carried avocados with him. He put a whole avocado on a bagel, making an impossibly huge, awkward sandwich that I thought he would never be able to fit in his mouth…um, yeah, I was wrong! As impressive as that was though, it was his care in packing out the pitts that stole my heart. ❤ ❤ 🙂 🙂 Well, that, and when his friend got to the shelter, he insisted on the friend relaxing while he went the half mile down to the third spring (the only one with water) to refill all of their water bottles. My takeaway…Good friends are hard to find and once you have them make sure to continue to nurture that relationship.

Breaktime at Leroy Smith Shelter with the Bagel & Avocado eating thru hiker. 🙂

3) There was a trailer park across the road from the Wind Gap parking area, and Stempa was surprised none were trying to help these hikers who were out of water. My takeaway…People may not be able to help a hiker if they are in a position where they are having trouble just keeping their lives together. Or People may just not want to help … or may not know they can help. They may see a hiker and think “Wow! that guy must have a great life if he can just come out here and go for a long hike.”

It’s a great life being able to buzz around on the trail! Water or no Water, part of the fun is figuring it out! 🙂

4) Met another section hiker who, just by coincidence, was waiting at Smith Gap in her car when we arrived. She gave us a ride back to Stempa’s, without a second thought! We exchanged contact info…I plan to help her with the Maryland section, shuttles and such. My takeaway…never shy away from the opportunity to build your network of hiking friends!

An Unexpected Ride to Stempa’s smashed into the back of an SUV. 🙂

5) Met Bongo! A boston terrier hiking the trail with her humans. Adorable! You can follow Bongo’s journey through her human’s journal.

Bongo!!! Human’s admitted that she slackpacks occasionally. Love this little cutie!

It was a fun hike, but lacking the drama of climbing out of Lehigh Gap! But what I know for sure is this: Sometimes the trail itself does not excite, but the people are ALWAYS interesting! 🙂

Delaware Water Gap or Bust…Hike On!

June 11, 2015 by Kylena

A Western Maryland Walk on the C&O Canal

Follow the Potomac River west from Washington, D. C., oh, I’d say about a hundred miles, or so, and you will come to a sweet, little river town that was once in the running for the capital of the United States. Williamsport, Maryland was reviewed by none other than George Washington for a possible location for the United States capital!! Even though it wasn’t chosen as the capital…well, I am sure it was an honor just the same!

I headed to Williamsport to do some flatland hiking since it was way too hot and humid to climb a mountain today (for me anyway 😉 ).

Williamsport is a cool river town with the Potomac River forming a natural boundary on the west and Conococheague Creek hemming it in on the north. The C&O Canal runs along the Potomac River. Many bikers were already on the Canal or taking a break at picnic tables when I rolled into the parking lot.

Museum & Parking Area-Picnic tables and bathrooms!

Another large group of young folks were on their way to the river’s edge with fishing poles, buckets, and bait ready for whatever the river might bring them today. It was quite a bucolic setting to behold. I changed out my flip flops for walking shoes then set off to stroll upstream along the C&O Canal.

Of special interest is the crossing of the Conococheague Aqueduct. The aqueduct is currently undergoing restoration but is still part of the C&O Canal so can be used during restoration.

Conococheague Aqueduct

One convenient aspect of the Canal is having mileage markers! Walkers, bikers, or horse riders can keep track of how far they have gone. I planned on hiking 6 miles, so I noted the first mileage marker, and knew I would need to turn around at mileage marker 103. Side note…One of drawbacks of the Canal is usually having to retrace your footsteps in the opposite direction to get back to your car.

First Mile Marker…100!

It was a hot morning and I could feel the heaviness of the air settling over the river and the Canal. Occasional breezes which made the towering trees rattle their leaves did little to alleviate the heat and humidity that seemed to surround me. I am indebted to the birds that distracted me with a variety of melodies and, lucky me, an owl also hooted a welcome!

Big Trees, Shady Path

Each section of the Canal takes on its own personality. At the beginning of my hike, and probably for a mile or so, there was farm land on my right and the Potomac River to my left. A farmer was out on a tractor… Oh, I cannot tell you how welcoming it is for me to hear a tractor out in the field! I hail from southern Indiana and this sound takes me back to a place in my childhood that brings a feeling … of what…happiness? well being? comfort? love?…hard to describe, but good, good, good! 🙂

Then the farmland disappeared and all I could see is a huge rocky wall. Boulders have fallen into the Canal here and the whole place takes on a rugged look. I thought about whether it would be possible to climb to the top of the rock wall, just to see over to the other side, but it looked rather overgrown and vertical. And I was hot…well…that energetic, rock star moment didn’t last long. 🙂 Back to putting one foot in front of the other!

Towering Rock Wall

Quite a few bikers with packs were making their way down the Canal today. I enjoyed the whoosh of air that accompanied them as they flew past me in groups of two, four, and more. I was hoping for more as I neared my car and the end of my hike!

Potomac River on a Hot & Humid Summer Morning

I trudged up the short incline to my car and ripped off my shoes and socks. I could not put my flip flops back on fast enough!

Hot and Sweaty…Hike On!

June 9, 2015 by Kylena

AT-PA Rt183 to Port Clinton 6/6/2015

I’m back Pennsylvania!

Thank goodness I found a hiking pal in PA! It has been a lot of fun hiking these last couple of sections with Cindy, trail name “CanDo”.

This time around, I got to the parking area off Rt. 61 in Port Clinton with no major drama, just a little rerouting around Harrisburg due to roadwork. It is a nice little lot south of the town and has a blue blaze to the AT. As soon as I got the car backed into a spot (beautifully I might add), a text came in from CanDo. “I’m in the Rt. 61 lot.” Ummm…but I am in the Rt. 61 lot and it was clear she was not. This was soon sorted out…two lots, different sides of the highway. My lot was deemed the nicer choice to leave a car, so CanDo picked me up and we headed down to the Rt. 183 gameland parking lot.

Pulled in, gathered our packs, then headed up the gameland road to get to the AT. It was 8:45 and 15 miles were ahead of us. I like smaller goals, so I set my sights on Eagles Nest Shelter, about 6 miles in.

Intersection of the Gameland Road and AT…right turn and off we go!

A deer jumped to the side of the road flicking his white tail before disappearing for good into the woods. Good morning to you too, little deer!

Reaching the intersection with the AT we also disappeared into the woods, taking a right, headed north. There were no climbs initially, just a few rocky spots, so we soon found ourselves passing Black Swatara campsite and spring. The campsite looks to be large enough to serve a group comfortably. Someone has handcrafted a gorgeous sign for the site!

It was a wonderful day for hiking! The rain had finally cleared out leaving us with a morning of cool temps, blue skies and refreshing breezes! The trail was a regular amount of rocky as we stomped on towards Eagles Nest shelter.

Only another two miles until the shelter!

Eagles Nest Shelter has windows and gutters!

The shelter was 0.3 miles off the trail, which meant we added a little over a half mile to our trip by stopping for lunch there. We opted to pass on another 0.1 mile to see the view since we would get an overlook further down the trail.

What a super respite! We lolligagged for about 45 minutes before heading back to the AT. I took off my boots, laid back on the shelter floor and propped my feet up on the wall. Ahhhh!!!

This shelter even has a mirror!

Taking a break fooled my mind into thinking I hadn’t actually hiked this morning. So starting out after lunch was like starting anew on a 9 mile day hike, not the 15 we had originally undertaken. “I got this!” I said to myself.

The woods was still carpeted with thick ferns, but now the mountain laurel was beginning to bloom as well. Just gorgeous pockets of mountain laurel blossoms brightened up the darkness of the forest. We walked through admiring all of it!

Another little break along the trail.

The miles were just melting away and I still felt good. The guide book warns of the severe rockiness of the last six miles. I found the guide book to be wrong in this case. There were some spots of heavy duty rock hopping, but most of the trail just seemed like regular old Pennsylvania rocky!

Now this … this is one of the REALLY rocky sections! 🙂

Feeling pretty triumphant at Auburn Overlook.

The hardest part for me was the steep downhill into Port Clinton. Slow go there for sure. My knees and thighs were relieved when we were in sight of the bike trail at the bottom of the hill. Then another short down on some very suspect steps and we were at the Port Clinton trail depot. And since we had not had enough walking on rocks all day long…we proceeded to tramp all over the ballast to look at the trains!! Go figure…we are nuts!

Trail comes out to Fire Road, then turns back into the woods…almost missed this arrow!!

Yay! Reached the rail trail!!

The final assault, I mean descent, to the depot.

As we left the train depot, a guy stops and asks, “hey, you two know about the all you can eat spaghetti dinner?” WHAAAAAAT?!!!!! Oh, this was the best end to a hike ever!

Oh Yeah!!!!!

All You Can Eat!!!! Yesss!!!

All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner…$8.

Feeling like real hiker trash…priceless!

Hike on! 🙂

May 30, 2015 by Kylena

AT – PA Rt. 501 to Rt. 183 5/28/2015

Up with the dogs at 5:30 am, then out the door at 6:30 am. I thought I was leaving early, but didn’t anticipate rush hour in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania! I mean come on, why is the traffic stopped? It’s a burg for God’s sake. 🙂

Rounding Harrisburg on I-83, my accelerator foot got jittery from the seemingly endless riding of the brakes. My heart soared when I finally zipped down the ramp headed east on I-81… ecstatic to demonstrate some of my NASCAR talent!

On to meet hiker pal, Cindy, at Rt. 183. I pulled into the parking lot right at 9 am … on time! We left my car and drove back to 501 in Cindy’s. The clouds were many shades of gray and hung low obscuring the ridges. We discussed the possibility of rain…

Pulling up to the 501 lot I noticed two dejected looking backpackers sitting on the ground. I wondered what they were up to. “Good Morning! How’s it going?” Their response was indicative of a rough night. Gesturing to the foggy mountainside, I continued, “Did it rain this morning, or is this just coming in?” Now they let loose…they described a hellish night in a wicked thunderstorm. They had been hiking a few days and were now ready to take a day off to dry out in town! We left them waiting for their shuttle to arrive.

The trail rides the ridge of Blue Mountain which made for pretty nice walking, although a few rocky sections kept me humble. I quickly learned to teeter-totter on the loose stones! Ahhh, new skills…or is that skillz? 🙂

Here I am showing off those skillz! Thanks Cindy for the pic!

There were quite a few campsites along the trail. Sweet campsites! Small, but plenty of space for a couple of backpacking tents. We stopped for a long lunch (30 minutes!) at one such site.

It was great to stretch out…I rarely stop for long when I am hiking alone. I don’t know why…I just don’t! Cindy told me she is the same way. How about that? 🙂

There were also a few excellent views. This was taken by Cindy at Shikellamy overlook. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I still cannot pronounce Shikellamy correctly despite Cindy repeating it several times for me!

A cute little red spotted newt was hiking the trail today…that I stepped right over without noticing…thanks Cindy for pointing it out!

We came to Hertlein Campsite soon after the newt sighting. Wow! A beautiful place to camp! The stream was flowing freely. Afterwards, Cindy and I both wished we had filtered some of that fresh, clear, cold water to drink!

This section between 501 and 183 is interesting as it switches from rock jumbles to mountain laurel groves to blue berry patches…and then there are the FERNS! As far as the eye can see in all directions, ferns!

At one point we met up with another section hiker who had started at Delaware Water Gap and was coming south. She was ready to finish her section after getting caught in the aforementioned hellacious thunderstorm and almost stepping on a rattlesnake the day before! I don’t blame her! I kept an eye out for snakes the rest of the way to our car!

Our traverse crossed an old pipeline, then entered the woods again for a few more rocks. The trail looks to be in some stage of slight rerouting. It is easy to follow, however, so we were soon at the historical stone marking the location of an old fort.

This historical stone also meant we were nearing the end of our hike…and the crossing of Rt. 183. Whew! Had to take that crossing at a jog!! Blind curve…fast cars!

Despite a bit of humid weather and occasional distant thunder which kept reminding me that we might encounter our own little scary thunderstorm, this hike was a blast! And we stayed dry!

We exited the AT about a half mile after Rt. 183 to walk down the service road to the Gameland parking lot and my car.

We will return to do Rt.183 to Port Clinton next weekend. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Ankles beware!
Hike on!!!

Gallery April 20, 2015 by Kylena

AT – PA Swatara Gap – ??? It’s Hot, It’s a Ridge, and It’s Rocky…And I love it!

This gallery contains 4 photos.

This summer I am set to complete the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail. I am about half way through the state, having completed Pen Mar through Swatara Gap in May 2014. In June I am backpacking a big section with my backpacking pals, Google & Cindy…but I can only go for a week. This […]

April 1, 2015 by Kylena

Browning Mountain and Basketball History (yes, Still Exploring Indiana!)

Down the road that goes to Elkinsville (or went to Elkinsville) is Browning Mountain. At 920 feet, I am not sure why it is called a mountain. I thought 1000 feet made a mountain…but I got that info from a movie in which cutie pie Hugh Grant played the lead … so you know, there is a slight possibility I am wrong! I am not bothered by that in the least. 🙂 Hugh Grant is “The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Down a Mountain” and very persuasive!

Over the years, I have heard some mysterious, almost magical, stories about the stones on top of Browning Mountain. These stones, which are quite large, are not native to the area and no one really knows how they came to be on top of Browning Mountain. Today was my day to climb the mountain!

Getting to the trail head was not a problem. We followed Elkinsville Road through Story, passed the Nebo Ridge Trailhead (stopped to get a map for future hike!), then went another mile or so until we saw the canoe rental place. We turned around there and backtracked about a 100 feet to find a spot to park on the side of the road next to the trail.

Headed up the Mountain

The first part of the trail is pretty steep, then you continue to climb along the ridge. We encountered several blow downs … seems to be a pretty regular occurrence on the ridges in Indiana.

It was a great day though, blue skies, gentle breezes, so the climb up was mostly delightful! We missed a right turn onto the trail that goes to the mysterious rocks somehow and kept walking for quite some time until we came to a fork in the trail. At this point, my sister, Rowena, was pretty sure we had come too far but wasn’t completely and totally sure, so we took the trail marked with two orange ribbons which headed to the left. When we started to go steeply downhill, Rowena decided indeed this was not the right way. So we back tracked to the fork and took the other branch…after another 15 minutes…nothing.

This is a trail marking???

Rowena had cell service so we looked on line for a website that might have a map or clues for which to look.

A geocache site stated that “There is a hidden intersection on the trail (look for the large, fallen tree that blocks the trail).” Okay, that is the STUPIDEST clue ever!!! There were at least FIVE THOUSAND large, fallen trees on the trail!!!

At least we knew two things now 1) the trail to the rocks was behind us and 2) the trail to the rocks was near a fallen tree. Alrighty-let’s go!

On our way back, we met a nice family from Cincinnati with two young girls. Together we found the trail without too much drama, Yay!

The rocks were pretty cool…but the whole spot is beautiful. Both my sister and I took some time to lay on the rocks and look up at the sky. Very nice!

BoobOnARock literally…

The adventure did not stop with Browning Mountain! On our way back home we stopped in at the Freetown History Museum, a one man operation in Freetown, Indiana. My sister volunteers at the Lawrence Co. Historical Museum so this was especially interesting for her! I wasn’t expecting anything, so of course, I end up finding something amazing!

Basketball history! But not your typical basketball history. The history of basketball in Freetown, Indiana. And…here’s the thing…the girls had a basketball team in Freetown BEFORE the boys! Check out the girls bball team from 1921 or 1922 in the photos below.

Mr. Fritz (to the right) unlocked the doors and gave us a personal tour!

This is so cool…and if Freetown had a girls team, then that means other towns would have had girls teams also, right? They had to play other teams! I want to know more…so if anyone out there knows anything about girls high school basketball teams in Indiana…let me know!!!

Keep exploring, learning and as always, Hike on!

March 31, 2015 by Kylena

Fabulous Sculpture Trail in Solsberry, Indiana

Continuing my tour of southern Indiana while I visit with family this week!

Today, my sister, Rowena, introduced me to the Sculpture Trail in Solsberry, Indiana. Along the way there, we found we were starving so we stopped in at the Yoho General Store. Rowena got a classic biscuits & gravy. I got the most vegetarian thing on the menu (without being potato salad) which was cheese sticks. It worked and we were soon off to find the Sculpture Trail.

Thank goodness Rowena was riding shotgun giving directions! There were a few twists and turns that would have probably resulted in me taking an all day drive without ever reaching any particular destination. There were also a few small signs, thoughtfully placed, to direct us to the Sculpture Trail so we were soon pulling off into a small parking lot.

Ahhh…another beautiful day in Indiana. We tromped into the woods, walking along a trail that skirted a ridge. I stopped to listen to fresh spring water cascading down a hill into a still pond and spring peepers chirping joyfully!

Continuing, I found a turtle standing stoically to my right as if his job was to watch the entrance to this magical place.

Then my eye caught something soaring on the ridge itself…a figure, arms thrown jubilantly skyward! Such accomplishment-how many times have I felt this after climbing to the top of a ridge?

In this same area, the woods took on a witchy feel. There were signs of a campfire in the middle of several sculptures.

Rising from the flames

An archway pulled me deeper into the forest. I quickly realized it was not an arch, but two separate pieces that arched towards each other. They looked like opposing thumbs! Rowena pointed out that the part that I thought looked like the nail bed on the tip of the thumb like structure was imprinted with a face. HOW CURIOUS!

We continued to wind our way around the ridge. The map provided at the trail head was a little out of date. No worries, I don’t think there is any way to get lost and it was a great deal of fun to just wander, look, and discover each piece of sculpture. It was like finding little treasures!

I could have definitely spent an entire afternoon just sitting in one area of this place studying a few pieces. A great place for meditation.

Then I saw something dancing in the woods ahead of me. Oh, wow. Wow.wow.

I fell in love with this piece. This was me.

This piece encompasses all that I feel as I waltz down a trail into the woods. Deeper and deeper until the branches of the trees above intertwine and the fog of the forest sweeps around my feet.
Hike on!

January 26, 2015 by Kylena

AT – VA US522 Chester Gap to Jim&Molly Denton Shelter (and back)

Cabin fever, the very quickly approaching Spring semester, and a goal to hike half of the AT through Maryland in one day this summer had me flying down 340 headed for Front Royal, Virginia and the trail head at US522.

I left my house in the dark, hoping to step on the trail at sunrise…I was using this hike to set a baseline for training for my “Half MD” goal this summer. The shorter winter days meant it might be starting to get dark at 4 PM. Since I was hiking alone I really didn’t care to be hiking back to my car in the dark!

As it turned out I started hiking at 8 AM. It was already past dawn, but it was still not completely light outside. I love to be in the woods in the early morning. Everything is so quiet, then the birds wake up and chatter at you up and down the trail.

Stepping on the trail just after dawn.

: First part of trail is alongside 522. Nice pine trees and soft trail here!

: Survey marker as the trail makes a left away from 522 and proceeds up the mountain.

The trail up the mountain sidled up against the National Zoological Park Conservation and Research Center. Once at the top, the trail pulls away from the Park and cruises nicely along the edge of the mountain before descending to cross a gravel road that headed up into a neighborhood of mountain houses, some of which were quite large!

Not a great pic…but a stream crossing! Luckily the ice had melted on the rocks…although I did have my spikes in tow!

The elevation map made the climb look daunting with a climb of 1000 feet in the first two miles, but it didn’t really seem to register with me on this early morning. What I did think about, on my way up, was how this morning felt like freedom. It really did. It had all the promise of the first warm day of spring…adventure without a time limit! I was just out for a walk, just to see how far I could go. I was loving it!

Winter view south back to Shenandoah National Park.

After the road crossing, I found a nice log to sit on and take a break. The temps were rising, but the sun had yet to make to this side of the mountain. My log seat was quickly freezing my back side, so a quick break it was! Headed on to the shelter for a longer break!

: A chilly break.

: The Denton Shelter is not listed! This sign is close to Mosby Campsite.

: Denton Shelter on the AT in VA…Nice break spot.

Lunch at the shelter had revived me! It was now 11:45am and I had a choice to make…walk another mile down hill to VA638 or turn around now and walk the 5 miles back to my car. One more mile downhill would have meant one more mile uphill and a total mileage of 12 miles for today…I was so close to doing it! But I decided to turn south after leaving the shelter …towards my car…shoot for the 10 miles …take time to enjoy the walk!

Walking back through the snowy woods.

I had forgotten how good it feels to hike alone. This hike just left me with such a great feeling of … jees, I cannot describe it…just an amazing amount of control over my life and a great sense of freedom! Loved it!

Hike on…sometimes with others and sometimes by yourself…hike on!

Girl Gone Hiking

One step, then one step more

Tag Archives: walking

Morning Stroll at Antietam Battlefield

Shenandoah NP – Snead Farm Trail

AT – PA Smith Gap to Wind Gap ~8 miles

A Western Maryland Walk on the C&O Canal

AT-PA Rt183 to Port Clinton 6/6/2015

AT – PA Rt. 501 to Rt. 183 5/28/2015

AT – PA Swatara Gap – ??? It’s Hot, It’s a Ridge, and It’s Rocky…And I love it!

Browning Mountain and Basketball History (yes, Still Exploring Indiana!)

Fabulous Sculpture Trail in Solsberry, Indiana

AT – VA US522 Chester Gap to Jim&Molly Denton Shelter (and back)

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