Shenandoah National Park - Southern Section

Oct 25, 2008

From Smith Roach Gap to Loft Mtn campground; 14 miles

With my hubby serving as the gear guy, Mercy and I decided to slack today in the rain. Used a day pack with a rain cover, but it got soaked anyway (forcing me to realize I need a new pack cover for it). Skipper hiked with us for the first few miles then turned around to fetch the car and secure a campsite at Loft Mountain. I met up with Mercy at Pinefield Hut for lunch where she made the discovery she had left her lunch bag inside the car. Gave her a Snickers bar to help, but she was having second thoughts about the whole deal. She said this was like the third or fourth time she has wanted to quit on this trip. I tried to encourage her to keep things going, esp with how well she had done the previous day. We hiked on through the rain. Near Loft Mtn I was hailed by Skipper who was waiting for us. We were soon at the wayside for chili, fires, and grilled cheese. We then took the car and drove down to Turk Gap to scout out possible campsites for the next night. The mountains were arrayed in fiery splendor as the storm began to dissipate. Arrived back the campground, set up, then Skipper and I took the wet clothes to dry at the laundromat. I was also able to dry out some my shoes and seat cushion inside the nice warm restroom using the hand dryer. To bed in very damp conditions.

Oct. 26

From Loft Mtn Campsite to Turk Gap; 15 miles

Awoke to find that frost had developed inside my tent, and when I jarred it, it literally snowed inside! Never had that happen that I could recall. Skipper cooked us breakfast of pan bread and chicken fingers. Again he would shuttle our packs to Turk Gap, so Mercy and I had another slack day. Enjoyed the beautiful view from Black Rock.

Leisurely hike on good terrain. Skipper had left the car at Turk Gap while he took his Boy Scout troop up Turk Mtn. So we arrived to fetch our packs and set up camp for the evening and our last night in SNP.

Oct 27

From Turk Gap to Rockfish Gap; 11.4 miles

Another pleasant day for hiking to our rendezvous with Paul Bunyan at Rockfish Gap. Saw some nice old growth forests along the way as well as views. Arrived in good time to make our pick up, having completed the entire park. How I wanted to keep going as I had begun to adapt once more to the rigors of the trail. But alas, home is calling and other duties. I hope to continue a section hike from Rockfish Gap to Pearisburg next April if it works out.

Shenandoah Natonal Park - Central Section

Thorton Gap and Mary's Rock

Oct. 22
From Pass Mtn Hut to Hawksbill Gap; 14.3 miles
Very windy night last night - hard to sleep. Awoke at one time to find the back of my tent had blown down. Had to crawl out of the tent and pound the stake back into the hard ground. Still, was able to get an early morning start. On the way to Thorton Gap, a determined doe blocked my path. She would not be dissuaded until I clicked my poles together and then scampered off into the woods, the white tail waving in defeat. At the base of Mary's Rock, Mercy was apprehensive about the stiff climb awaiting us. I went ahead to tackle it and arrived about 45 minutes later to a cold and windy summit, so much so that it was difficult to enjoy the view. Mercy arrived another 45 minutes later. At the recently opened Byrds Nest shelter, Mercy made the decision to only go as far as Skyland while I would head for the intended destination - Rock Spring Hut. She decided the distance that day of 15 miles was too far for her. She would hitch a ride to Big Meadows from Skyland and stay at the campground there. So we parted company and I made tracks for a 15 mile day. The day was clear but cold and I made good time, enjoying the magnificent views along the way. But as the day progressed, I realized I'd be in for a cold night at Rock Spring, and with a 25 degree bag, I would likely not be warm enough. After talking with Skipper on the cell, I decided to have him pick me up at Hawksbill Gap, just short of my intended goal, and take me home for the night. Paul Bunyan was planning to return anyway the next morning to resupply Mercy, so he could drop me off. Skipper and I tried looking for Mercy to take her home as well but failed to find her. So I traveled home for an unexpected "hostel" stay and glad I did. Resupplied and took a shower.

A trail in autumn

Oct. 23
From Hawksbill Gap to Bearfence Mtn Hut; 12.1 miles
Good to be home sweet home, I must say, in a nice bed. Had a big breakfast, then PB drove me to my starting point at Hawksbill Gap. It was there I discovered I had left my hiking poles in Skipper's car the night before. What a sad discovery. So I made do with two sticks other hikers had left at the trailhead and used them to make my way along the trail. Finally caught up with Mercy on a flat section of trail south of Big Meadows where she talked of the very cold night endured at Big Meadows. She was not happy to hear I had been at home - though we had tried our best to find her. We made good time to Bearfence Hut where Skipper met us with warm chocolate chip cookies and my beloved hiking poles. Spent time together at the site until he had to leave. I moved my tent to another camping area as the place became inundated with hikers arriving, and I had a peaceful night alone in a spot overlooking the hut area.

Oct 24

From Bearfence Mtn Hut to Smith Roach Gap; 13.5 miles

Hiked out in an overcast, slightly misting day with a cold wind. Hard to hike while trying to stay warm. At South River picnic grounds, I ran into a nice couple who gave me a bottle of water since the water supply had been turned off. They also gave me the weather report - rain coming in that night. I gave Skipper a call to see if he would pick us up at Smith Roach Gap for a night at home instead of spending a wet cold night at Hightop shelter - our destination that evening. The shelter itself is only a mere fifteen or so miles from our home, so it made sense to be in a warm place for the night. The only problem was, I had left Mercy by South River and was uncertain where she was on the trail to give her the news. I hiked on in the hopes of running into her. Never saw her, even as I crossed over Swift Run Gap and Rt 211 to enter the southern section of the park.

A climb over Hightop mountain yielded an interesting view of the valley with rolling clouds.

I met Skipper at Smith Roach Gap, and after a search of the trail, we finally hiked back to Hightop Hut where we found Mercy. She had gotten there shortly before I passed through. She was delighted to hear we would be spending the night back at our house. We enjoyed pizza and conversation, thankful not to be out in the rain that night, though tomorrow was certain to yield a wet and soggy day on the trail. But that is another day.

Part Three in the next blog