Sperryville, VA (USA)

Despite the threat of inclement weather, I was not going to pass up another "fee-free day" at Shenandoah National Park! I got a later start than I'd hoped (drove via I-495, I-66, US-29, US-211), but I still made it to the trailhead by 10:00. Wearing my rain poncho, I started NOBO and hiked to Mary's Rock (hadn't been there since Christmas - hard to believe). It was extremely foggy initially - and when the fog began to lift, it was only because the wind picked up... The temperature never got above 70 F on the trail. This section was well travelled - saw lots of people with their dogs and chatted with many of them. For the rest of the day, I was alone and I focused on ignoring physical pain (toe, knee) and on wiping my memory banks. My new phone reliably tracks steps and miles, so I haven't needed to worry about expended batteries or activating my running app - I can take my time and forget about tracking anything (my AT guidebook gives me the distance anyway). I took a brief break at the Byrd's Nest #3 Hut after turning around (I was in no particular hurry today...). When I reached my car again, I still had the mental urge to hike more so I just kept going SOBO. The views in this direction got better as I went and I made no plan as to the turn around point. I'd finally had enough at the Little Stony Man parking lot and walked back on Skyline Drive (completing over 12 miles by 3:00). The picnic area near my car was packed with people when I left. Best thing, though: it never rained! Headed home (drove via US-211, US-29, I-66, I-495)to avoid tomorrow's forecasted monsoon... Next SNP day will be Veteran's Day! AT Today = 6.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 528.14 miles