Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

[After checking out of my room at the Motel 6, I ate breakfast at McDonalds in Harrisonburg (0655). Next, I headed out to do some bear hunting in Shenandoah National Park! It was a fee free day (NPS Centennial). I didn't rush the start of the morning but still made it to the trailhead (Doyles River Trail) at Skyline Drive mile marker 81 by 0800. Temps were in the mid 70s and I was able to stay in the shade for most of the morning. The trail was well-worn and the climbing wasn't too difficult. Saw lots of caterpillars today, for some reason... It got warmer through the day but I made great time, reaching my turnaround point (Blackrock Summit) in about 1.5 hours. The views were tremendous! When I started back, I began to encounter large groups of day hikers. Unfortunately, I didn't see any bears at all. I pretty much raced back to my car, arriving at 1130 as the temps reached the mid 90s. Was glad to fit in around 9.5 miles before it was unbearably hot... On the way home, I visited my friends, James and Renee, near Warrenton. Great weekend! AT Today = 4.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 746.88 miles]