Harrisonburg, VA (USA)

Had business at James Madison University during most of the day, so my hiking weekend plans were derailed. But, like so many other times recently, I decided to try to make the best of things, to keep my goals on track for finishing the AT. Drove to Harrisonburg early in the morning (actually, earlier than Brenna and Erin wanted to meet me...).  I ate food I'd brought on the way (late breakfast) and, after meeting up with the Twins, drove them around town, looking at apartments.  After we finished, I dropped them off and picked up a late lunch at McDonalds in Harrisonburg (1625)  By 1700, I was on Skyline Drive and making my way to a trailhead in the Southern District. Parked at Camp Store and hiked NOBO to Ivy Creek Spring (access trail). I then turned around and headed SOBO, all the way to Doyles River Trail. This tied up two sections I'd hiked previously. More than two thirds of my trek was spent in total darkness. Deer were everywhere! About halfway through, I was startled to encounter some nature walkers (no flashlights) - better than a bear, though. In addition to the lower temperatures (falling from about 50 to just under 40 during my three hour hike), there was a cold wind blowing - it was sharpest on the SE side of Loft Mountain (brrrrrr!). Hiked about 8.5 miles total because I used the campground roads to reach my car during the backtrack. Hardcore campers, already snug in their translucently lit tents and fancy RVs, made me feel better about braving the elements tonight - I'm not the only crazy person: the place was actually packed! Foliage viewers had filled all the accommodations nearby so I had no choice but to call it a weekend when I was done hiking at around 2045.  On the way home after my mini-adventure, I stopped for dinner at Wendy's in Ruckersville (2130).  AT Today = 4.30 miles / Grand Total AT = 803.08 miles