Back to hiking the home turf this past weekend, a 20 miler in Shenandoah National Park, north and central districts. The route has become a standard for us (me and fellow hiker Steve) and involves two road walks, but this time in reverse direction. The route from US-211 at the Buck Hollow Trail west of Sperryville, VA- up US-211, Pass Mountain, AT south to Pinnacles picnic area (with a visit to Marys Rock), AT north to Jewell Hollow Overlook, Skyline Drive walk north to Pinnacles Overlook, Hannah Run, Catlett Spur, Hazel Mountain, down Buck Ridge, and out Buck Hollow. Why the reverse direction? I wanted to descend Buck Ridge. I've gone up it many a time, but that steep section has scared me away until now. After seeing the incredible trail work in progress last time up, it seemed now was the time to give it a go downhill.
I was carrying a couple pounds of candy, Snickers and Peppermint Patties, to hand out to thru-hikers. Pass Mountain Hut was empty when we arrived, and from reading the hut journal, we saw that there was a thru-hiker party being held at "Walker's Farm" off of Land's Run Gap. We'd see few thru-hikers on this hike- many were at the hiker bash. I suspect it was a right lively event (anyone here go?). Oh well, that just meant more trail magic candy for the few that we did meet.
There was some well-past-peak mountain laurel along the Pass Mountain Trail, but the good stuff was ahead. I got water from the frost-free hydrant at Thornton Gap. The hydrant is just outside the entrance station office. The ranger warned that the water had failed coliform tests and to treat it, which I did. I was assured that all the other hydrants and fountains in the Park are OK. From Thornton Gap came the climb up to Marys Rock, a climb that I could "commit" to. I was on Marys Rock in about 45 minutes. A pleasant Saturday morning, and it had very few visitors. Nice! It was good to see that the rock graffiti from a few months ago was gone. I dried out and basked in the warm sun up on the high rocks.
We ventured on south via the AT, stopping at Byrds Nest shelter, where we met thru-hiker "Erik the Red". He was waiting on a companion before heading down and out to Luray. I gave him plenty of Snickers and Peppermint Patties. Next it was up and over The Pinnacle. The mountain laurel along the AT from north of Marys Rock to south of the Pinnacle was at peak to somewhat past peak (generally at peak above 3300' or so). On to Pinnacles picnic area for a break and water stop. We met thru-hiker "Q-tip" there and unloaded the rest of the candy. We talked a good spell with him and a couple other hikers. From there it was a short walk on the AT to Jewell Hollow Overlook, where we'd leave the AT and hike the Drive to Pinnacles Overlook. That's when the weather got ugly.
A storm was brewing over the Valley and heading our way. I put on the gaiters, pants legs (oops... no rain pants), Gore-tex hat, pack cover, and secured the camera ahead of the impending storm. The storm hit as we were walking the Drive. A pouring rain with a couple not-too-distant lightning strikes, glasses fogged up and cars flying by... where's my Hannah Run to AT connector trail when I need it?!? The storm was letting up as we approached Pinnacles Overlook, and what a grand sight we had there- Old Rag was gone! It was shrouded in the rain shaft, and low clouds were moving every which way. It was like being back in the Smokies! The overlook was drawing a sizable crowd. As the storm continued on, Old Rag reappeared, and lightning could be seen striking its ridge line. Oh my, the hikers over there must be having a time! And yes they were, according to Bob Look's blog entry: http://oldragpatrolsbyrsl-blook.blogspot.com/2010/06/sat-sun-june-12-2010.html
After the dramatic display at Pinnacles Overlook, it was down Hannah Run and Catlett Spur. Catlett Spur was a gentle downhill, but seemed far longer than the 1.1 advertised miles. I've examined several GPS tracks, and sure enough, it's 1.1 miles, 1.2 at most. We both commented that is was a long 1.1 shortly before we hit the junction with Hazel Mountain Trail, which led over to Buck Ridge. The mountain laurel had all gone by on Buck Ridge. We met a spread out group of hikers coming up as we descended. Then we got to the big drop. It's steep... very steep. Seemed steeper and longer going down than coming up. But it was quite manageable. The PATC trail work there is truly amazing! I should have counted the log steps that have been put in place, as there are many, and just one takes a lot of time and work. This was a monumental effort, and I (as always) am ever grateful to the PATC work crews. If you haven't seen that new wonderful trail work on lower Buck Ridge, go check it out. It is awesome!
Pictures
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