Day 12 Staunton VA to Carlisle PA Sunday October 22, 2017

Day 12 Staunton VA to Carlisle PA Sunday October 22, 2017


Today we traveled the Skyline Drive that encompasses the Shenandoah National Park. The Skyline Park road is 105 miles. It was another glorious day for a hike. If you recall when we came through on the way south, all we could see was clouds - up real close. If you are not sure what that looks like take a long hot shower then look in the mirror. See much? Neither did we.

But today made up for our disappointment of a week ago.

Like yesterday we decided to do several shorter trails. The first was Bearfence trail as recommended by our teacher friends we had the chat with yesterday. The trail guide and the sign at the parking lot spoke of going up scrambles in the rock of the northerly leg of the loop so we chose the southerly leg and decided for the up and back. Another couple who started up with us talked of trying it several years ago and turning back. More reason to do the north leg.

Unfortunately, the "view" is only available on the scramble leg. Oh well. It was a great walk in the woods including being on the Appalachian trail for a ways.

While on that AT walking south, a man commented on the Maine hat that I was wearing "Are you from Maine?" "Yes, and we are on our way back" "That's remarkable!!" was his response. I was referring to heading home. He thought we were hiking the AT and had complected it and were headed back to Georgia!! I didn't tell him anything different. We are really that good anyway.

The second hike was the Upper Hawksbill Trail. This trail was relatively easy and followed a fire road most of the way. There was some steady inclines but not real hard. Also it was mostly a gravel path that was very good walking. The view was very nice of the valley to the west.

 The top of Hawksbill.

 I had to take the picture below. The girl with the red hair reminded us of our Bree. I can picture her in not too many years doing the same thing with her friends - and hopefully Nana and Papa. And the group reminded us that Madelaine and Lauren are hot on the heels of soon being part of such a group - boy are they getting bigger and cuter everyday.

View is to the west looking at Shenandoah Valley.

A nice view from a overlook later in the day. This is looking east. Just amazing trip and ride.

To get us closer to home for the drive on Monday, we rode to Carlisle PA. The Fairfield Inn was much better that either the Comfort or Days Inns of the last several days.

Will be nice to get home.
And this is the end of the posts for this amazing adventure. Total trip length was 2890 miles
Stay tuned for the next chapter of the intrepid voyagers - by car or boat - maybe even plane.

Day 10/11 Joe Wheeler Park AL to Blue Ridge Parkway Friday and Saturday October 20 & 21, 2017

Day 10/11 Joe Wheeler Park AL to Blue Ridge Parkway Friday and Saturday October 20 & 21, 2017


 We left Joe Wheeler Park about 6:30 and traveled about 8 hours to Salem VA. We stopped at Loudon TN for a very nice lunch. The local cafe and antique shop was very eclectic but wonderful chicken salad wrap. Faye's vegetable soup was more like a wonderful stew

We stayed at Comfort Inn that was nice, but the A/C cycled on and off all night so it disrupted sleep - oh well.

Friday was a glorious day. The long day on Friday put us in position to do the upper end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) We stopped for several selfies - who would have imagined that I would have bought a selfie stick!!!!!!

We planned to do some easy one or two trails but stopped at the Peaks of Otter visitor center. The ranger at the info desk suggested a few mundane hikes or we could take the shuttle bus to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. One of the highest peaks in the Park. "Can you hike to the top" said I. "Yes but it is a good climb."

 Sharp Top Mountain from the range station

Well it looked doable so the intrepid duo struck out to prove that we don't need the wheelchair ride just yet.

On the way up Mrs. O met some six graders and had a mini moment of instruction and inspiration. And Mrs. O said some things too! 

 A beatific day and trail

Well do not need for the bus just yet. WE DID IT!!

How's that for a view!!  Reportedly the only 360 degree view in the BRP

Back at the base of the trail talked with a couple we met on the trail. Advance Placement high school teachers from VA. Very nice chat. Rob - They think teaching at Brewster sounds real nice.

During the rest of the day we completed the BRP drive and stayed at a Day's Inn in Staunton, VA. Won't stay there again. Clean in the room but the grounds are pretty long in the tooth. But the recommendation for dinner was spot on. Mrs Rowe's was a great spot for dinner and breakfast the next morning.

A wonderful day in the mountains of VA!!!!!

Day 9 at Joe Wheeler Park AL Thursday October 19, 2017

Day 9 at Joe Wheeler Park AL Thursday October 19, 2017


Last day of conference. It has been a great experience. It has confirmed and heighten our desire to do the Loop. We really wanted to be able to leave the docks with the other folks we have met but next spring will come soon enough.

I think the group photo says it all

Can you find us? Hint back right. Some hint uh?

Day 7/8 at Joe Wheeler Park AL Tuesday/Wednesday October 17/18, 2017

Day 7/8 at Joe Wheeler Park AL Tuesday/Wednesday October 17/18, 2017


Several days of meetings for information gathering and meeting fine folks.
It is fun being with like minded boaters - actual or planning.
Lots of good information. It is making us look forward all the more to heading out on our trip.


Got the drone up for some shots below

Note the fog below. It has been cold here. Forty five degrees at night. Nearly as warm at home. But this is not the norm for the area and Thursday will be warmer.

The first shot is looking out to the Tennessee River and shows the entrance to the creek that the marina is on.

 The next two photos are 180 degrees from the one above looking at the marina

 On Wednesday our dinner was held at the local Polo club. It was great fun and dinner was very good.

Day 6 at Joe Wheeler Park AL Monday October 16, 2017

Day 6 at Joe Wheeler Park AL Monday October 16, 2017


Sunrise Photos of docks

Conference started today. A good group of folks here. Folks are grouped by Planning, Looping, or Completed. There are more Planning than the other two grouped together (based on my unofficial reading of the "show of hands").

Everyone is very nice - will be fun being on the Loop

Photo below if from our introduction that everyone had to do. Thanks to Robin Barnhardt from Crow's Nest (they just completed the loop)

We were able to hike around a trail on the park site  - a few photos below.

Special Tree!!

Photos below show the open river - looks inviting - We are ready to go!!