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.