Shenandoah National Park - Mile 933

We entered Shenandoah National Park right after leaving Staunton. The terrain did get easier, as promised. There are still many climbs and descents, but the grades are gradual. The weather has still been very hot, humid and sunny. There are a lot of section hikers and weekenders in the park as well. We've been camping by the shelters, (called huts in the park) because of bear activity. The huts have bear poles, which are safer than trying to hang a bear bag.

The Appalachian Trail parallels the Skyline Drive through most of Shenedoah NP. The trail crosses the road about 25 times, but usually we don't know how close the road is.

Y-Knot opens a care package sent for his birthday in Waynesboro, VA

 Having dinner at Blackrock Hut. We camped by this shelter

 View from Blackrock Mt

Bear sighting! Not a great shot; it's hard to get clear shots without a good zoom. We've seen four bears so far, about 20 - 30 feet from the trail.

 Lunch spot at an overview

 Crossing a viewpoint along the Skyline Drive

Looking into the valley from Blackrock summit

 Rock ledge at Bluff Mt

 View from Stonyman Cliffs

Overlooking Skyline Drive, from Stonyman Cliffs

 The Shenedoah ridgeline

 We are enjoying the entire portion of the AT (most of the time, anyway!)

The Byrds Nest Hut along the AT

 The best kind of trail magic - Aunt Rosie and Uncle Pete flew into Luray from NY, and met us at Thornton Gap along Skyline Drive

Having dinner at a steak house in Luray. Real food!