Shenandoah is a full National Park with all the usual backcountry and frontcountry features. But it is a linear park, a hundred miles long and pencil thin. The frontcountry follows the Skyline Drive, while the backcountry follows the Appalachian Trail often only a hundred yards away. It is easy to switch between the two, so visitors can get a sample of the backcountry.
The front country has full service campground with Ranger talks, camp stores and cafes. That means hikers can get food!
I hadn't seen any hikers all day on the trail, but eight materialize at the Loft Mountain Wayside. I grab two lunches: an egg sandwich and blackberry milkshake, and then black bean burger and orange juice.
I over ate and then hiked on a full belly which didn't digest well, so ironically I had a slow slog with low blood sugar and energy.
The park has lots of wildlife. Several hikers saw bears today, while I see and hear wild turkey, deer, birds and snakes.
The miles are fairly easy, so I walk 20.5 miles to Blackrock Hut on Monday, and 21.4 miles to
Hightop Hut on Tuesday.
No comments:
Post a Comment