This weekend I was able to plan my own outing to Shenandoah. This time I dragged my dad and my brother Jason with me, as well as my teammate, Carey, and friends Patrick, Kaustuv and Josine. Prior to today, my dad was iffy about the prospect of going up all the hills and kept referring to the outing as the “Death March.” But once we got out there, he and everyone else did great! I, of course, brought up the rear because it was so hilly and I constantly had to stop to catch my breath. (I’ve been trying to avoid relying on my inhaler and have been keeping my asthma in check by resting for short periods.) Also, I have to remember to eat something for breakfast more substantial than a bowl of cereal, though trail mix is a great energy snack.

The weather was gorgeous – nearly 80 degrees and mostly sunny. It got pretty toasty around noon, but after last week’s weather, I’m not complaining! We hiked out to Mary’s Rock (overlooking the Thornton Gap entrance to the park) and back. Total mileage was 7.7 in 4 hours (plus a half-hour rest). The trail parallels Skyline Drive to the west and visibility was excellent, so we had some great vistas of Luray and the Shenandoah Valley.  Check out my pictures here.