April 24: Shenandoah's Highest Peak

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OD’s comments: Well the ride up to the trail was uneventful. We arrived at the Thorton Gap
registration center before 7AM. There were no "Backcountry" permits in the box so I
improvised my own. We opted not to return to Elkwallow and started in Thorton
Gap. This was to save money on mileage for the shuttle and the park fee for his
vehicle, a $20 savings. We have spent a bit much going home and back and need to
save when we can. The 8 miles we skipped will be made up before we get done. The
miles it will take to get from the trail to the shelters and back every day will
more than equal 8 miles before we are done. The first leg today was straight up
1,400 feet in the first two miles. We dropped weight from our backs at home, but let
me tell you it did not feel that way! The boots for CC worked much better and
there was only one small blister by the end of the day. We hiked 9+ miles and
finished up at a place called "Skyland." The mountains we crossed were Marys
Rock, The Pinnacle, Little Stony Man and Stony Man Mountain. The highest point we made today was 3,837 feet, the
highest point the AT reaches in Shenandoah Nat. Park. I had planned to hit the
trail aggressively because the time we lost. Now plan "B", we will only do about
eight miles tomorrow and the day after to ease back into the swing of things. We
are both really sore after today’s miles. We have decided to get an earlier start
in the mornings, like today. It was nice to get to camp early and be able to
relax, do dinner, and get set for tomorrow before the sun goes down. This will
also give us more sleep time. I did get a small blister on each heal at the end
of the day. They have been doctored up and are ready for the next mountain.

CC’s comments: Great to be back on the trail again today. The area was beautiful with lots
of places we could look back at the mountains we have already done. When we are
walking, it doesn't seem we cover much distance, but from the top of a tall
mountain we cannot see where we started from. The mountains I saw today made me
proud of what we have done so far. Did 9+ miles today and it kicked my
backside, which is the only part of my body that is not sore. My knees took a
real beating today. However OD treated me to a hot shower and soft bed for
tonight as payment for torture inflicted on me. The temps were very comfortable
and if they stay like this until we reach Waynesboro(7days), I will be sending
my cold weather cloths home to lighten up my pack more. It was by the grace of
God I made it today, I did more than a few miles listening to my praise music to
deal with my knees. I really needed my prayer warriors today, but I think they
had the day off. I hope they are on the job tomorrow :-)

Patrick, Deborah Mooney aka OD & CC
All Who Wander Are Not Lost

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Comments

[Chris & Bethany]

Hi guys!! So glad to here that everything is going good so far! We'll be praying for your knees Mom and that the transition back to hiking goes easier! Love yas, Chris and Bethany :)

[Micki]

WOW
That is awesome that you guys are back on the trail. Dad I loved your little story time on the train ride. That must have been interesting. Well, make sure that you take your time and do what you can. Don't over do it and stay strong. Mom you keep pressing on to your mark and let them legs do the walking. Keep sending the pics. We really love them and I will keep that scrapbook going. Love you tons and miss you. Love Todd, Micki, Logan, baby and Ginger Doodle