Sky Meadow State Park, VA.

There were wild rasberries and blackberries along both sides of the trail through this beautiful sate park. Another day of 100 + temps, but we did have a slight breeze.

Virginia shelters

I slept in this shelter becuase I did not want to set up my tent in a terrible thunderstorm on the 4th of July. it was constucted by a local boy scout troop and is the smallest shelter on the trail. It is called "Dicks Dome ".

On a brighter note...... the nicest shelter I have seen on the trail. Complete with covered picnic table, solar  shower, and wooden adirondack style couch. Life on the trail is not always rough and tough.

Snake

A Northern Virginia brown water snake. I actually thought it was a water mocassin until I looked it up later on a hostel's computer. It was still scary looking and guarding the water hole that I wanted to fill up from.

Nice lunch break spot

I came across this bench under an apple tree one day. It was a great spot for a break in the 100 + degree heat.Notice the A.T. white blaze on the tree next to my very wet and dripping shirt.

Flowers in Northern Virginia

Field of Black-eyed Susan's along the A.T. north of Front Royal, VA.

Shenedoah campsite/ Storm Night

The broken tree that could have ended our my hike and possibly more. My tent was pitched just to the right of the tree to the right of the picnic table. This storm carried 60-80 mph winds and closed the entire southern section of the park.

Park personnel trying to clear the road from fallen trees.

More damage along the trail. We would eventually go around, over, or under 25-30 of these trees in the coming week.

Shenendoah National Park

A shot of the trail as we entered the park from the south side. Shenendoah park has approx. 100 mi. of the trail within it's boundries. Most of the trail closely follows the Skyline Drive. This pic was taken a few days before the severe storm hit that closed the park (and trail).