This past Saturday I had the good fortune to do my first hike of the year with two great friends, two cute dogs and on a gorgeous but windy day. I’m all about planning, so before the trek I carefully picked out a route that 1) I hadn’t done before so I could see some new sites and 2) would be just the right amount of time to scratch the outdoors itch but not leave me limping for the next three days. I made a list of gear to bring and an itinerary for the day, which I shared with my gal pals. All there was left to do was make it out to Shenandoah National Park and hit the trail.
The girls and I parked at the lot just past Hogback Overlook. The dogs were going crazy greeting each other and I just couldn’t wait to get going. Having thoroughly reviewed the map of the 5.2 mile loop and having read through the hike description several times we were off! Start at the cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, check. At the next trail marker take a right and follow the blue blazes down a wooded hillside, check. Pass by Mathew’s Arm campground… errr, wait, what? Ugh… Mathew’s Arm campground is not on the map and I should know cause I’m supposed to be the leader of this hiking party, the one who’s got all the details covered, right?
Fortunately it was a good time to stop and grab some lunch and let the dogs play. As I pulled out my map and directions and stared dumfounded I realize that there must have been a second cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, one that would take us across Skyline Drive and around our planned loop. How could I have missed this? My hiking partners were good sports about it all, though I’m sure I’m not gonna live this one down for a while (1 year, 2 years – only time will tell).
At the end of the day, we put in a good 3 hours of hiking and there’s the promise a do-over to conquer our originally planned trek. The dogs were tired. We felt somewhat accomplished and happily celebrated with some hike’s-end cupcakes J Did I feel dumb? Yeah. Will I redeem myself next time? Definitely!!
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- Kate
- Manassas, Virginia, United States
- Welcome to my blog! Come back often to read about my path to completing my first kayak race; a 90-mile, 3-day adventure through New York State in the Adirondack Canoe Classic. I talk about my training, gear purchases, review outfitteres and gear, and everything else!
As one of the good sports on that hike, I have to say ... is there ever a bad hike with friends in the mountains?? I mean so long as you're not asking each other "does anyone remember how to spell out 'send McGiver' in dots and dashes with the flashlight?" you're doing great! The biggest achievement was seeing 3 control freaks give up control, shrug and keep walkin' :)
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