tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318940752024-03-13T14:30:51.519-04:00Shenandoah Mountain GuidesAt Shenandoah Mountain Guides, also known as Teamlink, we strive to lead the finest adventuresport education, backcountry trips possible! Through dedicated staff we guide backcountry trips specializing in mountain sports, environmental and outdoor education as well as team development the year round.
So here's a little window into who we are, the trips we lead, and the excitement we inspire!Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-89466187935715336062014-03-08T12:02:00.000-05:002014-03-08T12:03:41.850-05:00Almost Alpine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some would say I wasted my twenties.<br />
If I look at myself on paper, I start to wonder if they’re right. Instead of paying down a mortgage, I’m still chipping away at the old college loan… But looking back, the wasted days of rock-climbing and mountain guiding were truly fantastic! The personal battle to overcome a difficult or dangerous climb is a growth experience I cannot describe, and teaching someone else to fight through to complete a challenge is an unforgettable victory for both parties. Etched in my mind forever is the view from the top of the Old Rag, the Matterhorn, Seneca rocks and the Almost Alpine traverse. Alongside the memories of peaks climbed are those of doubling over in laughter with groups of middle schoolers, looking in the rearview at a van full of sleeping scouts, and the smiles of clients and friends. On top of a mountain I met the love of my life, my fiancée, Liz. Finally, I am so proud to have helped in the founding of a stewardship organization (Old Rag Mountain Stewards) that gives back to a place I care about so deeply. <br />
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… And then there is Almost Alpine…<br />
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Not sure whether or not to be proud here.<br />
It was to be the best climbing film ever! I still personally believe it is, but its been on the shelf for a while now. The unfinished version of the mockumentary film I may have wasted my twenties on met rave reviews at a Senaca Rocks annual chill cookoff, the grand opening of the Vertical Rock climbing gym and several National Park Service technical rescue courses where Jeremy Tooley (the films real creator) and I were instructors. It seemed we were on our way to superniche film superstardom! <br />
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Then life and jobs got in the way. We hit final digital mastery roadblocks. Production looked really pricy for a dream we had already put way to much into. Our guide’s tip money and the magic was gone. Our pride got in the way of asking for help. <br />
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Something funny happens to youthful pride when you go from your twenties to your thirties. It’s like climbing a scary, dangerous ice route, it just starts to look a tad less appealing. So here I am swallowing my pride. Almost Alpine needs your help. This movie is one skip away from making it across the river. If you loved climbing in our little mountain mid-Atlantic or really anywhere. If you want to support the no budget local climbing scene, revive a dying dream, or if you just like stupid fun movies! I am asking if you got a few bucks to throw in the pot. Jesse Von Fange (the third core creator of Almost Alpine) has put the film on <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2002816032/almost-alpine-a-film-by-climbers?ref=live" target="_blank">Kickstarter.com</a> This means that in a short window of time the film will be either done and in your high def player or gone for good and you get any donated money back. <br />
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Thanks so much for the consideration,<br />
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Chad Heddleston<br />
aka Rad Chad<br />
aka 5.Chad<br />
aka Chad from Almost AlpineShenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-58717255130618310992012-11-04T12:24:00.000-05:002012-11-04T12:29:09.022-05:00The Times They Are A-changing'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"Anticipation is a stronger stimulus than satisfaction." </i></div>
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<i>-Legendary climber and caver Herb Conn</i></div>
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Well the times have been changing for yours truly, and unfortunately it has been reflected in the lack of updates to this blog. As the guiding season slowed for the upcoming winter I took on another full time job and am currently guiding on the side. So here's a few pictures from the fall that I have mostly missed as an outdoorsman. </div>
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Late summer with the dog basking in the cool breeze of the changing season.<br />
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Since I last updated the flowers have gone from this... </div>
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and this ...</div>
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to this ...</div>
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and finally to this... </div>
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(from the summit of Hawksbill five days after hurricane Sandy)</div>
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The mountains have changed with the leaves and the storms. </div>
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The animals are preparing for the winter.</div>
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No matter if they live indoors... </div>
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And I am preparing for the road ahead as well... </div>
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Even if it means guiding a few less trips.</div>
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<br />Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-51996951701998850862012-07-23T16:22:00.000-04:002012-07-23T16:57:11.908-04:00That Warm Fuzzy Feeling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The above is a Velvet Ant that I was (bug nerd that I am) very excited to see yesterday! This crazy creature is actually a wingless wasp with an especially painful sting. This female is known to have one of the most excruciating stings in the world and backs it up with the red color and the nickname - the Cow Killer! This inch long insect is facetiously said to sting painfully enough to kill a cow! At least with the bright red color she exhibits aposematic signals that alert predators to avoid the potentially harmful sting. <br />
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The next harmful critter doesn't even usually give us the helpful bright color warning as she is usually solid black except for the red hourglass on the underside. This one in particular is very exceptional though. This venomous neurotoxin toting Black Widow spider can potentially (very rarely) kill a human and has markings on her back ...<br />
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And they seem to be hearts ...<br />
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... I told you that you'd get that warm fuzzy feeling.<br />
(I did not find her in Shenandoah)<br />
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Now it's time for a real warm fuzzy...<br />
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...Ahhhhh that feels much better.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-69259002851042018532012-07-22T10:23:00.000-04:002012-07-22T11:41:40.496-04:00Splashes of the Blue Ridge<br />
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A mountain style slip-n-slide hits the spot on these hot days. This trip guest is the only one I have ever seen consistently bounce over the rock "speed bump" and take it from an awesome thirty foot slide to a SUPER awesome fifty foot slide. </div>
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Rock scrambling and climbing with big sky behind you makes for memorable days in the mountains.<br />
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Bumble bees take shelter from the approaching rain under an umbrella with a view. </div>
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On the way down to cool off in a cool blue mountain stream!
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Enjoying the Blue Ridge views is a great way to spend your before and after rappelling and climbing time!</div>
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Wondering if we are going to get caught in the storm but not really
caring either way is part of the beauty and mystery of the summer.<br />
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<br />Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-5937571935934573032012-07-12T22:38:00.004-04:002012-07-12T22:41:10.066-04:00This is Summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...well, it's a slice of the last four days of summer at least.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-35383762760771050242012-07-05T22:55:00.001-04:002012-07-08T13:50:59.012-04:00Keepin it Cool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rappelling in waterfalls keeps things cool.<br />
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Tubing also does the trick.<br />
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If you're canyoneering with us the hotter outside the better; cause really, who wants to wear a wetsuit.<br />
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Time for a fun game: Where's Whatever? (the game where you find Whatever it is... Wherever it is)! <br />
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This time it's a climber on a two hundred foot rappel!<br />
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If you didn't find him yet he is hidden by a leaf.<br />
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Moving on...<br />
OK this one is scary,<br />
... really sssssscarrry.<br />
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...also kind of hard.<br />
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scroll down and I'll zoom it in for ya.<br />
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If you're not scared scroll back up and pretend like you're bushwhacking. (yea, it's venomous Copperhead)<br />
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One more round, with a more pleasant subject matter. <br />
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This one's really hard...</div>
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She's protecting her eggs.</div>
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It's a Blue-headed Vireo chillin in the nest, thanks to the expert who informed me what type of bird this was.</div>
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That's all of the game for now, it's time to go back to the keeping it cool pics.<br />
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Cool moth <br />
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Cool Caterpillar on a Rhododendron.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-30041464466651471102012-07-01T12:54:00.000-04:002012-07-01T12:54:00.311-04:00104 Degrees!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And on the day it was ONE HUNDRED and FOUR (in D.C.) we were in the water a lot. SNP is full of cold spring water and well, personally I shivered. <br />
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Rappelling a waterfall during a triple digit day on a Canyoneering trip is an amazing way to cool off. </div>
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If we are not in the water on these hot days we can usually be found on a shaded trail or a breezy mountaintop, such as was the above girl scout pictured rock climbing. Isn't that what every girl scout camp should look like?<br />
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Guided up the trail by an eight point Buck! He lead the recent climbing trip about half way to the cliff. I know my place and stepped back to let him guide, but had to take over when he headed off trail (I think that's why he didn't get tipped!) <br />
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Winding our way through some rarely climbed terrain in Old Rag's backcountry and Mega-Low angle slabs. <br />
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<br />Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-4184546856753533032012-06-07T13:09:00.001-04:002012-06-07T13:22:18.084-04:00Pleasant Evening StrollsAt 5:15am I awoke late with the first inklings of dawn touching the east facing aspect of the mountain. Out the door in 15 I headed towards the other job, not the guiding that I love, but the filler, the one for the days I have off, work to pay the bills and for the days people bail. Pleasantly cool for early June and with perfect clouds it was a good 10 hours of hard work. Afterwards I couldn’t bring myself to go to the indoor climbing gym as planned, it was just too awesome outside. I tried to rally some friends to hit up the local crag for a few outdoor routes before dark. No one was available and upon arriving home I next tried to settle into the rocking chair on the front porch with a book and a cup of joe, but there was this nagging desire to squeeze more from the day.<br />
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I had zipped through most of the book (Tim Tebows’ Through My Eyes) the day before and the few remaining pages would not keep me occupied for long. Tim is a man of faith, a football player, an interesting read, and a man of action who pushes himself. I finished the cup and got out the map at 6:45pm. I didn’t just want one of my routine trail runs. An objective was found in an off trail sub-peak close by which I had never summited. By 6:53 I was carving the cool evening air on the motorcycle and headed toward the park.<br />
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I parked the bike and got a gut check as I looked into a wall of nearly impenetrable Mountain Laurel due west of me. The plan was simple, from the appropriate parking spot pinpointed on the map I would bushwhack (traveling off trail) roughly less than a mile flanking the side of the mountain, basically staying at the same elevation, basically due west. It was 7:28. <br />
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I decided to call and tell someone my trip plan even though I had a flashlight, food, water, first aid, decent cell reception, and the temperature was too warm to allow any really dangerous epics. Just then a park ranger and friend pulled up. Normally I would never do this to a ranger but he is a friend so I gave him a quick rundown of the plan and told him I was aiming to be back out in roughly an hour and a half. He looked at me like I was crazy, said he was “on till 10” and warned me about the ticks. <br />
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Off into the thicket I kept the pace fast, ducking and weaving the burnt Mountain Laurel (from a fire in the winter of 2010-11) the thick new growth and the spiders webs. Making good time through difficult undergrowth I checked the map often and felt good. I was also a little anxious as I realized I was now on the clock not only against the sun but also against the time I told my ranger friend I was planning on returning. I chastised myself for giving him such and early return time as the last thing I ever want is have any ranger worry about me! <br />
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About one third of a mile in, the forest eased up a bit with the ruthless Mountain Laurel, but the easiest and most due west path was pushing me down in elevation and, according to the map eventually would hit a gully with a stream. I would then have to then climb up a steeper section to find the top. I kept a weary eye out for snakes and tried to stay high on the hillside at my chosen contour interval. Despite my efforts I eventually got sucked into the gully and into the home of one of the bushwhackers arch nemeses! <br />
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In the wild and dangerous mountains of the Shenandoah (as in any of the worlds great ranges) there are certain objective hazards one must take cautions to avoid. The number one objective hazard in SNP is of course the tick, Rattlers and Copperheads probably rank next and the list goes on to include, falls, exposure, spiders, and possibly Bear. But there is another danger that lurks in wait. It’s a plant that brings the pain. Bushwhackers of jungle fear the thorns, in the northern temperate rainforest they know the Devils Club, in the desert, the cactus and here we have the Stinging Nettles. Yes, we have Thistles, thorns, and of course the famous Poison Ivy but these are usually easily avoided. Nettles grows in patches, large patches, not easy to skirt little ones like thorns or PI. These patches cover the entirety of the area so they are impassable without touching the stuff. They tend to grow in gulleys and creek beds like the one I had entered. So what do Stinging Nettles do? They sting ya. Right through a light pair of pants like those I wore. It’s not a terrible sting like a ground hornet, more like a sweat bees’. Like a swarm of sweat bees. The upside is that the sting, the itch and the rash go away in about thirty minutes. There are two approaches; try to pick your way through carefully and get stung anyway, or wade right in and weather the swarm. Not willing to backtrack, and pushed for time, I waded in. Probably should have stayed home on the porch! <br />
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Shortly thereafter I was headed up the hillside with an itching burning all over my legs but the Nettles behind and my summit approaching. At 8:04 I was alone on a rounded summit in a pleasant wood with Black Cohosh flowers standing tall among the undergrowth and long shadows being cast around. <br />
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Deciding to go out a different path was an obvious call and I set a new trajectory towards the Appalachian Trail which would add roughly a half mile of trail time but would shave a quarter mile of the bushwhack. This change would also avoid the gully and hopefully the dreaded Nettles. I did see an Owl, I didn’t avoid the Nettles. In the waning light I bushwhacked right into them and they Nettlewhacked me right back. Finding the AT I was pleased with my little adventure which turned out to be about a 2 mile loop and a enjoyable (mostly) experience. It ended at about 8:45. <br />
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As I cruised the cool and winding road out of the park I was blessed with one more gift in the form of a Bear crossing the road ahead of me. Clothes in the wash and freshly showered I finished my book as I ate my dinner, knew I would fall asleep quick and tired just as I like. <br />
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The little summit with a nice Black Cohosh flower getting ready to bloom in the foreground.<br />
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From a totally different type of evening stroll, the type that is actually a stroll, a deer sits in the grass of Big Meadows.<br />
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An interesting recent climbing shot while pulling rope for the clip.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-5899643778534032012-06-02T13:03:00.003-04:002012-06-02T13:03:35.000-04:00Over the AbyssIn Shenandoah we climb on the meta-basalt of an ancient volcano with one hundred feet of exposed lava from the ages long past under our feet. A sweeping vista of large green trees extends 3000 feet below. A cool breeze carrying a heavy fog flows up from the valley and the view goes from muted, to ghostly, to gone completely. The climbing then belongs only to the space directly adjacent to our hands and feet and limited field of vision. The abyss below is gone and the mind wonders whether fifty feet of stone have passed or was it five hundred? And then it's the top!<br />
The climb was exhilarating and it feels like this...<br />
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If climbing over the abyss isn't for you, there are plenty of other things to see on the side of an ancient volcano. <br />
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Climbing over the abyss West Virginia style. So much fun.</div>
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One more from the top of Shenandoah.</div>
<span id="goog_1989720247"></span><span id="goog_1989720248"></span>Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-80368663050939595972012-05-22T20:01:00.000-04:002012-06-01T17:37:56.993-04:00Things That Pop in the Rain and the Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are many things to see in the mountains, not all of them belong to the sunny days. Here's natures perfect chandelier glistening in its uniqueness. </div>
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From a step back you can see more of the Tall Meadow Rue plant which
captured so much of the fog and rain and made the side of the trail
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The Pink Lady Slipper Orchids pop from the side of the trail as well, although it might take a little hike to find them.</div>
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But even form the roadside the views aren't bad.</div>
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Especially since the Azalea's are still blooming at the higher elevations.</div>
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Red Eft Newts love it when its wet so watch your step on the rainy days.</div>
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And if it does clear up...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhl8kCn0d5nJb5NtjBMaopoxFUDrWEEwojGZ0FU-QVVT0PQqVwnfRqSw3i3pWqVT04q7R6leyg-Ly88r1NQLkNSpjJb5hTrjTj1aZQdoJFwpxUkhhoe7o9DQ9E9J3Onb0FNhMOg/s1600/jewel+view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhl8kCn0d5nJb5NtjBMaopoxFUDrWEEwojGZ0FU-QVVT0PQqVwnfRqSw3i3pWqVT04q7R6leyg-Ly88r1NQLkNSpjJb5hTrjTj1aZQdoJFwpxUkhhoe7o9DQ9E9J3Onb0FNhMOg/s400/jewel+view.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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... the scenery will still be there,</div>
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the Scarlet Tanagers will be chirping,</div>
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the azaleas and ferns as well,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBbMqai9uoP84sEicN9CamfboA9OVnx4UbHByrC20uDrLr2Zox7xO8RRotUbLwPmbwd-v9O7kc5J0N8RfKi0tuOpN202e9IORO-GaYAwyTmG_yAX0AtawGFi7Mvxh95dyZfAAuQ/s1600/chippy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBbMqai9uoP84sEicN9CamfboA9OVnx4UbHByrC20uDrLr2Zox7xO8RRotUbLwPmbwd-v9O7kc5J0N8RfKi0tuOpN202e9IORO-GaYAwyTmG_yAX0AtawGFi7Mvxh95dyZfAAuQ/s400/chippy.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Mr. Chippy might even poke his head out as you walk by,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQa9mOSq9_620hEe2RGzsk1b_G2jSyYtRcAj87AGfljT_pcaM_LLAzkDpL0CzUsmvauCuVu4Bxf5vfD2jK0aksdXs_wkzp6xCPC5az9PBXJxocPXMGbfhpD70cZcFKFM1lIYb2A/s1600/flyface.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQa9mOSq9_620hEe2RGzsk1b_G2jSyYtRcAj87AGfljT_pcaM_LLAzkDpL0CzUsmvauCuVu4Bxf5vfD2jK0aksdXs_wkzp6xCPC5az9PBXJxocPXMGbfhpD70cZcFKFM1lIYb2A/s400/flyface.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>
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The bugs will be back as well,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOLONFzKkUYiusmmZOKj0NDAqMIzUurVxJ5p4cyu4PEfmCqhZzd7nnwV8MWg064szovRfcIwFOKlyKMhZjZwPHECp8LKjd_DoMcU2CzQqeoyVBNGRY79JAVs1d2cFxvM22gvY9w/s1600/proboscis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOLONFzKkUYiusmmZOKj0NDAqMIzUurVxJ5p4cyu4PEfmCqhZzd7nnwV8MWg064szovRfcIwFOKlyKMhZjZwPHECp8LKjd_DoMcU2CzQqeoyVBNGRY79JAVs1d2cFxvM22gvY9w/s400/proboscis.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This Bee Fly will go back to pollinating with his professional proboscis, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJM-ZwuV8LH6H3cjDvpNg5I9N4ApzLCzyro8JvXy8iHYOT5OxbzAiV8JQ1Ual7iaO3P1iZzDLb7icHsUpo26RJwMfobAqzK5Jatg21lP7h12xFj01VLCw8ct5P2h2Suq8IhK3LA/s1600/shadowflys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJM-ZwuV8LH6H3cjDvpNg5I9N4ApzLCzyro8JvXy8iHYOT5OxbzAiV8JQ1Ual7iaO3P1iZzDLb7icHsUpo26RJwMfobAqzK5Jatg21lP7h12xFj01VLCw8ct5P2h2Suq8IhK3LA/s400/shadowflys.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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and the other bugs will go back to doing whatever it is they do,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFY9jijwCagENyaGA0efgdNpRBvdoaSCXOaUmRrAAhsxXCT22dN12rH9Zi2Mbvwlas2pfGpXRINUBTgA0EbKUnmQBO0Kbo61XTmheUEW7UYLT_bTlWIp8nxet7wfxPofZ1QoEQA/s1600/Morning+Cloak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFY9jijwCagENyaGA0efgdNpRBvdoaSCXOaUmRrAAhsxXCT22dN12rH9Zi2Mbvwlas2pfGpXRINUBTgA0EbKUnmQBO0Kbo61XTmheUEW7UYLT_bTlWIp8nxet7wfxPofZ1QoEQA/s400/Morning+Cloak.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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as will butterflies, (Mourning Cloak if you were wondering) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSNGV6dNG2LhnHJ6Wly8DOjoDIeBsbu3ERAGW8r9hNIb7Tiefky2S_FyJxXQargeyyNHFdJbQG7unoxHlNs1UOcIAV9Hby4lvpFx6qy2Q_4qU2kEK_DCua0OkPK3mmT_dtOCQkA/s1600/no+tail+Skink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSNGV6dNG2LhnHJ6Wly8DOjoDIeBsbu3ERAGW8r9hNIb7Tiefky2S_FyJxXQargeyyNHFdJbQG7unoxHlNs1UOcIAV9Hby4lvpFx6qy2Q_4qU2kEK_DCua0OkPK3mmT_dtOCQkA/s400/no+tail+Skink.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The No tailed Skinks will scurry out and try to be more cautious,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKaLWHfL84ymNQJQ9f7vFyXNVbwRj1qqd-vRb95ZQEvRCnvXukCrW1IfYYOI09Wd83mMN2Mrd50HtzcG_EvmTKuZxhS4n9UAq_mrDgd2KpcCFkrZZUqA3y50FfOXv-_sEI491Rg/s1600/Blue+tail+Skink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKaLWHfL84ymNQJQ9f7vFyXNVbwRj1qqd-vRb95ZQEvRCnvXukCrW1IfYYOI09Wd83mMN2Mrd50HtzcG_EvmTKuZxhS4n9UAq_mrDgd2KpcCFkrZZUqA3y50FfOXv-_sEI491Rg/s400/Blue+tail+Skink.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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and the Blue Tailed Skinks will show them how its done,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirULxT88w16xiyzLPmYidxuJW-PsXo1xCo9NlZQsyd_8D05-7cbNHUSS4XwE7o6nMLg8oSIwxOVE6n7Ii5eyduqAAaM0800mKdtntSP1HGAQcmCa9f-wgtlcETdgZG949A6D89pA/s1600/Tresclimb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirULxT88w16xiyzLPmYidxuJW-PsXo1xCo9NlZQsyd_8D05-7cbNHUSS4XwE7o6nMLg8oSIwxOVE6n7Ii5eyduqAAaM0800mKdtntSP1HGAQcmCa9f-wgtlcETdgZG949A6D89pA/s400/Tresclimb.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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and we will be out as well. On the trail, in the boats, on the rock, in the boats on the way to the rock, we will be there. Hope to see you ... even if it's raining.</div>
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<br /></div>Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-80486132644880098942012-05-08T19:09:00.002-04:002012-05-08T19:12:00.858-04:00Last Summers FunJust got some pics in the mail from one of last summers great family trips and had to put one up because....
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPHDRScQ7kOFfxfUSLcbTw8bLX32d3e3KeLL6-ZjuguNLYtDChAl-GB-kKu_MJ91oAhvb-g8Gkab5D0PMrDWUvO3wOadLX0bcpEWsSRBXy96r6HJVqy5x_118ZNfqm2dZ-4VRuQ/s1600/Crawdad+earring+2+June+2011+267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPHDRScQ7kOFfxfUSLcbTw8bLX32d3e3KeLL6-ZjuguNLYtDChAl-GB-kKu_MJ91oAhvb-g8Gkab5D0PMrDWUvO3wOadLX0bcpEWsSRBXy96r6HJVqy5x_118ZNfqm2dZ-4VRuQ/s400/Crawdad+earring+2+June+2011+267.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
If this is you and your mom on summer vacation, then you are definitely the coolest kid in school. (notice the earring)... Hands down coolest.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-38977637246660683122012-05-08T13:16:00.000-04:002012-05-08T16:00:11.914-04:00Balance in Motion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifoEOCuJKBBicNWVCPb53j4JSNEcZmUJ0wFF_-zNE7yAy1QwP50rnXTGNfdzQiN9qDsZRnVuOnnEERuCYS_j3tdDyO69TJbSb0Q8Bbkz1nFp2_bZppUnNyPvMGU_SNmavO9IqLw/s1600/boulder+drop+motion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifoEOCuJKBBicNWVCPb53j4JSNEcZmUJ0wFF_-zNE7yAy1QwP50rnXTGNfdzQiN9qDsZRnVuOnnEERuCYS_j3tdDyO69TJbSb0Q8Bbkz1nFp2_bZppUnNyPvMGU_SNmavO9IqLw/s400/boulder+drop+motion.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Whether dropping off the top of a boulder problem, climbing upward over wet rock, or negotiating the fog of a bureaucracy, there is balance in motion. In all of our pursuits I hope we are moving in the right direction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9OoK345ONyDnGa72Phv0bXeUOvVp_72YPVUPd2cJNPaUqEDBvew43wxqLNJwvlBZlO9V9sAM_TYZr9MnbLxksSITtCl2fiCjLNz1hKzlyO_T41WMcne_1gZXgjAGKQQjbMKR9w/s1600/turkey+tr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9OoK345ONyDnGa72Phv0bXeUOvVp_72YPVUPd2cJNPaUqEDBvew43wxqLNJwvlBZlO9V9sAM_TYZr9MnbLxksSITtCl2fiCjLNz1hKzlyO_T41WMcne_1gZXgjAGKQQjbMKR9w/s400/turkey+tr.JPG" width="304" /></a></div>
Here's a couple more pictures of balance in motion on Old Rag mountain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA-aJ0k-xr7vlS5A_lOrkZ0FC0oQ0ARnNHTKvDP2SUNbdqLZN0-b03RLlyZGmLpEOc1j-9F-Lp5-yBoiFPP5bxastzqIkc1_3W7Tb0fbsUsK7V35xgUq-P1AP1wFuFFs8UXOWZQ/s1600/egg+balance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA-aJ0k-xr7vlS5A_lOrkZ0FC0oQ0ARnNHTKvDP2SUNbdqLZN0-b03RLlyZGmLpEOc1j-9F-Lp5-yBoiFPP5bxastzqIkc1_3W7Tb0fbsUsK7V35xgUq-P1AP1wFuFFs8UXOWZQ/s400/egg+balance.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXpgFTMONG3Ek_BzhaASN6-uP6aG08Lgd55wBiuKPFK_BnG3zPiS7py49AmNnd_PBy_yXFbY52gWTDjstZ3YcJSpUTJYIim2FMRsuhyphenhypheniXad6CUYYd_RproFtki90ppkWlJkypkA/s1600/balance+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXpgFTMONG3Ek_BzhaASN6-uP6aG08Lgd55wBiuKPFK_BnG3zPiS7py49AmNnd_PBy_yXFbY52gWTDjstZ3YcJSpUTJYIim2FMRsuhyphenhypheniXad6CUYYd_RproFtki90ppkWlJkypkA/s400/balance+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-87316769864816209052012-05-04T23:51:00.000-04:002012-05-08T12:18:44.901-04:00Forget the Camera<i>"in all excursions, when danger is realized, thought is quickened, common care buried, and pictures of wild, immortal beauty are pressed into the memory, to dwell forever." - John Muir</i><br />
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On today's trip we saw a fat, happy, and venomous Copperhead. The guest from Colorado had just finished saying how it was better than seeing a bear. I agreed, stating that it was a lot more rare, and we stopped for a breather at a small picturesque waterfall. Just then we noticed the mother and her two cubs casually walking the hillside across the stream. Luck is always better when you forget the camera!Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-62258386268344846452012-04-25T20:00:00.001-04:002012-04-26T15:17:41.667-04:00Spring Schmorgisbord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's spring! Which means all kinds of craziness, including the weather. A couple days ago we received a few inches of snow here in the mountains and atop Mary's Rock many of the budding trees were covered in ice!<br />
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For the sixth year now Shenandoah Mountain Guides has been involved with the National Park Services Eastern High Angle Technical Rescue course (now BTR-E). At first we were students but for the past few years we have helped teach as part of the instructor cadre. This year Andy, Jeremy, and I(Chad) had the honor of being involved as lead instructors of our teams. Although this year was the largest student class to date, as usual, it was a safe and highly successful year!
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One of our training venues the High Point state monument, as seen from the outside above, and inside below.
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The kind of rangers you want coming to the rescue! Blue team, complete with a Turkey feather (below).
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Below are a few pics from the Spring Smorgasbord, starting with a Sunfish.
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Wild Azaleas blooming through the snow.
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Man, the mountains and the dog, life is good!
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Cool days, canoes and cormorants (birds on the rocks). Life is still good.
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Boys on the summit with a Shenandoah valley fires' smoke beyond.
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Canada goose eggs on the riverside. What a nice warm nest they make.
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Dad enjoys a break below the waterfall while his son enjoys the view through the eyeglass.
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Making sure the dog stays warm and the hot dogs get cooked later!
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Wild Ginger blooming in a tree. The small purple flower grows right on the dirt and can be seen if you zoom in.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-63354821282240846172012-04-22T13:04:00.000-04:002012-04-22T13:19:27.492-04:00Butterflys and BTR-E<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVZ3tsiLUMs/T5QCvssYSYI/AAAAAAAACoc/4KU3byxJwZY/s1600/Luna%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVZ3tsiLUMs/T5QCvssYSYI/AAAAAAAACoc/4KU3byxJwZY/s400/Luna%2B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The beautiful Luna moth is one of the largest of North America's moths and although common is not seen very often. They are more active at night and only have an adult life span of <i>one week</i>. Being able to capture one of them on a Dogwood in bloom is quite possibly the prettiest picture I've ever taken.<br />
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When I first saw these two butterflies I was sure one was a Tiger Swallowtail and the other a Black Swallowtail and that there was a multi-species relationship going on. But after extensive research I learned that female Tiger Swallowtails "may be either yellow or black, making them dimorphic. The yellow morph is similar to the male, while the dark morph is almost completely black." It is actually a picture of two Tiger Swallowtails. Wow, bet you never thought you would learn that today!<br />
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A Zebra Swallowtail on a Garlic Mustard leaf.<br />
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My, what nice antenna you have, Spring Azure.<br />
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These guys are happy to be alive. But just one picture of BTR-E (Basic Technical Rescue - East) for now cause I am only able to update with my cell phone pictures today. More will be forthcoming.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-15326988809076077712012-04-03T15:43:00.007-04:002012-04-05T13:19:16.039-04:00Missing the Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCmSfS2Hgls/T33Mqo6QURI/AAAAAAAACnI/LjYWgTuBtZo/s1600/lame%2Blizard.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCmSfS2Hgls/T33Mqo6QURI/AAAAAAAACnI/LjYWgTuBtZo/s400/lame%2Blizard.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727959333993468178" /></a><br />"Things that hurt, instruct" -Benjamin Franklin<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg-M3p-It9g/T3xygjLAt6I/AAAAAAAACms/uHw6ZSwTFp8/s1600/on%2Bthe%2Btop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg-M3p-It9g/T3xygjLAt6I/AAAAAAAACms/uHw6ZSwTFp8/s400/on%2Bthe%2Btop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727578729631233954" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.oldragmountainsteward.blogspot.com/">Old Rag Mountain Stewards</a> are taking the spring off and I will truly miss the time spent with the volunteers and the friendly interactions with the other mountain users. Be careful up there, response can be painfully slow, hopefully the Stewards will be back to speeding things along in the fall. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDCNJjoT3AM/T3xyXbGRIKI/AAAAAAAACmg/9Z9PvIXbVsU/s1600/Chfivesicx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDCNJjoT3AM/T3xyXbGRIKI/AAAAAAAACmg/9Z9PvIXbVsU/s400/Chfivesicx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727578572845031586" /></a> After a great Steward get together and camp out last Saturday some of the Stewards took advantage of the free Sunday with hiking and climbing around the Maryland Heights area!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-_wdftisv4/T3xyK3K1kHI/AAAAAAAACmU/QUsAVONQXxA/s1600/cross.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-_wdftisv4/T3xyK3K1kHI/AAAAAAAACmU/QUsAVONQXxA/s400/cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727578357042090098" /></a><br />An Easter cross some hikers must have posted on top of Old Rag sometime over the weekend or Monday (when I saw it).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zg__MMnEIMw/T3tWMBLfsPI/AAAAAAAACmE/KH9kf6K-b9E/s1600/red%2Bovr%2Bfalls.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zg__MMnEIMw/T3tWMBLfsPI/AAAAAAAACmE/KH9kf6K-b9E/s400/red%2Bovr%2Bfalls.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727266115606786290" /></a> <br />Redbud over a waterfall, what a beautiful time of year.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-5939172249009771232012-03-29T16:48:00.007-04:002012-03-29T17:22:11.053-04:00Bugs and Buds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9hvrKg6lxk/T3TLqjaq2JI/AAAAAAAAClc/7oB_ghD73-s/s1600/2%2Bazure.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9hvrKg6lxk/T3TLqjaq2JI/AAAAAAAAClc/7oB_ghD73-s/s400/2%2Bazure.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725424958216788114" border="0" /></a><br />Spring Azures and a bunch of other butterflies are out already. These guys endured the frost and were found thawing out on a log. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qVjhDuDHcs/T3TL1nMXubI/AAAAAAAAClo/qs-qvqJhweM/s1600/brush%2Bbuds.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qVjhDuDHcs/T3TL1nMXubI/AAAAAAAAClo/qs-qvqJhweM/s400/brush%2Bbuds.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725425148209117618" border="0" /></a><br />The colors of Dogwood, Redbud, Maple and Poplar contrast the sky over Shenandoah.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaVXjk4aRfw/T3TLJzMWC6I/AAAAAAAACk4/vI6FZaVkrfw/s1600/daff.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaVXjk4aRfw/T3TLJzMWC6I/AAAAAAAACk4/vI6FZaVkrfw/s400/daff.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725424395515988898" border="0" /></a><br />Daffodils off the side of the Dickey Ridge trail. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPnxOktc9oM/T3TL-JJfO-I/AAAAAAAACl0/t9mHxlnLRhI/s1600/page%2Bcows.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPnxOktc9oM/T3TL-JJfO-I/AAAAAAAACl0/t9mHxlnLRhI/s400/page%2Bcows.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725425294762785762" border="0" /></a><br />Shenandoah valley cattle and a spring storm brewing in the distance.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19w4_1ENH9M/T3TK79ivuYI/AAAAAAAACks/oXcplS_N8nU/s1600/green%2Btiger.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19w4_1ENH9M/T3TK79ivuYI/AAAAAAAACks/oXcplS_N8nU/s400/green%2Btiger.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725424157776132482" border="0" /></a><br />You always wonder why they are called the Six Spotted Tiger Beetle until you really see them up close. This guy posed for a picture which is not usually the case, but I was psyched to get a shot of one.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-3448337366565837062012-03-22T15:33:00.007-04:002012-03-29T16:48:21.069-04:00A Four Plus SuccessThe Training<br />Last Thursday I was prepared for a long miserable day. Jury duty and taxes, ugh. Turns out, taxes aren’t due till APRIL 15! Jury duty got canceled. It was 9am, sunny, 72 degrees and I had the day off, so hhmm, how could I still make myself miserable?<br /><br />I had rock climbed on Old Rag all the previous day so I was definitely running a deficit in the calorie and hydration compartments, but I figured I would be alright for a run. Dad agreed to pick me up in the afternoon so I pounded a large greasy sandwich, coffee, a whole bunch of OJ and packed my running pack - 9:30am and it was time for a long training run.<br /><br />My goal was the run the entire stretch of the AT through Shenandoah’s north district (28miles) and to finish at Thorton Gap where dad would be at 3pm. The first climb is 6.5 miles and 2000’ to Compton peak and all that food was just a sloshing around the whole way. Gurgle gurgle, walk a few paces, this is the warm-up. Burp. By the top I was dripping sweat, my stomach was fairly knotted and I was well on my way to a long… miserable day. Miles of blazing hot, leaves off the trees direct sun and record high (80 degree) temps and I found myself laying prone on the overlook pavement. I was waiting for dad at my bail out finish line. Dehydration got the best of me. Even after refilling my pack at a good quality spring and drinking directly from another, which might be defined as, well, questionable I was still toasted .<br /><br />I’m coming clean to all those I told I completed 26 miles - it was 24.5 ok, but forget about that, I have a true success to talk about!<br /><br />In the car on the way down the hill I fought the urge to vomit. Long distance running sucks. Four days later I was preparing for the longest endurance event of my life.<br /><br />The Real Thing<br /><br />The FOUR STATE PLUS challenge as I define it runs about 40 miles on the Appalachian trail then hit’s a bit of road to cover PA, MD,VA, and WV under foot power (the Four State). Pashaaa, people have done that lots of times. I would then bike 62 miles on the C & O canal tow path to Georgetown, finishing in a fifth jurisdiction, the wannabe state of Washington D.C., giving the event its golden star PLUS tacked on to the name!<br /><br />A lot of the motivation to do this came from my friend Jeremy who thinks the whole event has never been done, stating flatly; “anyone who likes to suffer that much has packed up long ago and moved to somewhere with better scenery”. Motivation is a funny thing, one that can get you in trouble quick. Like two years ago when I first tried the Four State Plus, it was a disaster, a Four State Epic Fail, the plus part was that I didn’t freeze to death (you can read about it<a href="http://www.shenandoahmountainguides.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html#7303585879926459225"> here</a> if you like). Boredom (and a festering epic fail pride wound) probably motivated this try. Jeremy offered to drop me off in the early morning as he did two years ago in the hopes that he would again, see me fail. My loving sister would pick up my broken body at the Georgetown finish line. The forecast was for possible showers, a cool fog in the morning, clearing and 75 in the afternoon and possibly perfect for a long run. I bought groceries, ate and drank up and despite my horrible long run a few days before I felt no lingering soreness. Time to go for it! <br /><br />Jeremy dropped me at the Pen Mar parking at 6:10 am. Although the park is called Pen Mar based on its state line border location, as Jeremy pointed out, when you look at the map you notice that the real PA state line is actually just a hair (maybe ¼ mile) north of the park on the AT. I thought about walking back to the real state boundary… and it’s really the thought that counts.<br /><br />The first few miles are rocky, misleading, and following the previous nights thunderstorms, very wet. After 2.5 miles the warm up culminates in a steep, large, boulder talus climb of 700 feet to High Rock. I decided after my initial Four Plus Failure that it was in fact NOT bad judgment but rather THIS section of the hike which was my nemesis. This section had led to my near catastrophic first attempt, my defaced dignity and six months of an aching groin. This time I would walk! I would do it in the dark, and as a warm up, but I would curtail my nervous excitement and force myself to walk. As I jogged some of the initial easy stuff I wondered what consequences might befall me today for my bullheadedness.<br /><br />Once I made the ridge there were some large puddles as well as some sections where the trail had just directly become a stream. I did my best to keep my feet on the damp side rather than the soaked side. Unfortunately one of the downsides of wearing my tried and true trail runners is their gaping holes. When I got to the stream crossing next to Raven Rock road just five miles into the run the rock step crossing was totally under water. It seemed my feet were doomed to wetness, but nevertheless I pulled off the medium wet right shoe and sock and the mostly wet lefts and risked cut feet rather than sopping ones at the end of the 30 ft ford. It seemed a good decision! For the rest of the day my feet slowly dried as I ran through the cool fog and lucked out with the rain.<br /><br />I’ve learned through experience (even recently) that food and hydration contribute directly to how you feel during a run I now have enough experience to know I should eat and drink only the things that work for me. I should eat the things that don’t leave me nauseated when I burp or put me under urgent poo distress. Endurance events are battles of attrition where if you don’t eat or drink enough you will eventually just lay down and die, so I planned to eat as much as I could. In the bag was a peanut butter and honey sandwich, some trail bars, lots of fruit snacks and peanut butter M &Ms, one small Gatorade and lots of water. I ate and drank at the first inkling of hunger or thirst felt for the most part good! I refilled water at a good spring 16 miles in and ran on, completing the most difficult parts of the run by mid morning.<br /><br />At around 27 miles my knees were really starting to hurt. It wasn’t like a bad broken hurt but more of a deep seated soreness. I guess I shouldn’t have fallen from the tops of so many boulders, or maybe I jumped off too many large cement staircases as college freshman, or just maybe I shouldn’t have run 24 hard trail miles five days ago. Whatever it was I kinda wanted to cry, I was alone in the woods and in pain and I wanted a way out. Music! The battery on the phone was good so for the first time of the day I plugged in the ear buds. It was Citizen Cope “Blame it on Zeus and Apollo, and Adonis, but what you done here is put yourself between a bullet and a target and it won’t be long before you’re pulling yourself away.” Thanks Cope, it did somehow help though, and pretty soon I was shuffling at a slightly faster shuffle.<br /><br />Somewhere around mile 30 I came upon some college age backpackers and stopped to say hello. They were mid way through their third day on the trail and stated that they were covering the entirety of MD on the AT. I tried to hide a smirk and said “cool, well enjoy the rest”. Maybe it’s that smirk that motivates people (me) to try and do stuff like this. The feeling that I can do something others can’t is a motivator, then again maybe they are just not dumb enough.<br /><br />The last ten miles of the run felt very long, but coming down the steep section next to Weverton cliffs was definitely the worst, my knees were on fire, and the shuffle was degraded to a hobble. The run was almost over now and although it was rather hot and sunny now, the final section was flat. Well, sort of… the purest style of the four state would continue along the AT through Harpers Ferry in WV, cross a bridge over the Shenandoah river and then head up a final steep mile to Loudon Heights and the VA boarder on the AT. Instead I decided to cross the earlier, Sandy Hook bridge over the Potomac into VA on route 340. I would then do an easy one mile on the road and cross the second 340 bridge (the Shen in the opposite direction) to touch my fourth state, WV. It’s really the thought that counts.<br /><br />Although I was unwilling to, shall we say, go the extra mile for the run I was on my way to the next leg, the 62 mile bike, ugh! I fueled up on cool water, bright orange cheesy pretzels, one cold Red Bull and a neon blue Gatorade. So I guess my form fell apart on the food thing, but what can I say, the heart wants what it wants!<br /><br />I forgot the padded bike shorts but this thing was already sort of about pain so at 3:30 pm I hopped on the bike and went for it. My knees felt immediately better and I was cruising along on the tow path in mild amounts of pain. I was just distracted biking along, looking at the turtles, throwing back some fruit snacks, arranging a pick up via the cell phone and occasionally hitting the odd muddy pothole. Bliss. For about twenty miles life was good.<br /><br />The final forty-two miles I must admit things got kinda ugly. Bending forward on the bike made my butt hurt. Somewhere deep inside me a green peanut butter M&M reacted with the catalysts of Red Bull, Fierce Gatorade and White Chocolate Macadamia Cliff bar resulting in an evil toxic sludge only to be rivaled by the raw sewage smell of the tow path itself during its last 25 miles. I put my head down. The flies around dusk got so bad that I felt like I was breathing them in with every mouthful, unless I breathed through my nose which would make it happen less, but is a worse feeling for sure. I had one little fly crawl around my eye for what felt like miles but it was getting to dark for the shades. My sweaty arms and legs were speckled like a dirty front bumper. I put my head down all the more. I wanted to be done. I pounded it out. There was a bumpy detour somewhere near Great Falls complete with staircases which I had to carry the bike up and down and at some point I had to get out the headlamp.<br /><br />The evening finished nice, cool and clear as I coasted to the paths’ end in Georgetown (further than the D.C. boarder, I know) and at 8:15pm, 14 hrs 5minutes after I started I had made it. It wasn’t pretty and I’m still a bit sore two days later but I guess there’s a chance I’ve learned something about myself, nonetheless I’m proud of what I accomplished.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrIsnO7BpyA/T2uCqnlI-EI/AAAAAAAACkc/DLDXXMKeVfU/s1600/ravenrfalls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrIsnO7BpyA/T2uCqnlI-EI/AAAAAAAACkc/DLDXXMKeVfU/s400/ravenrfalls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722811420195223618" border="0" /></a><br />A trail-side waterfall next to Raven Rocks.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ub4oCbHsjxY/T2uBe_8772I/AAAAAAAACkQ/mNZe0D7T7Ws/s1600/2012-03-20_07-27-17_652.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ub4oCbHsjxY/T2uBe_8772I/AAAAAAAACkQ/mNZe0D7T7Ws/s400/2012-03-20_07-27-17_652.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722810121067425634" border="0" /></a><br />The stream I had to ford five miles in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv26dV9upoY/T2uAAUzEU3I/AAAAAAAACj4/ckl0rqjvYyA/s1600/2012-03-20_08-51-15_822.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv26dV9upoY/T2uAAUzEU3I/AAAAAAAACj4/ckl0rqjvYyA/s400/2012-03-20_08-51-15_822.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722808494575604594" border="0" /></a><br />A wet nasty section of trail I had to cross. I only took pictures that would make the event look epic (in case I bailed)Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-28383383388194790022012-03-19T11:25:00.006-04:002012-03-19T12:47:13.562-04:00A Warm Winters' End<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJILEbeoogo/T2dRR-Q63_I/AAAAAAAACi0/1MPuHqoLzV0/s1600/RLL.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJILEbeoogo/T2dRR-Q63_I/AAAAAAAACi0/1MPuHqoLzV0/s400/RLL.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721631220811096050" border="0" /></a><br />Last night in the north end of Shenandoah the crickets were loud! Yes, its still technically winter, but it has felt like a spring minus the rain for a month now. The early flowers (like the Round Lobed Liverleaf above)are now popping up everywhere, even at the higher elevations where the leaves are still down. Some of the hibernators are out early as well, so it's time to start being aware of the snakes out there again.<br />I saw the below pictured Garter snakes about a week ago, which should not have come as a surprise since they are the northernmost living snake in the world and it was 70 degrees out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAHQBxupaFU/T2dVBKrN_oI/AAAAAAAACjc/z7YWFItiGdw/s1600/Garters.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAHQBxupaFU/T2dVBKrN_oI/AAAAAAAACjc/z7YWFItiGdw/s400/Garters.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721635330131361410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The recent climbing has been awesome. Spectacular leafless views, great temps and a few first ascents thrown in!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FOVP48QxF8/T2dRr_e0ZMI/AAAAAAAACjA/aINiNNnnRfE/s1600/ktclimb.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FOVP48QxF8/T2dRr_e0ZMI/AAAAAAAACjA/aINiNNnnRfE/s400/ktclimb.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721631667814425794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_BqeYESOck/T2dV5NPq1bI/AAAAAAAACjo/Ix4sTMQ8jJ0/s1600/lichenlovinfst.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_BqeYESOck/T2dV5NPq1bI/AAAAAAAACjo/Ix4sTMQ8jJ0/s400/lichenlovinfst.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721636292893791666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVCP3Ow0bjY/T2dSA-PUWWI/AAAAAAAACjM/RR_H3EAXoL4/s1600/lightning%2Bshrapnel.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVCP3Ow0bjY/T2dSA-PUWWI/AAAAAAAACjM/RR_H3EAXoL4/s400/lightning%2Bshrapnel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721632028258228578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Noticed the above Poplar tree on a recent trip and decided I had better take a picture before the leaves obscure what happened to it. The tree was struck by lightning at the very top and the bark was exploded off the side as the electricity traveled down the trunk. There were pieces of wooden shrapnel hundreds of feet away!Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-76754015102826316412012-02-28T18:00:00.013-05:002012-03-08T12:04:22.060-05:00Where the Sidewalk Ends<span style="font-style: italic;">"There is a place where the sidewalk ends<br />And before the street begins,<br />And there the grass grows soft and white,<br />And there the sun burns crimson bright,<br />And there the moon-bird rests from his flight<br />To cool in the peppermint wind."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-Shel Silverstein</span><br /><br /><br />There is a place within us where we have never been. It's a place where the sidewalk ends, and instead we find excitement and new experience. As adventurers we might find this place on a trail we've never hiked, a longer run than we have ever before completed or by simply losing ourselves in a sunset. Around here we spend a lot of time looking for, dwelling in, and sharing this place with others. And that only leaves us looking for more! So here's a few recent pics of those things that left me excited to share, and as always, looking for more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iL506EnquQ/T1jfSaTpaLI/AAAAAAAACiU/vpx3o0CBiXU/s1600/greatblue%2Bn%2Ba%2Btree.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iL506EnquQ/T1jfSaTpaLI/AAAAAAAACiU/vpx3o0CBiXU/s400/greatblue%2Bn%2Ba%2Btree.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717565234339211442" border="0" /></a>Watching a four foot tall Great Blue Heron will leave any animal lover in awe!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFFMP5OcABU/T1eIhAZu4xI/AAAAAAAACh4/JJlQnyIGwXM/s1600/cherry%2Bsnow.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFFMP5OcABU/T1eIhAZu4xI/AAAAAAAACh4/JJlQnyIGwXM/s400/cherry%2Bsnow.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717188352595125010" border="0" /></a>The beauty of a late winter snow on an early spring bloomer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9v7d-na_dvQ/T1Z5xoBNUgI/AAAAAAAACho/GrS_--9jdIg/s1600/cave%2Bfun.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9v7d-na_dvQ/T1Z5xoBNUgI/AAAAAAAACho/GrS_--9jdIg/s400/cave%2Bfun.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716890670456459778" border="0" /></a>Sharing a local cave with friends who have never experienced one is an unforgettable time, especially when you turn the lights out!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMhRmQj-Kl0/T1Z5JjjqonI/AAAAAAAAChc/07ZIqFW7bFk/s1600/historic%2Bcabin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMhRmQj-Kl0/T1Z5JjjqonI/AAAAAAAAChc/07ZIqFW7bFk/s400/historic%2Bcabin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716889982064042610" border="0" /></a>An old Shenandoah home site and its surrounding artifacts can be a journey into the past.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8THsGWaHA_E/T1Z4gTL1eoI/AAAAAAAAChQ/fWWnw63Bx9c/s1600/Alfst%2Bw%2Bbuz.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8THsGWaHA_E/T1Z4gTL1eoI/AAAAAAAAChQ/fWWnw63Bx9c/s400/Alfst%2Bw%2Bbuz.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716889273294486146" border="0" /></a>The above picture was taken this winter and captured what was likely to be Old Rag Mountains' most recent first ascent. The climb is at an unlikely area on a small cliff that is not in any of the published info on the mountain (which of course doesn't mean it hasn't been climbed). First ascent or not it was a new and exciting climb for us. We found the cliff when we were, you guessed it, exploring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFI13xVWLfI/T01dpWqPSAI/AAAAAAAAChA/KqFANOnvohc/s1600/the%2Bstrike.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFI13xVWLfI/T01dpWqPSAI/AAAAAAAAChA/KqFANOnvohc/s400/the%2Bstrike.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714326467241789442" border="0" /></a>Watching a Great Blue uncoil and strike for a fish is a lightning fast demonstration of an exceptional hunter at work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7j7bPkr9gIc/T1jmXeT8D9I/AAAAAAAACik/FCjLnbVg9FU/s1600/wherethesidewalkends.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7j7bPkr9gIc/T1jmXeT8D9I/AAAAAAAACik/FCjLnbVg9FU/s400/wherethesidewalkends.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717573017894916050" border="0" /></a>Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-70535828003568317362012-02-02T13:44:00.009-05:002012-02-09T16:10:08.575-05:00A Lackluster Winter<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0Xd8XnNQzs/TzHA78b89KI/AAAAAAAACf4/NVf4sA9XkCw/s1600/riverceder.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706554338923312290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0Xd8XnNQzs/TzHA78b89KI/AAAAAAAACf4/NVf4sA9XkCw/s400/riverceder.JPG" /></a>What to do with a lackluster winter? A winter where ice climbing is non existent and skiing seems contrived (not that we don't still go). It's been a winter where we've seen almost no ice on the Shenandoah river (above), and most of our snows have been melted by noon. </div><div> </div><div>But the Skyline drive has been open! Our access to the parks 500 miles of trails has been nearly unencumbered. Sunny skys and fallen leaves have made for great hiking, running, climbing and exploring opportunities. So don't let the lack of glistening snow get you down, get out there and get after it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSTFAjzbK_o/TzKsF1wxneI/AAAAAAAACgY/gJpxvNydlv8/s1600/proj.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706812894162820578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSTFAjzbK_o/TzKsF1wxneI/AAAAAAAACgY/gJpxvNydlv8/s400/proj.JPG" /></a><br />There's bouldering to be done! These temps are perfect for friction top-outs and first ascents.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89OrnmjSm9U/TzJ8FrgXvtI/AAAAAAAACgI/MXy25akCXxo/s1600/bigvine.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706760114851528402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89OrnmjSm9U/TzJ8FrgXvtI/AAAAAAAACgI/MXy25akCXxo/s400/bigvine.JPG" /></a><br />It's easy to see a lot of things you wouldn't when the leaves are in, like this grapevine on Compton Peak.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHryxkeT3Hw/TyrcAr6UQhI/AAAAAAAACfM/XRRwju5fay8/s1600/icemoss.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704613782363587090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHryxkeT3Hw/TyrcAr6UQhI/AAAAAAAACfM/XRRwju5fay8/s400/icemoss.JPG" /></a><br />So there's been a little ice, but not much to sink your ice axes into.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbKsRoJ0etw/TyrbwjjcxCI/AAAAAAAACfA/C3XghB8bGB4/s1600/P1000082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704613505242285090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbKsRoJ0etw/TyrbwjjcxCI/AAAAAAAACfA/C3XghB8bGB4/s400/P1000082.JPG" /></a><br />If you rush out early enough you might still get to see some cool snow formations.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zE-klIIfhjQ/TyrbizbxA5I/AAAAAAAACe0/eaREhPa9zuA/s1600/mushcicles.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704613268986856338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zE-klIIfhjQ/TyrbizbxA5I/AAAAAAAACe0/eaREhPa9zuA/s400/mushcicles.JPG" /></a><br />Ice on a fungus.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev6WV5ILy3I/TyrbZ9y6FuI/AAAAAAAACeo/d3LuDYmHdFc/s1600/shadowshot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704613117149452002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev6WV5ILy3I/TyrbZ9y6FuI/AAAAAAAACeo/d3LuDYmHdFc/s400/shadowshot.JPG" /></a></div></div><br />So go explore, it's the perfect time of year!Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-3622336588059852172011-12-05T14:45:00.004-05:002011-12-05T15:04:29.397-05:00Haze and Humidity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24uUzxEfKmU/Tt0hFoZLhhI/AAAAAAAACeY/MLQAFB1knfk/s1600/blurybob.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24uUzxEfKmU/Tt0hFoZLhhI/AAAAAAAACeY/MLQAFB1knfk/s400/blurybob.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682734685437527570" /></a><br />The haze, heat and humidity are gone which is awesome for a couple of reasons. <br />1. You can see a long way and the and the views are clear... <br />Unfortunately this does not mean you will get a clear shot if you see a bobcat. Nonetheless it's still really sweet to see one. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixoJnHDA8w0/Tt0hFaLjYrI/AAAAAAAACeM/LqLfGTQytKY/s1600/strawberry%2Bdyno.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixoJnHDA8w0/Tt0hFaLjYrI/AAAAAAAACeM/LqLfGTQytKY/s400/strawberry%2Bdyno.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682734681622274738" /></a><br />2. The friction is good...<br />It's bouldering season!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O3hGxYAu4E/Tt0gRRdK30I/AAAAAAAACeA/huXJGkbJUbY/s1600/Rasberry%2Bprov.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O3hGxYAu4E/Tt0gRRdK30I/AAAAAAAACeA/huXJGkbJUbY/s400/Rasberry%2Bprov.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682733785927049026" /></a>Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-80372496778058393252011-11-26T09:57:00.013-05:002011-11-28T10:20:22.637-05:00Give Thanks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2wjzyt366k/TtOiSZ9NjyI/AAAAAAAACdw/AAA4a7qUNgQ/s1600/IMG_5063%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2wjzyt366k/TtOiSZ9NjyI/AAAAAAAACdw/AAA4a7qUNgQ/s400/IMG_5063%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680061992133300002" /></a><br />In our family we give thanks via pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream. Then on black Friday we give thanks again with a nice hike in the park.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPJv7ildgEU/TtEGEruGHYI/AAAAAAAACcI/i57_EOzRsuU/s1600/P1030947.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPJv7ildgEU/TtEGEruGHYI/AAAAAAAACcI/i57_EOzRsuU/s400/P1030947.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679327282616212866" border="0" /></a><br />This year we gave thanks by "enjoying" a slide and a soak in the cold tub.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLq6HLPlo5s/TtOiAAP8oeI/AAAAAAAACdk/hNqz2E8T7T0/s1600/P1030957%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLq6HLPlo5s/TtOiAAP8oeI/AAAAAAAACdk/hNqz2E8T7T0/s400/P1030957%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680061675994915298" /></a><br />The following pictures would not have been put up except that they are family... so it's OK to show how thankful we were with our soaks! <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vgu0952kSQ/TtOhcpelhfI/AAAAAAAACdY/DibJBpWKJ3E/s1600/JSH_1120%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vgu0952kSQ/TtOhcpelhfI/AAAAAAAACdY/DibJBpWKJ3E/s400/JSH_1120%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680061068586878450" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak1ItVBuj14/TtOguEgMZEI/AAAAAAAACdI/ZmFZYDFQNSY/s1600/P1030940%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak1ItVBuj14/TtOguEgMZEI/AAAAAAAACdI/ZmFZYDFQNSY/s400/P1030940%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680060268387525698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTTCaooL0wc/TtEkRSRde5I/AAAAAAAACc4/4cu-bXQJy2E/s1600/P1030938%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTTCaooL0wc/TtEkRSRde5I/AAAAAAAACc4/4cu-bXQJy2E/s400/P1030938%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679360484472355730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rupIF5f7HWc/TtEdDv2nnZI/AAAAAAAACco/45Fo32k7h0s/s1600/P1030944%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rupIF5f7HWc/TtEdDv2nnZI/AAAAAAAACco/45Fo32k7h0s/s400/P1030944%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679352555313274258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES5N6pxQ2LU/TtEHlziv4dI/AAAAAAAACcY/pEobPhse_b0/s1600/P1030975%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES5N6pxQ2LU/TtEHlziv4dI/AAAAAAAACcY/pEobPhse_b0/s400/P1030975%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679328951163412946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_5X1KAOSHo/TtEEhNut-rI/AAAAAAAACb4/CqE8kZdKNVk/s1600/JSH_0993%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_5X1KAOSHo/TtEEhNut-rI/AAAAAAAACb4/CqE8kZdKNVk/s400/JSH_0993%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679325573758712498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7U454WircpM/TtEDNfLpc9I/AAAAAAAACbo/8Vel1fMBQEI/s1600/IMG_5086%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7U454WircpM/TtEDNfLpc9I/AAAAAAAACbo/8Vel1fMBQEI/s400/IMG_5086%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679324135334441938" border="0" /></a><br />We finished off black Friday with a little rock climbing followed shortly by another big meal and of course, seconds on the pie!Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-72918166161109468352011-11-21T12:09:00.003-05:002011-11-21T12:59:16.230-05:00With The Leaves Down<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfxIWsvwAyM/TsqJBIZkaTI/AAAAAAAACa0/mgP-LhQBMug/s1600/twig%2Bhidding%2Ba%2Bbear.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677500932781533490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfxIWsvwAyM/TsqJBIZkaTI/AAAAAAAACa0/mgP-LhQBMug/s400/twig%2Bhidding%2Ba%2Bbear.JPG" /></a><br />With the leaves down there is not much to hide behind. So if you enjoy sweatshirt weather and unrestricted views, right now just might be the best time of the year. To say the least there is a lot to be thankful for.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiRabTj0iyo/TsqJBmEzdmI/AAAAAAAACbE/WMxQdv96SOo/s1600/sun%2Bclimb.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677500940747503202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiRabTj0iyo/TsqJBmEzdmI/AAAAAAAACbE/WMxQdv96SOo/s400/sun%2Bclimb.JPG" /></a><br />With little shade to be found the sun warms the cliffs up quick and the temps are perfect for a little climbing. If you are out hiking or climbing you probably won't have to fight to many bugs or end up to hot and sweaty. In fact this time of year it's mostly just short sunny days, long views and cool breezes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8li0E8hcenM/TsqJC1n4XSI/AAAAAAAACbM/zD3pBCtuzAQ/s1600/yoga%2Bbear.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677500962101026082" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8li0E8hcenM/TsqJC1n4XSI/AAAAAAAACbM/zD3pBCtuzAQ/s400/yoga%2Bbear.JPG" /></a><br />Oh yea, and there's a lot of bear and other wildlife out right now. They are fattening up for the winter on a years bountiful harvest of acorns. Although the leaves are gone many of the bear take to the trees to get to the top shelf nuts. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gns1hISNjtk/TsqJE95V_LI/AAAAAAAACbY/5UIDMfUvdcw/s1600/dusk%2Bclimbin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677500998681492658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gns1hISNjtk/TsqJE95V_LI/AAAAAAAACbY/5UIDMfUvdcw/s400/dusk%2Bclimbin.JPG" /></a><br />Even though the days are shorter we are out making the most of them even if it sometimes means hiking out by headlamp!Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31894075.post-85004113092699850252011-10-31T16:09:00.008-04:002011-11-07T20:07:24.483-05:00Legends Of The Fall<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ulpHV8jUq4/Trf2Kt-Z44I/AAAAAAAACaU/x7BDQW_Pj4Y/s1600/snowtracks.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ulpHV8jUq4/Trf2Kt-Z44I/AAAAAAAACaU/x7BDQW_Pj4Y/s400/snowtracks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672272919696892802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends.</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">-One Stab - Legends of the Fall</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7AMmN4Eb8U/TqrCK7SiVvI/AAAAAAAACX0/GxyX4mvfncU/s1600/mist%2Bn%2Bpine.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668556573969110770" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7AMmN4Eb8U/TqrCK7SiVvI/AAAAAAAACX0/GxyX4mvfncU/s400/mist%2Bn%2Bpine.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a fall that came early. After late summers' saturating rains it brought early snows. It was the fall I met the famous <a href="http://www.warrendoyle.com/">Warren Doyle</a> on the AT as he was working on his seventeenth through hike. It was the fall we shared a snack and a clifftop sunset with the seeker <a href="http://http//www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=273965/">Freebird</a> who has hiked many long distance trails following his years as a pro windsurfer. It was the fall where my greatest fear was that I was losing my fear of the magnificent Black Bear I seemed to be surrounded by. A fall of great leaves, trips and tips. One of first ascents on boulders and the smell of foliage mingled with woodsmoke. The fall where Almost Alpine made us movie stars at Seneca Rocks. A fall to remember, one that will not be easily forgotten.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKXNZKIZ0-s/TrgUnyyyVSI/AAAAAAAACak/NjdZzR1FL6Y/s1600/Mrocksunset.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKXNZKIZ0-s/TrgUnyyyVSI/AAAAAAAACak/NjdZzR1FL6Y/s400/Mrocksunset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672306404555380002" border="0" /></a><br />Looking south from the summit of Marys Rock after sunset with Freebird.<br /><br /><br /><br />No matter how mellow I perceive myself, I left the house stressed. Minutiae of the everyday getting to me and I hadn't even eaten. Cold cereal or a run? I hit the trail, after all it wasn't raining yet. The first uphill was agonizingly slow. The heavy breathing made me aware of the sweet smell of leaf decay. Frost crunched while smoke filtered fog-like through the remaining color in the trees. Picking up the pace I surprised some squirrels who went skittering of and up the nearest trunk. Then I saw the first bear standing frozen to my left. In return I too froze, but within seconds he was running off into the woods and I again headed up the trail. I thought about how different bear had been from the mother and three cubs I'd seen several times close to here. That bear family seemed to want nothing but to ignore me and continue about their daily routine. And just like that, there they were! Mother and two cubs on the ground while a third climbed a nearby tree.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_OHq7ydav4/Tqn6h0yaiJI/AAAAAAAACXE/BC_Cbd23_Fo/s1600/fam%2Bof%2Bfour.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668337065035204754" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_OHq7ydav4/Tqn6h0yaiJI/AAAAAAAACXE/BC_Cbd23_Fo/s400/fam%2Bof%2Bfour.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have never been accused of being overly smart, so it should come as no surprise that although I was alone in the woods with four bear I could not help but stand and watch for a couple minutes.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwPd37e85PA/Tqn6kSs1mbI/AAAAAAAACXY/kslo9mIwUY8/s1600/tree%2Bwalk.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668337107424614834" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwPd37e85PA/Tqn6kSs1mbI/AAAAAAAACXY/kslo9mIwUY8/s400/tree%2Bwalk.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The two cubs on the ground walked casually onto a downed tree and seemingly just as casually from the downed tree onto and up a close by vertical limbless trunk. In awe I watched as one cub began to lounge in the y of the tree trunk split. Then with me gawking from a distance the loungers' sibling climbed the overhanging and featureless outside of the right hand branch. Now fifty feet up the free-soloing cub decided that the left hand branch looked more appealing. He leaned to the left, and leaped...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQBaCLvCC-s/Tqn6hOHuAkI/AAAAAAAACW0/xyEKWJ4-HPI/s1600/tree%2Bchill.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668337054655578690" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQBaCLvCC-s/Tqn6hOHuAkI/AAAAAAAACW0/xyEKWJ4-HPI/s400/tree%2Bchill.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Five feet sideways! Effortlessly catching the other side of the y above his siblings head and continuing upwards. Ropeless and fearless that cub (and his 5.16 dyno) put some perspective my climbing career.<br /><br />As I began to walk on I heard another rustling. I peered unbelieving at yet another two cubs in the distance! <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGxfMzj5fjo/Tq7_tvQzlVI/AAAAAAAACYQ/EdD7DPUITBE/s1600/cubs%2Bn%2Bleaves.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGxfMzj5fjo/Tq7_tvQzlVI/AAAAAAAACYQ/EdD7DPUITBE/s400/cubs%2Bn%2Bleaves.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669750142152185170" border="0" /></a><br />Thirty minutes later I reached the halfway point of the run and looked out on an incredible view, complete with a vulture gliding on the updrafts in the distance. The down hill half of the run seemed to glide by like the bird and I did not again see the bear family. Maybe it was what they call a runners high, but the trail seemed to pass as a cool fall breeze and for a moment it felt like everything was right in the world; and I hadn't even eaten breakfast yet.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MncnSdKDZLA/Tq7_tAC_C9I/AAAAAAAACYE/KdtH5SDVFS0/s1600/backlit.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MncnSdKDZLA/Tq7_tAC_C9I/AAAAAAAACYE/KdtH5SDVFS0/s400/backlit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669750129477749714" border="0" /></a><br />Sun early snow and an Oak.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfFRJPHg3_s/Trf2KJC2A0I/AAAAAAAACaI/MCS2AtQK3_I/s1600/ynotclimbit.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfFRJPHg3_s/Trf2KJC2A0I/AAAAAAAACaI/MCS2AtQK3_I/s400/ynotclimbit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672272909783401282" border="0" /></a><br />A bear from a different day considers a climb, instead, she came down and continued rooting around the ground for grubs and nuts.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZz-yw0bVsw/Tqn6g3KDgjI/AAAAAAAACWo/dPAfv5mJfWw/s1600/classic%2Bon%2Bunrelenting.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668337048491360818" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZz-yw0bVsw/Tqn6g3KDgjI/AAAAAAAACWo/dPAfv5mJfWw/s400/classic%2Bon%2Bunrelenting.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />A classic Seneca 5.9 <span style="font-style: italic;">Unrelenting Verticality </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPpmq26Pm7I/Tq7_uWjMhII/AAAAAAAACYY/ERQN-DQN9dI/s1600/bear%2Bclimb.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPpmq26Pm7I/Tq7_uWjMhII/AAAAAAAACYY/ERQN-DQN9dI/s400/bear%2Bclimb.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669750152698299522" border="0" /></a><br />A legendary local free-soloists also on some unrelenting verticality, but I don't think he's named or graded the route.Shenandoah Mountain Guideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266747072344416846noreply@blogger.com2