We Tackled OLD RAG!

On Friday, October 12, we traveled to Shenandoah National Park and conquered Old Rag.  It was a very chilly morning, but the weather was beautiful.

The Trail was very crowded... about 50-75 teenagers were there on a school trip.  We waited for about an hour and let them pass.  We then teamed up with 2 older women who needed A LOT of help on the Rock Scramble.  However, we did make it to the top.

On the way down, Nancy rolled her ankle and sprained her foot.  She was able to finish thoughl

Got some cool pics along the way...

My attempt at a panoramic from the summit of Old Rag

Sunrise and Cup of Coffee on the Antietam Trails

We woke up before daylight on Saturday morning, grabbed the backpack, stopped at Duncan Doughnuts and headed out to Antietam.  Started out on Snavely Ford Trail, Final Attack Trail, and then down to Burnside Bridge.

The morning was a little wet and cloudy, but it was great morning.  BTW, my (Lowell's) new hiking shoes kept my feet completely dry.

Columbia Master of Faster Hiking / Trail Running Shoes

They were awesome!   Feet stayed dry, Nancy's did not!  She ordered herself a pair as soon as we got home.

Local Hikes We REALLY want to take...

OLD RAG - Shenandoah National Park

1 hr 30 mins from Martinsburg

STRICKLER KNOB HILL - Luray, VA

1 hr 30 mins from Martinsburg

Signal Knob - Luray, VA

1 hir 30 mins from Martinsburg

Pine Creek (Grand Canyon of the East) - Tioga, PA

4 hours from Martinsburg

September 28, 2012 

Antietam Battlefield, MD

A New development... we bought a GPS.  A Garmin etrex 20.

After 1 week, I love it!

Certainly have not figured it out yet; but i can see that it is a powerful tool.  I downloaded the Birdseye Software and have figured out how to add hiking files from the web.

Spent the evening hiking a trail at Antietam Battlefield.  Took the younger two children and a family friend.

It was a good day, but hiking might be better designed for two.  LOL.