Birds and Rocks Filled My First Day On Trail

Walking from Harper Ferry across the Shenandoah was surreal, but reality quickly hit as I climbed several hundred feet up to Louden Heights. As I usually do, I focus on what is around me when my heart is racing and my thighs are burning. The view down to the river was lovely and I soaked it in a bit. One discouraging moment on that climb up from the river: I verified my watch (a non -bluetooth kids watch) function on recording miles. The sign said 1.1 miles to Louden overlook trail. My watch told me I had done 2 miles in that time. Great! Now when it looks like I’ve done many miles on my watch, and my legs are agreeing. I will have to realize it’s probably half that!

The rest of the day was lots of ups and downs and ROCKS. I have to thank the trail crews who have made a noble effort of placing a footpath through the blouder fields! Shout out to “Wreck” and the PACT! Even so, there were nice soft sections of path and pretty views through the baby leaves on the trees.

Although I walked alone, I never felt lonely. I encountered many pleasant hikers- day hikers, section hikers, a few through hikers, and Boy Scouts. My favorite companions were the birds! I saw so many different kinds it felt like I was in an Audobon guide. The silly squirrels trying to sneak away with their nut treasures were the comedians. And I headed down to the Blackburn AT Center after a moment of deep thought eye-to-eye with a deer. Now if my feet would stop complaing!