5/21/06 Sunday: Troutville, VA to Bobblets Gap Shelter (18.5mi)

Greetings from Waynesboro, VA...the southern entry point to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. The AT criss-crosses Skyline Drive throughout the 105mi picturesque trip and I am looking forward to a rather easy week of hiking... I'm staying at the Super 8 Motel here, the only place with internet access for a reasonable price. I didn't know at the time it had a dial-up modem and a pre 2000 computer system...LOL... So needles to say... no pics today... I will add pics ASAP.

Well on Sunday the 21st, Jackie and I packed up early, had the nice continental breakfast at the Comfort Inn and head for The Natural Bridge, about 30 miles north of Troutville. We were both awed with the emense structure that is all but hidden from view by the owners. We walked through and took some pics, one of an engraving by a young George Washington who climbed 20ft up way back when this location was originally being surveyed for the King of England. Amazing......

I got dropped off back in Troutville about 1315, Jackie and I bidding each other farewell as she headed back to Dulles Airport near DC to catch her plane and me continuing on my journey north. We had a wonderful 2 days together... and plan another rendevous a month or so down the line..

My day started off beautifully, I was all carb'd up and was ready to go...LOL... The weather was beautiful and there were quite a few day hikers out enjoying the sights and sounds of spring in VA. It was quite warm, and I was thankful for some the spring water along the way... By 1730 I had made it to my original destination for that day and had dinner. There was still plenty of sun and warmth in the air so, I decided after supper to head for the next shelter, just 7.5 more miles up the trail... It would prove to be my first experience with night hiking, and with my trusty headlamp I made it into Bobblets Gap Shelter by by 2115. There I was surprised to meet Tater, Yoshi, Rainbow Bright and his partner. After getting reaquainted, we all turned in for a peaceful nights sleep.
PICTURES:
1. Jackie and I at the Natural Bridge
2. GW's (George Washington) initials carved into the rock by him as a teenager when this land was being surveyed for the King of England... That's cool.....
3. Poster
4. I crossed some pastures, private lands I believe, as I was leaving Troutville.
5. Some nice views with rhododendrums blooming in the foreground and Troutville in the background.
6. I snapped this sunset picture before decending to the shelter area.