Thursday, September 24, 2009
Mary's Point
Took a short side hike to Mary's Point in Shenandoah National Park. It was late afternoon, and the views were excellent. Also there were another couple from the Washington, DC area, and a famIly with daughter. We all said hello to each other, and the young girl said "Ni Hao". Huh? So, talked back to her in Chinese. Then her (non-Chinese) parents also spoke in Chinese. Finally, the other couple also spoke in Chinese!
Turns out that the family adopted a girl from Hunan Provence. Before visiting China, they took language lessons. As for the DC couple, he had lived for several months in China.
And there we were on a mountaintop in the USA, with only the girl of Chinese nationality, but all speaking some of the language!
Here is our group photo:
The Remaking of a Hiker's Body
Front Royal, VA and the Birdhouse Collection
Here is a collection of innovative birdhouses that are on a porch in Front Royal, VA. You can see more at http://markandpatsadventures.shutterfly.com/
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Harpers Ferry, WV reunion with Pat
Harpers Ferry, WV reunion with Pat
Friday, September 11, 2009
Halfway Points on the trail
Halfway Points on the trail
Ironmasters Mansion and the Underground Railroad
Today, you can stay here and enjoy the adjacent State Park.
Ironmasters Mansion and the Underground Railroad
Today, you can stay here and enjoy the adjacent State Park.
AT Photos - Part 6
Another creature in the woods.
AT Photos - Part 6
Another creature in the woods.
Shoes, Miles, Rocks, Shin Splints
The trail from New York onwards flattened out (compared to the northern trail), so started picking up the daily distance to 15-25 miles per day.
Then, until Duncannon, PA, the trail ran on a lot of rocky ridge lines. Think of it as a painful massage on the feet for 12 hours a day. Eventually the soles of the feet start going numb.
Somehow as a result of all this, shin splints started when in western New Jersey. By the time I reached Palmerton, PA, it was difficult to walk at all. Fortunately with some rest (one day), ace bandages, and Vitamin I (Ibuprofen), the pain went away within the next week.
Whew!! Challenges every step of the way!
Shoes, Miles, Rocks, Shin Splints
The trail from New York onwards flattened out (compared to the northern trail), so started picking up the daily distance to 15-25 miles per day.
Then, until Duncannon, PA, the trail ran on a lot of rocky ridge lines. Think of it as a painful massage on the feet for 12 hours a day. Eventually the soles of the feet start going numb.
Somehow as a result of all this, shin splints started when in western New Jersey. By the time I reached Palmerton, PA, it was difficult to walk at all. Fortunately with some rest (one day), ace bandages, and Vitamin I (Ibuprofen), the pain went away within the next week.
Whew!! Challenges every step of the way!
Hiking in New Jersey
Hiking in New Jersey
The Mayor's House
One more thing - in the evening everyone is required to watch 2 videos. What are they about? One is about a winner in the contest "Britain's Got Talent, another about two thru hikers who celebrate their 60th birthday's on the trail. Many hikers must later remember these stories when the tough times and challenges arrive - as they surely will.
Thanks Mayor - you are a huge contributor to the Trail Culture!
The Mayor's House
One more thing - in the evening everyone is required to watch 2 videos. What are they about? One is about a winner in the contest "Britain's Got Talent, another about two thru hikers who celebrate their 60th birthday's on the trail. Many hikers must later remember these stories when the tough times and challenges arrive - as they surely will.
Thanks Mayor - you are a huge contributor to the Trail Culture!