Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway

Long ridge lines, graded trails, excellent views into the valley below.  Shenandoah provides some of the nicest hiking on the trail so far.  You can get more information about the park at http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

Friends Lynn & Cal together with their friend Tom drove up to join me for a few days.  It was nice to stay in a campground with hot showers, and to have some luxuries such as chairs to sit in during evenings.

One day two baby bear cubs and their mother came onto the trail right in front of me.  Since it is not safe to get too close, the picture is a bit fuzzy, but here is one of the cubs...

Also, finally caught up with Lady Jelly Bean and Fleegle.  We ended up hiking together for several days.

One day, Lady Jelly Bean Shakespeare wrote a poem about the Virginia Blues.  Since 23% of the trail is in Virginia, hikers sometimes feel they will never leave the state.  Perhaps you can zoom in and read her writing...