Tag: Shenandoah University

Days 15 and 16 mark the end of the trail portion of the trip and find our heroes leaving Blackrock Hut for a strenuous 13 mile hike to Calf Mountain shelter. They settle in their tents for a cold night hoping it won’t snow. No such luck. The final hike in Shenandoah National Park is

Bob Proudman from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy with a campfireside chat about the beginnings of the National Scenic Trail System and the creation and protection of the AT in particular: “How to protect this thread between the emeralds on this necklace that covers 14 states…?”

Carl recounts a 7-mile slog through fog and rain to Ivy Creek, and shows off the front page of the Shenandoah Sun (SU’s newspaper).

SU’s John Stevens recounts the days’s activities, beginning at Hightop Hut and a steep hike to Smith Roach Gap and meeting up with Steve Bair of the National Park Service for a talk on the history of Shenandoah National Park and the creation of Skyline Drive as the “main vein” along the Blue Ridge. Then

SU’s Kelley Mitchell leads the way up to Hightop Summit, amazing views, and a pinnacle picnic. Back at Hightop Hut, Carl looks forward to a sumptuous repast….

Downstream executive director and SEV Tech Coordinator Bill Howard summarizes day 10 as “A Walk in the Woods”, in recognition of acoustic guitarist Steve DeVries, who entertained our crew with his tune of the same name, in the cozy confines of Lydia Mountain Cabin. A hike to Bald Face Mountain was highlighted by a procession