The Shennies

I was fortunate to have an old high school buddy join me for the hike through Shenandoah National Forest - the Shennies for short.

Me and Chuck

The trail through this section windswept back and forth across the Skyline Drive - the final section of the Blueridge Parkway. In fact, the current Skyline Drive follows the original App Trail - a source of hard feelings for some hikers. The Drive now has all the views and the hikers get all of the Green Tunnel. But, to be honest, I was pleased with multiple, stunning vistas. I think the bad reputation may have come from section or day hikers that haven't become accustomed to the rhythm of the trail. In the best of times, a beautiful view is the result of many arduous hours of hiking. (Note - see my blog on the Triple Crown which is an exception).

Also, very notable pertaining to the Shennies is the presence of 'waysides'. These little gems are the equivalent of roadside snack bars that you might find on the way to the beach. Completely nonexistent until this section, these waysides offer hamburgers and blackberry milkshakes and other treats! After hundreds of miles in the wilderness, they seemed like cheating - but cheat I did. As I've mentioned before, Virginia hiking is very dry and it was nice to get some cold fluids on board.

Another anomaly here is the frequent presence of day hikers. There are numerous public campgrounds accessible by car and many folks out for a quick hike. As a through hiker, I like to see them because they still have the wide-eyed wonder of someone new to the trail. And it reinvigorates me.

A word on day hikers. As I've said - everyone has a right to enjoy the beauty of this National Scenic Trail. But, I also try to avoid them when I can - not out of some sense of superiority but out of a desire to be away from their behavior. Similar, I'm sure, to a native Hawaiian. They want to share that stunning place with visitors but are saddened to see the lack of respect for that special place. It's not a matter of disrespect but a lack of respect. I don't want to sound like I have any special ownership of the trail but as a through hiker, I have a code that I live by. Leave no trace, show reverence to nature, respect wildlife and treat other hikers with high regard. It is jarring to see cigarette butts smashed into the trail, to hear people walking by with music blaring and for day-hikers not yielding to through hikers with heavy packs. I know it sounds like 'get off my lawn' complaining from an old neighbor but I had to get it off my chest. I was happy to leave the park behind.

So, I think there is a lesson to be had there. When I've traveled, it's been common for the locals to look sideways at me. Frankly, I was offended and sometimes that caused me to dismiss them as elitists or self-righteous. But, with a little reflection, I can see that maybe I wasn't as reverent and respectful as I should have been. Lesson learned. The trail teaches if you listen.

Oh, and I passed 900 miles!

900 miles on the trail!