Picture of the day
This blog chronicles the hikes I've completed in the "Lee 333 Challenge". I haven't set a challenge deadline because I can't dedicate myself 100% to it. However, if the SNAP500 (or SHEN500) can be done in one year, I don't see any reason why a dedicated enthusiast couldn't complete the "Lee 333" in under a year also.
Distance: 9.24
Duration: 6:26
Ascent: 2091ft
PATC Difficulty: 196
Lee 333 Progress Summary:
Trails: 13 of 107
Trail Miles: 43.8 of 342.45 miles
Hiked Miles: 70.05 miles
This was the best trip of the Lee333 so far.
I met a father and son on overnight trip and we hiked together the first couple of miles.
They were great, the son was very smart, about 12 years old and the father was a Prince William County fireman who had just been promoted to fire marshal. They planned on bushwhacking into the forest to make their own campsite. They kindly invited me to join them for a steak dinner on my return trip. I knew that I'd be too late for that to work out but I did look for them when I passed that area later in the day but didn't see them. They had their dog with them. He was very, very well trained and very friendly. You can see him in the one of the pictures. We parted company on the Massanutten trail just north of the junction with Veach Gap.
When I reached the ridge I was delighted by the fantastic views. The trees still don't have leaves so that really add to the visibility. The weather was warm and sunny. The view into the valley and the river below was really special. The trail loops around (see the map) following the ridge and continues climbing.
The last 1/4 mile to the Sherman Gap trail is a decent of 250 feet and very steep, I knew that I'd have to start the hike back with the ascent. I stayed at the Sherman Gap intersection for 45 minutes lounging in the sun after eating lunch. It was tough gathering the willpower to start up again but once back on the ridge I put some music.
I picked "Santana's Greatest Hit" because I haven't heard in years, mostly because I had been burned out on it. I made my way back along the ridge and eased into a mental state that I've rarely experienced. I was happy and happy being with just myself. I'm not sure I've ever felt this way before. Perhaps I did 30 years ago but back then I wasn't as contemplative as I am now and probably wouldn't have recognized it at the time.
I slowly slipped back into a more normal state of mind when the trail turned downhill and my knee started to hurt. I took several 5 minute breaks and the pain disappeared after each. I think it may be nerves pinching rather than the joint failing with age, I hope so.
It was early evening when I got back into the Veach Gap trail along the creek. Between the creek babbling the birds singing and cooler evening temps I again was truly "in the moment" not the same way as I felt on the ridge but really relaxed and enjoying the "now".
A great day.
I included a couple of YouTube videos, we'll see if that works out.
Today's Track
Today's Track
Veach Gap Trailhead (west end)
The gate just after the parking log
The Mill Run Creek was full and making lots of noise
Mill Run Creek
Hey! Who stepped into my picture?
Trying to get a good picture of the rocky ridge that I was about to ascend. Fail!
Photo Fail!
Zooming in... Fail.
Beginning to climb
Looking back they way I'd come.
The trail winds it's way up and around to the ridge in this picture,
although I didn't realize it when I took it.
A really beautiful day with views in every direction, the pix really don't do it justice.
Almost there (to the ridge and views)
Ahhhh!
The climb was worth it.
The trail got really rocky, as expected, but worth it for the great views.
Video
Nice
Panorama
Shenandoah River South Fork
The last third of a mile was steeply down hill to the intersection with Sherman Gap Trail.
Going north I made it to the Sherman Gap Trail. That's the point that I stopped when making my last hike
on the Massanutten Trail going south, the end point of today's trip.
Evening coming on
Video
Intersection between the Veach Gap Trail and the Massanutten Trail
took this on the way back to the car.
Intersection between the Veach Gap Trail and the Massanutten Trail
took this on the way back to the car.
The trail, nearly back at the car again.
