Shenandoah National Park Night 5: Big Meadows to Swift Gap

In this episode we discuss a recent trip to Shenandoah National Park where we came across two cool groups: Climb4 and Latinos Outdoors. This episode then discusses the pros and cons of hiking alone, with a partner, or in a group. There are certainly some good reasons for doing all three. Here are the Gaia GPS tracks of our recent trip to SNP: Friday Saturday Sunday

In this episode our fearless host recounts the various sections he and his colleagues have hiked between Duncannan, PA through the Leigh River Water Gap... which he realizes, had he taken a few more minutes to review the map is 37 miles away from the Delaware River Water Gap and the border with New Jersey... Sigh. Gaia GPS Links to our hikes: Duncannan to Clarks Ferry Shelter Clarks Ferry Shelter to PA 325 PA 325 To Streamside Camp Streamside Camp to PA 645 PA 645 to Campsite Campsite to Port Clinton Port Clinton to Windsor Furnace Windsor Furnace to PA 309/Lookout Hostel PA 309 to Leigh River Water Gap

The episode in which our protagonist hikes south from Harpers Ferry, WVA to Lindon, VA.  Its a beautiful hike, except, in his hubris he makes several mistakes... what are they?  Listen and find out! 

In this adventure our congested narrator describes his time on the trail in Maryland on the Appalacian Trail.  He has some words about people who can't control their dogs and some other stories of people just trying to go on a hike.  Maryland is a great place to hike, whether its a start or a section.   Section Hiking the Appalachian Trails is sponsored by Hudson Pines: your gateway to the Adirondacks! Reserve your site at https://www.camphudsonpines.com. 

Honestly it had been so long since I had hiked through the southern part of the Shendandoah National Park that I couldn't recall all that needed to be recalled.  So I grabbed my friend Alex and hiked it again.  We did it in 3 days, rather than 4.  But there were some lessons learned... which you'll hear.  Of course, you will also hear me stammer as I try to explain, but don't, why Coke products are better than Pepsi.  Perhaps if Coke were to sponsor this I could do a better job but they don't.  I know both are bad for you but to be truthful, I have made an arbitrary choice and go with Coke.  I actually think it is because it isn't as sweet as Pepsi.  But I digress.   Hope you will check out our new sponsor, Camp Hudson Pines at www.camphudsonpines.com

So what happened to Stephen? Was he injured? Was he able to continue? Did the rest of us stick on the trail?  What happens?  We are about to find out! 

Do you feel ripped off by endless sequels? So do I, but it didn't stop our intrepid hikers from leaving the episode on a cliff hanger!  What cliffhanger is possible you ask on a hiking trip from point A to point B? You will have to listen to find out.   We talk about falls, poop, owls, poison ivy, the gamut.  Everything you never knew you needed in a podcast episode about the AT in Georgia.   Also, here are the names of the shuttle guys and gals and their contact information if you want to find a ride... we needed to get off trail and these folks all answered the call early in the morning.  Listen to find out more.   Gracie "RU" Class of 16 - 813-294-6994 Ron Brown - 706-669-0919 Shuttle Charlie - 706-897-2338 Shuttle Brett - 404-569-8776 Shuttle Jeff Moon - 706-994-2307 These guys are the best.  FINAL NOTE: I chose not to edit this episode.  Probably going to sound sort of wonky.  Apologies for this, except to say, its getting late, I got to get to work in the morning but wanted to get this out.  We'll talk again soon! 

Jon talks about being ready to tackle the GA portion of the Appalachian Trail.  

In this latest update of our intrepid section hiker we talk about his planning efforts for his trip to GA in May, his recent shake down/section hike in PA, and an effort to keep his feet from falling apart so he can keep hiking! 

Catching up on previous trips, Jon explains what happens when he leaves the confines of Big Meadows state park and heads south to Swift Gap.   Along the way there's some beautiful terrain, albeit not all that difficult.  Along the way we learn about the 53 cemeteries in the park and we talk about the history of the Lewis Mountain Campground.   For more information about the formation of the Lewis Mountain Campground, you can look at the following sites:  Shenandoah for idea to reality Previous Secretaries of the Department of Interior Segregation and Desegregation at Shenandoah National Park Memo to Secretary of Interior Stating that facilities in the Park need to be equal among the races