Sunny and seventies in the Blue Ridge Mountains these two weeks. We explored a range of trails, peaks, and falls in the Shenandoah National Park and beyond.

We ascended to Hawksbill Peak, SNP’s highest point (4051); took in Jones Run and Doyles River Falls in a 5.3 mile outing; took the easy stroll to Dark Hollow Falls after walking (the wrong side of) Rose River Fire Rd (i.e. the Red Gate Fire Rd). Not a bad walk if you find yourself off-route.

We hiked north along the Appalachian Trail to Hightop Mtn (3587) from Skyline Drive and later took the AT south to Swift Run Gap.

On Massanutten’s Western Slope we took in the Peak Ridge Trail and a walk towards Keeler’s Knob.

We fell off our bikes careening down ski trails and unstuck our tubes from rocks in the Shenandoah River.

We grilled corn, peppers, eggplant, onions, and toast.

Nighttime readings included James Jones, Nico Walker, a Salinger Bio, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and at long last: began The Outsiders again but this time with company.

May not have found the cure for COVID, but maxed out on the cure for lockdown.

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