"Look mom, REAL hikers!"

The majority of the past 1 1/2 weeks, we spent hiking the Shenandoah National Park. The Shenandoahs were different in that it was not as isolated as the Smokies. There is a road that runs through it and waysides to eat at. But similar to our Smokies experience, we were stuck in miserable weather and had limited to no views. What is it with our hikes in the National Parks? A fellow hiker explained it best.


"If you want to know what is was like hiking in the Shenandoahs is like...put on your rain gear, put a pillow case over your head, get under a cold shower, and open a window for a constant, cold wind gust."


The TRAIL MAGIC that helped us get through:
-As we passed a campground, we were offered beer (what fun trail magic!) from a New Jersey couple, Brian and Amy. Beyond a refreshing, cold one, they also gave us trail mix bars and water! Some Canadian ladies also stopped by to chat and gave us an orange. Fun treats, great conversation, and sweet company! They will never know how much this lifted our spirits.
-We ran into section hikers, Gavel (who we met before) and his buddy, Caribou. These guys rescued us from a complete breakdown. They provided us rides to and from the trail to get out of the weather, slackpacked us, and treated us to a pizza dinner. We are so grateful for their generousity!


We also got a good chuckle from some of the tourists we passed. They would often take our pictures and make a comment such as "are you REAL hikers?"

As we left (okay, ran from) the Shenandoahs, we gave a "woot, woot" and glad it was over.


Cold and rainy day in the Shenandoahs.


Wow, look at the views in the Shenandoahs!

"Too Klean" crossing rocks - very hard on the feet. Our feet are extremely swollen and sore. We are definitely nervous for Pennsylvania which has a bad reputation for its rockiness.


We finally got our Starbucks. Better yet, it was free. The barista took pity on us. It made our day and felt like home for a moment!

Getting ready to head out in the morning...it was raining, OF COURSE!

"Hot Mess" hanging our food bags to keep the bears away from the shelter.


Too bad we couldn't keep the mice away. We woke up to mice poop in our food cups...YUM! Read: Unhealthy, but we think we are in the clear unless consuming too much bleach is dangerous.

Celebrating "Hot Mess's" birthday on the trail. Frosting and chocolate graham crackers. "Too Klean" thought the combo would be a good replacement for birthday cake.

BREAKING POINT #1: The dilemma - whether or not to aqua blaze through the Shenandoahs (aka raft instead of hike). "Caveman" and "Burns" trying to figure out the logistics . "Too Klean" is across the street trying to get cell service. We decided against because we weren't willing to give up our thru-hiker title.


BREAKING POINT #2: The dilemma - whether or not to go get out of the rain and head into town for the night. It was cold and we needed a break. Even chips and beer weren't lifting "Too Klean's" spirit. We gave in and went into town for an unplanned visit.


Five hikers crammed into a motel in Front Royal.


One of two tics "Too Klean" found burrowed into her.

"Too Klean's" shoes died in the Shenandoahs. She was hoping they would make it halfway, but the rain and rocks did them in.


NEW SHOES:) There was not an outfitters open so "Too Klean" settled for a cheap pair of New Balance running shoes. We think they should last a couple hundred miles which is just a few weeks.


"Gavel" and "Caribou" (retired judges from Maine and AT section hikers) took us out for pizza. They also shuttled us to and from the trail. They were extremely sweet and generous to us.