Old Rag Mountain

A rainy forecast kept the crowds away to a very popular hike on Old Rag in the Shenandoah Mountains in Syria, Virginia!  However, two crazy over 50 gals decided that we could do the hike, and kept optimistic on the 70% chance it would NOT rain.  We did not win the rain part, but were two of the four total people on the mountain today.  The very challenging one to two mile rock scramble was simply amazing, and the mountain laurel (looks like rhododendren) was in full bloom throughout the mountain top in lush white, pink and dark pink-stunning!

The rain came at lunchtime so we found some "shelter" under a boulder and ate our sandwiches deciding if we should continue on knowing that the granite could get slippery.  After about 20 minutes, the sun peeked through and a father/son team came striding through the trail.  After some pleasentries and photo ops with the two groups, we decided to "follow" them up on the rock scramble and complete the entire hike.  I'm so thankful that we did, since our stopping point was just before one of the most spectacular vistas we saw today.  Our total hike time was about four hours, but it took a little longer to take photos and admire the valleys below as well as the surrounding mountains.  And as first timers on this hike, we did well in the packing/dressing department.  Lots of water, layers of clothing and hiking boots are a must!

BSoleille!  The bright side of a nine mile hike through crazy weather on Old Rag.

Terri (and a big SHOUTOUT to my husband as we celebrated 26 years of marriage today, Yeah!

Photos of me and hiking partner, Linda Misencik, and the only other two people out there today, Robert and Lugao Casberg- the father and son team

.