Once again the mountains of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia were calling my name. Indeed, one in particular – Old Rag Mountain beckoned me even more.
A perennial favorite of the Mountain Club of Maryland a group of us headed out to Virginia for an autumn hike.
I remember Old Rag Mountain well as it’s been a few times that I’ve climbed his craggy face. Covered with granite boulders, part of the trail involve climbing up, over, in between and underneath the rocks.
It’s one of those hikes that I love so much, but the trail hates my body even more. Sore for days later, the climb and the full-body workout traversing the boulders always took its toll. The 3,000 foot climb always takes my breath away and the nine-mile circuit make my feet weary.
But the views..oh the views make it worth the effort.
Beginning with a slow, long and steep climb along switchbacks, the woods were alive with color.
Sometimes I felt as if I was on the edge of the world.
The day was glorious, the weather and the company perfect. And the best part? After many years of training, I was truly prepared, feeling fit and strong, at last I conquered the mountain.
Categories: Foot Prints, Shenandoah
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Well done you – I couldn’t even manage the treadmill this morning, lol!
I was so thrilled Joanne. It was a personal best. But just think..some of the people I hike with are well in their upper 60’s and 70’s. Crazy stuff!
And there I was thinking getting out of bed today was cause for excitement enough, okay then, the treadmill it is… next week! 🙂
What a beautiful and peaceful place too after that climb 🙂
You would have loved it Andy. I’m still playing catch up from being out the past week. Hope all is well with you.
So far so good! thank you and welcome back 🙂
A fantastic effort and great photos. As for your travelling companions, it’s wonderful to see how getting older doesn’t mean life needs to get smaller if you maintain yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. Some of the ladies I play golf with are well into their eighties and still going strong. Inspirational!
Aren’t they just so inspirational? I love having such wonderful role models, Never give up!
Thank you Corinne for your kind compliment on the pics.
I agree, there’s is such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when ones reaches the top of a mountain. I remember feeling like a was on top of the world (literally) when DH and I climbed to the top of Stob Ban, one of the mountains in the West Highlands in Scotland. It was a clear day and one could see for miles on end, with the valleys, rivers, lakes and even the sea below: a view hard to beat.
Oh my ! I can only imagine the incredible scenery you had on top of Stob Ban. Makes it worth all of the hard work and effort to get up there. And to have such clear weather when you get there? Priceless!
The best 3 hours ever spent!!!
Beautiful photos and it really looked like a great hiking local!
It truly is fantastic, and there are so many different trails to explore as well.
I have fond (and not so fond!) memories of hiking Old Rag! Thanks for rekindling them for me. So glad you enjoyed the hike and had a great day. Congratulations on conquering it!
You make me laugh Tricia, as I also have not so fond memories as well. Mainly being crippled for days afterward from being so sore from the hike. Thrilled that I could bring back memories for you, and thank you.
This is a real gem; about 3,000 feet and 8 to 9 miles is perfect for a solid workout. I am going to keep this on my list for when I’m in the area.
If you ever are, let me know Charlie ! I may want to hike Old Rag again. 🙂
Emily, Good job! Some of the photos are truly stunning. Dan Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2015 00:28:52 +0000 To: danmcqueen99@hotmail.com
So well done, Emily. Those beautiful views made all the effort worthwhile, I’m sure. 🙂
We haven’t been able to do this hike since 2012, so it was really special for us. We had such perfect weather. Thank you!
Perfect weather is always a bonus.
Superb photos and an impressive achievement, Emily.
Thank you so much Carolyn, and I was so happy it all went well for me.