Before Christmas, Joe organized a little hiking expedition to the Shenandoah, near Luray Caverns.
We hiked a nine-mile roundtrip trail to Strickler Knob, which boasted some pretty amazing views. I didn't capture any here, because I was too scared to get to close to the edge. I don't like heights at all.
It was a beautiful trail, with a couple river crossings. I did OK, except that I have a knack for managing to trip when the ground is perfectly level. It must be exciting to walk behind me on the trail, as I'm turning my ankle and recovering every 10 minutes.
The last mile was all uphill, just an absolute slog. I really thought I wouldn't be able to do it. I started feeling faint and then I tried to breathe and I could only take short little breaths. That's the closest I've ever been to a panic attack. I can see why people check themselves into the ER for panic attacks. I eventually made it back to the car, after much struggle. We said we earned our hamburger dinners at Burger Brothers after that.
Joe surveys the scene.
Here's the rock scramble at the end of the trail.
Alex M., Channing and Alex C. climbed up on that perch. They are crazy! I was so worried they would fall.
Look at pro-rock climber Alex M. jumping between those rocks. Don't try this at home, kids.
