The summit of Old Rag in the Shenandoahs
I love Old Rag Mountain. I think of it as the queen of the northern Shenandoahs. True, it stands only 3,268 ft tall. However, it is basically a great big chunk of (mostly) exposed granite and, as you drive by it to the west on Skyline Drive in Virginia, it looks pretty darn impressive. While I lived in Maryland, it became my favorite day hike destination, despite requiring a 4 hour round trip in the car just to get to and from the trailhead. I have hiked to its summit at least a couple dozen times. When my daughters got old enough, I started taking them along with me and soon they too developed a love for the mountain. Despite my move to Wisconsin, it is still my favorite day hike. It is also where I plan to be on a more permanent basis. After, that is, I am dead. Continue reading “Check Engine”