[at-l] Weekend Hike

[dajones at isp.com (David A Jones)]

I returned to Massanutten this weekend and hiked the section of the 
Tuscarora Trail from Elizabeth Furnace to the Little Crease Shelter.  
This section of the Tuscarora Trail  has a beautiful overlook onto the 
Shenandoah River (I think they call this area of the river "seven 
bends"), and I took some great pictures.  If I can figure out a way to 
share to them, I'll let you know where they are.  The only 2-legged 
critters I saw on the trail was a local couple out for a day hike.  They 
said they did 1700 miles day hiking.  Their chihuahua likes to come with 
them: he was riding in a pack, sporting sunglasses.

Stayed overnight at the shelter.  Sure was cold at dawn.  Otherwise, I'd 
call the weather perfect for hiking.  The mile of trail closest to the 
shelter was really wet: like a small stream in places.  The snow was 
half gone.  In the shadow of a hill the snow looked fresh and recent.  
The sunny side of the hill was clear.  I think the groundhog has finally 
come to terms with seeing his shadow.

I have got to get some other hiking shoes.  These Salomons (Exper Low 
GTX) wore a nice blister on my left heel.  They are comfortable, if 
perhaps a bit loose.  I like the sound of Jim Bullard's advice on 
blister prevention, but in my heart I know there is no substitute for 
well-fitting shoes.  (I have some nice cheap tennis shoes that work 
beautifully.)  But, where to get them, which brand is for me, and which 
salesman to trust?  It seems like a hit or miss operation to me.