Panorama Parking Area (2,318 feet) mile 944.2 to Gravel Springs Gap (2,663 feet) mile 958.9 for a 13.9 mile day. We ascended 2,787 feet and descended 3,556 feet.

Descending is getting harder and harder for me to do. I am not sure if it is just the miles being put on my body or these new shoes but my left knee is starting to hurt mainly going down hill. I mention the shoes because the knee was not hurting before the Hoka Speedgoats got on my feet. The lower body as a whole takes a beating going down hill, so, I just slow down and take smaller steps in hopes it will carry me through the remaining 1,234.2 miles.

That was the only view we had all day during this 13.9 mile hike.

This was our second to last day in the Shenandoah National Park and it was, as the rest of the park, uneventful.

We got to Gravel Springs Gap and Kelly’s in-laws were there and she jumped in the car and took off after introductions. About 20 minutes later, Suzanna got there and we headed to Front Royal, Virginia.

Front Royal is the Northern entry point of Skyline Dr. and the Shenandoah National Park, home of the Battle of Front Royal, May 23, 1862. Two odd facts, it is the only incorporated city in Warren county, and it is also the Canoe Capital of Virginia. I guess the last one is because of the Shenandoah River passing through town.