Lewis Peak - October 22, 2011

Anyone missing Saturday's hike to Lewis Peak missed the finest day in Shenandoah National Park in a while.  The leaves were near peak and the temperatures were perfect on a cool and sunny day.  Apparently this was obvious to many people as all the parking lots and overlooks were experiencing overflow conditions.  


Nine hikers left Albemarle High School headed for Rockfish Gap on I-64.   At times we appeared to be in a "Turkey Caravan" but later realized that we were intermingled with Hokie fans headed to Blacksburg for the VT game.  We squeezed into the grass at Browns Gap parking since there were no spots left.  


We headed up the AT and turned on to the Rockytop Trail leaving the crowds behind.  We made the gradual climb to the junction with the Lewis Peak trail.  Maynard and Leon stopped there so Bailey could rest and Maynard needed to turn back early to make an appointment.  The rest of the group followed Lindsay on to the summit.  


Don, Dan, Rita, Marian, Dave, and Sue all enjoyed the views from Lewis Peak toward Massanutten and northward toward Rockytop.  After a lunch break we headed back down and picked up Leon and Bailey for the return to the parking lot.  A great day to be out hiking!