travel light, wake early, walk far
It had all of the traditional ingredients: a returning Massanutten finisher (me), a first-time finisher (Max!), a Halfassanutten participant (Sophie), a Mininuttener (Sharon), a trail injury sacrifice (Chris), a new variant finisher we will call the Markanutten (Mark, duh), and lots of trail magic.
The hike was going faster than expected, and Ashley and I thought a reroute would mix things up. Down a hemlock and rhododendron filled hollow to the Hamburg Reservoir.
The trail was well maintained. While there were some blowdowns, they seemed to be easy to pass. And we even saw some trail maintainers on Sunday too.
The creepy fog of the night before got even worse the next morning. It was like a delightful version of Apocalypse Now, in which swirling mist and shadows greeted our every move.
This event continues to be one of my favorite DC UL traditions--I enjoy seeing those who return each year and those who are experiencing it for the first time.
DC UL Backpacking 