Annapolis Rock, Maryland, October 18, 2019 — It’s that time again. Our longest ridgerunner season is running out of altitude and airspeed. The sprint to the finish line is underway.
Friday, Mary Thurman and I struck the caretaker tent, packed it up and hiked it down the mountain to the ridgerunners rustic apartment at Washington Monument State Park. There it is interred in a closet for a long winter’s rest.
At first we thought something had gone terribly wrong. The tarp protecting the tent from UV rays was in shreds.
Had a bear attacked it? Vandals? Actually high winds the previous night destroyed the sun-weakened tarp which had valiantly done its duty. Now dead, its dumpster-destined remains are nothing more than worthless weight on the hike out.
Mary was relieved to find the tent intact.
Packing up.
Tool box locked. Site secure.
It was a brilliant day on the rock.
Farewell visit to the viewpoint.
Reflecting on how the season opened last April with Sabine Pelton who patrolled Shenandoah National Park.
Out-a-here! The final two weeks will be spent on patrol or tenting in one of the Annapolis Rock tents sites.
Until next year.
Sisu