Gone???? or Just starting???

When the nights are full on events of wind roaring down the mountain, whirling snowflakes and leaves in tow, you just somehow know that the dawn will not bring thoughts of swimming in a mountain pool... well, not the first thought anyway... For the moment you're quite content to be snuggled under the quilts with the comforting crackle of a fire in the stove.

But for me, it does mean the best season for exploring the mountains is here! The views are more expansive (sans leaves), all the critters that give you good reason not to poke around carelessly way off trail are in their hibernaculae, and the spring water is particularly sweet and cool!

Long trail runs, hikes to remote summits, backpacking through the remaining kaleidoscopic colors will all lead, in time, to snow filled hollows, backcountry skiing, the unforgettable sting of wind-whipped ice pellets on a bare cheek and the amazing sculpted frozen chandeliers on Shenandoah's many waterfalls.







The DREAMING...

So... where did summer go?

..just like that, it got too cool for mountain swimming, the days too short for epic backcountry hikes... and the nights, well they just got perfect for sleeping... with the windows thrown wide open! Man, I live for Fall in the mountains! (and winter ... and spring.... and summer!)

Often, in Shenandoah this time of year, we see a lot of leaf-peepers... who actually enjoy viewing the world from behind the windshield of an automobile.. we just scratch our heads and don't even try to figure out why..

Especially when this time of year is unforgettably perfect for outdoor adventuring.. crystal blue skies, frosty evenings, warm, golden days.

We've had a lot of climbers and hikers.. and with the recent rains, we've even had paddlers! (Most often you'll find our current postings on either the Shenandoah Mountain Guides blog or the Shenandoah Mountain Guides Face Book page... )
This is also the time we move back into our "classroom mode" teaching groups from universities and colleges, developing the professional skills of other outdoor - based organizations, and developing and training good stewards (of all ages) of our amazing natural resources.

For the past 4 years, we have had the distinct honor of being a key (and founding) organization and partner with the National Park service in the development of the Old Rag Mountain Steward program.. making a real and lasting change in the visitor experience on Old Rag mountain in VA.

So, more often than not, we're not around the office.. but that doesn't mean we don't want to hear from you.. leave a message.. send an e-mail... come see us! Your world will never look the same!

.. and you'll wonder why you waited so long...