Mary’s Rock at Shenandoah Valley National Park

I wanted to do a solo hike this weekend, so I decided to go to Mary’s Rock. It is the eighth highest mountain peak (3,514-foot/1,071 m) in Shenandoah National Park. The peak is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance of the park and north of the taller Pinnacle. I haven’t been to Shenandoah Valley National Park in a while, so decided to do the shorter Meadow Spring trail to the Appalachian trail (AT) on my hike to the summit. I usually do the longer hike from Buck Hollow around 9 miles, but didn’t want to spend the whole day at the park.

Anyways, I also wanted to test a new pair of boots before taking it to New Hampshire. I haven’t worn a pair of hiking boots in 5 years, because I don’t like the weight and the bulk. I love wearing trail running shoes, but I found these hybrid HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra Hi WP intriguing enough to buy.

Overall, these shoes are amazing!! I usually have to worry about my step using trail running shoes. The Hoka Ultra Hi WP handled the water, mud, provided very good support and its very comfortable. Its like a hybrid between a trail running and hiking shoes! I guess I have to see how comfortable they are on a longer trail.

Iceland Trip Highlights

The Laugavegur is a trekking route in South-West Iceland from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk. It is noted for the wide variety of landscapes on its 55 km (34 mi) path. The route is typically completed over 2–4 days with potential stops at the mountain huts at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, Emstrur and Þórsmörk. An ultramarathon is held on the route each July. It is possible to combine the trek with the Fimmvörðuháls route which goes over the pass from Þórsmörk to Skógar for an additional one or two days or an additional 25 km (16 mi). Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and Skógar are all reachable by bus during the summer.

Laugavegur Trail (Thorsmork)

Day 4: I wasn’t able to sleep, because of the wind so I’m extremely tired. The weather was nice, but there was wind storm around the area. Fortunately, its our last day of backpacking, so I’m glad that its almost over. We plan on hitting the ring road and the golden circle after backpacking the laugavegur trail.

Laugavegur Trail (Emstrur)

Day 3: The hike from Lake Alftavatn to Emstrur was probably one of my favorite part of the trip. We finally had a nice sunny weather and the lake was beautiful. It was nice to stop by for lunch at Hvanngil hut. The scenery was amazing with nearby mountains on the horizon. Finally, we hike on the famous lava fields as well at the black sand desert on our way to Emstrur.