Hiker on Appalachian TrailHiker on Appalachian Trail

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It's that time of year again!  The blooms are coming around, the days seem to be longer, and oh the warm weather!  It was only about a week ago that I was crawling hand and foot through snow in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness in Montana, and then just yesterday I was swimming through rapids on the New River in Virginia after our canoe went under!   

My weekend started off like most of my days, I drink a boatload of coffee and then take the Yorkie to the New River Trail.  It's getting greener and greener and more and more critters are milling about.  

Right out of the gate, a snake was getting all defensive by my car.

garder snake

Fresh greens and blooms on the trail...

Galax leafGalax leaf

New River Trail state parkNew River Trail state park

New River Trail state parkNew River Trail state park

New River Trail State Park VirginiaNew River Trail State Park Virginia

New River Trail State Park VirginiaNew River Trail State Park Virginia

After this I headed up towards Speedwell Virginia for some mountain biking.  It's just south of Wytheville.  I went on the Henley Hollow trail, which Trails.com said was for the 'more advanced user'.  It turns out I am not a 'more advanced user', as this trail worked me hard!  There are lots of rocks and creek crossings, which made the ascent difficult for me.  On the way down it was a total blast!(that's when these photos were taken)

Biking trails near WythevilleBiking trails near Wytheville

Biking trails near WythevilleDCIM\101GOPRO

Then, it was canoe time!  The beautiful New River in Virginia is one heck of a place to float!  While this trip cost me a camera and a smartphone due to some rapids being a little much for our canoe to handle, a good time it was...

Canoe the new riverCanoe the new river

Canoe the new riverCanoe the new river

oops!

Canoe the new riverCanoe the new river

Now, images from Whitetop during sunset.

camping on the appalachian trailcamping on the appalachian trail

camping on the appalachian trailcamping on the appalachian trail

This final image is one that I have had pre-visualized for some time now.   On Whitetop Mountain there is a rock outcropping where the Appalachian Trails runs through the area.  I wanted a shot of a hiker(me) a lit up tent, and the blue ridge in the back ground.  I was a little disappointed when I arrived as there had been a prescribed burn in the area, leaving the ground black and lifeless.  Oh well.  I used one exposure more me, and one for the tent(both with the same EV for easy blending).  Leaving me happy with the result.

camping on the appalachian trailcamping on the appalachian trail

Thanks for looking!