Choppy and I are not exactly peak physical specimens of our respective species. Which means that hiking is not our specialty. It doesn’t stop me from regularly attempting to hike, though.

And, for some reason, I seem to think that hiking in mountains is an excellent idea. Which is how Choppy and I ended up on two hikes at Shenandoah National Park. On the plus side, we managed to hike over 6 miles in the mountains in one day. On the down side, we managed to hike over 6 miles in the mountains in one day. A few pictures from our day hiking (and, unlike a previous hike, no one throws up at the end of these hikes).

Our first hike of the day: the South River Falls Circuit. The sign indicates that this is a "moderately easy" hike. Note: the sign is lying, unless you are the sort of person who considers climbing a mountain "easy."
Our first hike of the day: the South River Falls Circuit. The sign indicates that this is a “moderately easy” hike. Note: the sign is lying, unless you are the sort of person who considers climbing a mountain “moderately easy.”
About 50 feet down the trail, where it crosses the Appalachian Trail. Note Choppy already lying down in the trail, having expended so much energy in 50 feet that she needs to lie down.
I took this picture about 50 feet down the trail, where the South River Falls Trail crosses the Appalachian Trail of hiking fame (or infamy, depending on who is hiking said trail). Note that Choppy is already lying down in the trail, having expended so much energy in her first 50 feet of hiking that she can’t even manage to stand up when given the chance for a break.
A bit further down the trail, and Choppy is in desperate need of a water break. The happy look is merely Choppy's inability to stop panting for even so long as to take a picture.
A bit further down the trail, and Choppy is in desperate need of a water break. The happy look is merely Choppy’s inability to stop panting for even so long as to take a picture.
Somewhere before reaching the South River Falls that gave this hike its name, Choppy and I stopped for a self-portrait. As you can see from Choppy's wet fur, she had already reached South River.
Somewhere before reaching the South River Falls that gave this hike its name, Choppy and I stopped for a self-portrait. As you can see from Choppy’s wet fur, she had already reached South River.
Finally, South River Falls! It was...not as exciting as promised. Downright disappointing, if you want to know the truth. Also? Everything is uphill from here. That's not something to recommend the trek.
Finally, South River Falls! It was…not as exciting as promised by the sign at the top of the trail that it is the third highest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. Downright disappointing, if you want to know the truth. Also? Everything is uphill from here. That’s not something to recommend the trek.
Hike Two of the Day: Pocosin Mission Trail. One of the regular statements in Shenandoah National Park's various literature (read: brochures) is that there are various ruins of previous inhabitants of the Park spread throughout the back country of the park. Pocosin Mission, pictured here, is one of those ruins. Note: I can view this sort of ruin at my parents' house. There, we call it the shed. And implore my dad to tear the thing down. Context = all important to these two situations. (Note to Dad: Please do not use this as a reason not to tear down the shed).
Hike Two of the Day: Pocosin Mission Trail. One of the regular statements in Shenandoah National Park’s various literature (read: brochures) is that there are various ruins of previous inhabitants of the Park spread throughout the back country of the park. Pocosin Mission, pictured here, is one of those ruins. Note: I can view this sort of ruin at my parents’ house. There, we call it the shed. And implore my dad to tear the thing down. Context = all important to these two situations. (Note to Dad: Please do not use this as a reason to start calling the shed ruins/potential historical landmark. It’s not. And should be torn down).
Another self-portrait, this time using the tripod. These are some of the more scenic of the Pocosin Mission ruins. Still not worth a 2+ mile hike to see them (though better than just an old shed. And, for the energy expended, a better hike than the South River Falls).
Another self-portrait, this time using the tripod. These are some of the more scenic of the Pocosin Mission ruins. Still not worth a 2+ mile hike to see them (though better than just an old shed. And, for the energy expended, a better hike than the South River Falls).
Near the top of the hike to Pocosin MIssion (as in, the part of the trail before you realize you've been hiking downhill for a long while and will soon have to climb back up said incline), Choppy decided she needed to stop hiking. And lie down in the middle of a stream. I can't say I blame her.
Near the top of the hike back to the car from Pocosin Mission, Choppy decided she needed to stop hiking right about here, somewhere around six miles into her day of mountain hiking. As you can see, she decided to lie down in the middle of a stream. I can’t say I blame her.