We left Christopher’s Run after breakfast and headed for Shenandoah National Park and Big Meadows campground. Entering the park at US-33, we purchased our $50 National Park Pass which we plan to use heavily this trip. The Ranger at the entrance was Michelle who is from Strasburg. Of course, she and Sandy had mutual friends from Columbia, PA.

We set up camp in Big Meadows campground and headed out to do a short hike to a waterfall.

First of Many Views of Shenandoah NP

First of Many Waterfalls

Back at the camper we prepared dinner of burgers, smothered with onions & cheese, with asparagus. Since it was chilly, we finally exercised the camper’s water heater and furnace. Turns out both work very well, especially the furnace … just turn it on and set the thermostat!

Set Up with Canopy in Big Meadows

We woke to a beautiful day! We hiked the Hawksbill Mountain Trail to a beautiful overlook. We’re both thankful to own heavy-duty hiking boots for these rocky, steep trails. Afterwards, we stopped at the Visitor’s Center for a talk on white-tailed deer and a hike through the meadow for which this area is named. No one knows for certain, but naturalists believe this area was a natural meadow, not cleared by settlers. They maintain it artificially, though, these days. They divide the meadow into sections and use a three year cycle of planned burn one year, mow once one year and lie fallow one year. Ranger Sue did an excellent hike/talk through the meadow.

Big Meadow

Ranger Gives a Big Meadow Lesson

Afterwards, we stopped at the wayside for a couple of items of produce and returned to the camper to prepare a stir-fry dinner. It was our first use of the single burner Coleman stove we bought with which to use the wok. It worked great and will get much use on this trip, especially when the weather turns hot … keeps the heat and mess out of the camper.