Old Rag (Shenandoah National Park - 10/7/2017)

My husband and I volunteer on Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park. For those not familiar with the mountain, it can be a real zoo, particularly in the fall. This past Saturday, with great weather and the beginnings of leaf change, was no different. The enormous parking lot was already full when we arrived (there is separate parking for volunteers) and the neighbor was charging $10/car to park in her pasture. The crowd was in pretty good spirits, though, so the day was mostly uneventful. Near the end of the day on the summit, we wound up helping a guy with an abrasion (not serious). Once he was on his way, we realized it was quiet: the crowd was gone, the light was beautiful, and the ravens were playing on the wind. Old Rag can be madness, but it can be magical and this was one of those times.


This is what the summit looked like most of the afternoon and this is only one small section of it. 


After the crowds went home. 


Looking south towards Fork Mountain. These rocks were covered with people earlier in the afternoon.


Ravens taking a break on the rocks.


A raven that found a snack left by a hiker.


Fall colors on the Saddle Trail on our way down.