We made our way up this familiar hike pretty quickly this outing, what with visiting family back at the ranch.
But there was also other family slated to be on their way up the trail about the time we headed down. We met Eric, Erica, Aden and Matthew, along with doggies Fluff and Sugar, about two-thirds of the way up the Andy Lane, and got to offload ice, water, chocolate, chicken wrap and more, making for an easier-than-usual walk the rest of the way down.
They were on their way up, with hopes to go to Tinker Cliffs and then back down and on along the AT to Lambert's Meadow Shelter. Given the lateness of the day, they were headed straight for the shelter. Where, we learned later, they had ample company in the persons of some southbound thru hikers and a set of section hikers.
Ol' Fluff, who disappeared for three weeks just about a year back, is still a good and calm hiker, though like the rest of us old men, moves a little slower the day after a long walk.
Andy Lane Trail to AT to Tinker Cliffs and back. 7.2 miles.
How to get there: U.S. 220 north from I-81 Exit 150 to left on Va. 779, about 8 miles to parking lot.