There are a few "No Miss" hikes each year and this have become one of our favorites. The Groundhog Ridge Manway is always challenging but the reward is a view and direct shot to the summit of Mt. Cammerer.
At this point, the Cosby Nazarene will depart from the Manwayers to descend the
lower section in a dayhike. He could not be talked into another emergency
bivy on top and was late for a Jimmy Buffet Parrot Head party.
This shot is about 3/4 of the way up the manway. The weather was quite
windy, same as last year.
Bradley has just described his difficulties with a log on the manway.
Bobby says, "you know you liked it, bro."
Dave views our objective from the bottom of the manway. That little speck
on top of the hill is our destination. He thrusts his chest outward and
says, "I will proceed to the tower via Contractor Power!"
Taking a little break to shed some sand.
Brad says, "Out of my way, Grady . I'm King of this Hill!"
The tower is real close now. You don't get a view like this on the A. T.
trail.
We arrive at the tower just in time to see Dave give the Rock and Roll command
to his crew. These three had to return to Davenport Gap for reasons
undisclosed. Let's just say that we always thought Virginia was for
lovers. Hiking all the way up to Cammerer with full packs only to depart
and return via the same route? Sounds like there must have been some
Coleena involvement or a Dancing with the Stars episode to catch. Either
way, it was good to see these gals, if not for just a few minutes.
Daniel Boone doesn't like this one bit and tells Dave to take his crew on back
down, this night was for HIGHLANDERS ONLY! Get back down to the Lowlands
ye Infidels!
And so the sun sets on the Tower of Power, now occupied by Highlanders and
Highlanders only.
When we were concerned about Rangers, we weren't referring to the 82nd airborne.
The crew that remained included BC.
It is nice to see what you have to descend, sometimes.
When you find the blacktop, you are done with the Groundhog Ridge Manway.
Can't imagine why no one would pick us up.