Back from a short trip to Shenandoah National Park. Stayed at one of the primitive cabins at Lewis Mountain. There is a campground adjecent to the cabins. The campground caters mostly to tent campers, which doesn't keep the humongous motor homes from driving through now and then to check it out.

Several Appalachian Trail hikers passed through while I is was there. The trail is about 50 yds. away. The camp store and shower (5 min. for $1.) are a big attraction. From the entries in the logbook next to the camp store register, it appears that the pint tubs of ice cream were the biggest sellers.

Lewis Mountain was originally developed as a colored only section of the park before it was integrated. African Americans were supposed to be provided separate but equal accomodations. The cabins were the first in the park to be build by a concessionaire, a not very enlightened Virginia company, instead of using the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The gnats were out in force, and will drive you crazy, perhaps literally. I think the wild-eyed look on the faces of some of the backpackers was probably due to being tormented by the ever-present gnats. I finally resorted to using a DEET-based insect repellent.
posted by Bruce Wright at 10:42 AM #