A Day on the Road: From Hazleton to Shenandoah
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Today turned out far better than expected!
The morning began with a departure from our hotel in Hazleton. Before heading south, I discovered a nearby rails-to-trails path and decided it would be a great opportunity for Echo to stretch his legs before another long car ride. It proved to be a fantastic choice. The trail was beautifully maintained, with small play structures spaced every quarter mile or so, making it a welcoming space for both walkers and families.
About ten minutes into the walk, we came upon a herd of deer. They seemed curious about Echo but not particularly alarmed by our presence. It was likely due to their familiarity with people in the area. Interestingly, a group ahead of us had brought along a loaf of bread and were feeding them, which may have contributed to their comfort around humans. People are dumb!
After the walk, it was time to continue to Hagerstown, Maryland for breakfast at Free Range with Allie. The stop provided a nice pause in the day before continuing the journey toward Shenandoah National Park. It was so nice to be able to spend some time with her and talk about ourselves vs the latest crisis at work.
The drive to Shenandoah was mostly straightforward, though there was a moment of uncertainty upon arrival. Without a physical driver’s license on hand, I was sure I was going to be turned away at the park entrance. My heart was literally pounding in my chest as we waited in line at the gate. Fortunately, a stern, but sympathetic ranger was willing to accept a texted photo of my license, allowing entry after a brief but tense exchange.
With that hurdle cleared, the next stop was campground registration. We headed up Skyline Drive to the campground. The process turned out to be quick and efficient. After providing a last name and completing a short form, the campsite was confirmed without issue. No ID needed!
Once the site was set up, there was a quick trip to find cell service to check in with family and friends, to confirm we were indeed in the park! Everyone was very happy to hear our adventure was not cut short. We headed back to camp for some relaxation before bed.
Dinner was simple, just some oatmeal, before turning in for the night. It was going to be a cold one, with freeze warnings and temps expected to drop into the 30s. Definitely shaping up to be a chilly night in the park.
