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The second of the expeditions to the Massanutten mountain range, this trip was in the heart of the George Washington National Forest, which lies across the Shenandoah River from the Shenandoah National Park. Co-founders Adam Domanski and Tom Saffell took the opportunity the trip provided to initiate a new NORSA Charter Member, Matthew White. The adventure began at a trailhead near the top of one range as the crew began their ascent to Kennedy Peak in nearly a foot of iced-over snow. Following a strenuous hike up the trail, the backpackers finally arrived at the summit, which offered a gorgeous view of the Shenandoah Valley below.
The night was interesting to say the least. Newcomer Matt White, who had never been camping before was deathly afraid of bears. No reassurance could assuage his fears despite Adam and Tom telling him that all the bears were hibernating. Then, late at night, Adam spotted a light coming up the trail. Wondering who would come up the trail at night at such a pace was frightening for the campers. They doubted it was a ranger or camper and assumed the worst ... knives were drawn and they rekindled the fire expecting to stay up late. Eventually, they went to sleep assured that no yokel could survive the cold for three hours without moving of fire. The following morning proved them right, but they were no signs of activity on the trail, so the mystery of the floating trail light remains unsolved. On the plus side, they ate at a Sheetz on the way back home after hiking back down the mountain.
 Adam points out the peaks across the Shenandoah River. |
 Tom reveals his ninja identity and kills Adam as he enjoys the view. |
 Adam survives the ninja attack to pose with Matt at the overlook. |
 The co-founders on top of the world at the summit of Kennedy Peak. |
 Matt and Adam enjoy a view of the sun on top of a small shelter. |
 Tom and Matt stare directly at the sun for another picture at the peak. |
 A view of the Shenandoahs from the top of the Massanuttens. |
 Here's another photo of Matt and Tom gritting and staring at the sun. |
 Then Adam joins in so he too can be blinded before the sun sets. |
 They get smart and have a photo taken with the sun behind them. |
 So then Matt, of course, wants a shot where his eyes actually aren't closed for once. |
 And it wouldn't be a complete set if Tom didn't pose with the new NORSA member. |
 What is Tom eating? Adam cooked it, so he has to pretend to enjoy it. Yuck. |
 This little shelter is a relic from the Great Depression and still serves the campers of today. |
 Tom lets Adam know that he was the ninja from yesterday before at the same overlook as before. |
 Then the co-founders pose for a photo at the overlook. |
 Then Adam stands with the newest NORSA member for posterity. |
 And Tom has to do the same in order for the records to be straight. |
 Near the trailhead, Adam and Tom have a toast to Smokey the bear. |
 But Matt doesn't want to be left out if there's drinking involved. |
 Adam sheds his gear before posing for the final posterity photograph. |
Back to NORSA Main |  Tom expresses his love for chocolate milk ... and knives. |