Outbound Hound - Travel Unleashed

Shenandoah National Park – Central District – Big Meadows

Time: 48+ hours

Gear: Camping checklist!

Difficulty Level: 1 paw

Scenery: 3 paws

Pack: You and your dog or a whole pack

We set out in the afternoon on Friday, putting us just ahead of the DC traffic on 66 heading west. Our destination was the Big Meadows campground in the central district of Shenandoah National Park and this time we showed up without a reservation as the “reserved” spots were already taken.

Most campgrounds set aside so many spots for “walk-ups” and we were told there were more than 60 of those available on a first come, first serve basis. Our home for the next two nights would be close to the amenities – bathroom, shower, host camper, entrance, small store and even a “restaurant” of sorts touting its fried chicken. I was worried it would be a busy spot in such a large campground but it turned out to be great.

Learning our lesson from our previous trip, we parked the cars and took the dogs for a leisurely hour-long walk all around the campground. Truth be told, we didn’t completely read our guide and thought we were heading toward the actual meadow but instead walked in and around the amphitheatre, picnic areas, cabins, trails and campgrounds. Regardless, mission accomplished, the dogs were happy to settle in – mostly.

Once back, we set up our site with all the trimmings. I had made great progress since our last adventure and now had a dedicated bin that was packed with all things kitchen-related including a red-checkered tablecloth, tinware plates and cloth napkins. All reusable and the tinware pieces were found in an antique store so all eco-friendly. I mean, why should we live like savages?

Dinner was a 5-cheese penne made by Katina and heated up on our fabulous grill. Of course there was a lovely cabernet to go along. When you think about how to pack your cooler and eat your foods in the order in which they might perish, you don’t have to survive on spaghetti and peanut butter (not that there’s anything wrong with that.).

The only downside in the evening was our inability to start a proper fire. I even brought fire starter thingies and still we gave up. We did not bring enough newspaper nor did we have kindling or twigs and so no toasted marshmallows for us.

The weather was fantastic and aided a great night of sleep. In the morning it was bacon and eggs to fuel our big hike. The dogs of course we among the earlier risers in the campground and so we were up and about early.

After our hike, everyone was tired and ready to lounge. Katina, Cannon and I took our places in the sun while Karma napped behind a car in the shade. Once the sun moved to take that shade away, we created some for him by stringing Katina’s rain fly between the tree and picnic table. Not the most elegant of solutions, but it worked – note to self: bring shade!

And then, late afternoon it rained. Hard. Katina and Cannon took to her car and Karma and I took to our tent. Unfortunately for Katina, Cannon had broken a key zipper earlier that day that was now letting water inside resulting in a wet sleeping bag and pad – ugh.

The rain stopped for a few hours – long enough to have a nice dinner, build a successful fire and dry out some of Katina’s things. But the wind picked up and embers were flying in every campsite. Cannon got cold and begged to curl up in his car but Karma was happy with the cooler temps and I just had to make sure one of the embers didn’t catch him on fire!

The rain started again just in time for lights out and Katina and Cannon decided against the tent and took to my SUV instead. (She has since purchased a new tent!) The wind was incredible that night – even Karma got a little nervous as to how much our tent was swaying!

The morning brought brief periods of non-rain and so we packed in between the drops and headed out earlier than planned. We had wanted to actually find that big meadow but decided not to wait around for the weather to clear and so we headed home. And yes, the weather ended up being beautiful!