Thursday was a good a day to play hooky and hike the Appalachian Trail. The morning started at Blackburn Cabin in northwest Loudoun and led south to the Devil's Staircase, just below the large radio tower. Just over six miles, this refreshing hike provided glimpses of the remaining fall color.
This happy squirrel had only eating in mind and allowed me to get fairly close. The entire trail was alive with these critters crashing about the dried leaves in search of food. Very few spots along the hike were free of such noises.
I'm not sure that this deer experienced a human encounter before. It just stood and stared for a minute before prancing away. What a terrific way to spend the day!
