I got near its base and strolled the Shenandoah Riverwalk in Strasburg, Virgina.
I then left the main, graded, gravel path in a clearing, and took a narrow, dirt path, in the woods near the riverbank. Eventually, the path got lost in the forest and could barely be found.
Then it got dicey. I got trapped in a maze of deep gullies. I eventually walked the high ridge between two gullies. It was surreal, with 10 foot drops on either side of me, and barely enough room to walk. There was no path, lots of trees, some undergrowth, and some fallen trees in the way. I grabbed small tree trunks like they were ropes, to keep my balance and pull me up slopes.
I finally got clear of the maze and on level ground. Yay! I saw a field up ahead, through gaps in the trees. But no path to it. So more cross country!
Then, 30 yards from my escape, I tripped on a root and fell. I could not stop, so I twisted, curled up a bit to protect my bones, and fell hard on my back on the soft, leaf-covered, forest soil. I saw a few stars. I hope my brain is OK.
I slowly got up. No pains. Clear head. Nothing broken. It reminded me of playing tackle football. (I never liked tackle football. Touch was OK.)
I checked my pockets. Keys, check! Wallet, check! Phone, nothing but an empty pocket!
I looked around on the ground and found it next to a puddle of mud. Missed it by a few inches!
I am back in my car now. Gosh, I am so tired, and a little dirty. I was off trail, and pushing through undergrowth on uneven terrain. At least it had not rained in a while so it was not muddy.... mostly. Except where my body hit the ground there are green stains and a little dirt.
Here is an example of a gully. But this is not from the maze, but later. This one at least had a nice bridge which I am standing on as I take the photo.
