Hike to Split Rock – Mileage and elevation gain totals for 2020 vs. 2021 – The omicron variant – Evening statistics
Today I went with AD, RH, and others on a hike starting from Keys Gap to the Loudoun Heights Trail down to Split Rock and back. It is the same hike that we did in mid-July; and yet it is not the same, for the Appalachian Trail has been re-routed from the point that it enters Harpers Ferry National Park. The new segment is much less rocky than the one it replaced. The view of Harpers Ferry from Split Rock was quite different at this season. In the summer we saw rafts afloat on the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, as well as numerous people along the pedestrian bridge spanning the Potomac and on the C&O Canal Towpath, as well as various hikers at the top of Maryland Heights. Now, of course, there were no rafts, and we saw hardly any people on the bridge, on the towpath, or atop the overlook. The town was thrown into even greater relief by the absence of tourists.
At this point I have hiked less than 1900 miles for the year and it is uncertain whether I will be able to complete a full 2000 miles, as I did last year. However, I will be getting in more elevation gain. Last year I ascended a total of 292500 feet, and this year I have already done over 298000 feet; I probably will end up with a total greater than 300000 feet for the year.
There is some slightly optimistic news concerning the omicron variant: South Africa, where the variant was first identified, has seen no significant increase in hospitalizations. It is too early to be certain, but it is possible that this new variant, while it is highly contagious, may be less virulent than the delta variant. Obviously, it is best to take the standard precautions as all wait to see how this new complication unfolds: wear facemasks indoors, wash hands frequently, shield sneezes and coughs.
Today’s statistics as of 8:00 PM – # of cases worldwide: 261,740,249; # of deaths worldwide: 5,216,866; # of cases U.S.: 49,093,775; # of deaths; U.S.: 799,391.