Next Bend Adventures, LLC

08/01/2024

"The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color."

~ Natalie Babbitt (from "Tuck Everlasting")
American writer and illustrator of children's books

07/24/2024

A adventure along the D&L and on Mauck Chunk Lake in Jim Thorpe, PA

07/19/2024

Jeff is an engaging speaker and fun storyteller… check out these programs!

This weekend, join award-winning author Jeff Alt for two public programs!

Saturday, July 20 at 4:00 p.m. | Meet at the Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51) as Jeff shares his stories from his time on the Appalachian Trail. Throughout this 1-hour long program, Jeff will lead you through his adventures highlighted in his book "A Walk for Sunshine" with music, photos, and humor.

Sunday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m. | Meet in front of the Skyland Lodge (mile 41.7) gift shop to take a stroll back in time to the original Stony Man Camp. Along this 1-hour long guided walk, Jeff will lead visitors on an historical time travel to meet some of the important characters and locations of Stony Man Camp before the National Park was established. Come prepared for a short stroll. Book signing following at Skyland gift shop.

Image: A person holding Jeff Alt's book "A Walk for Sunshine"

07/19/2024

07/19/2024

https://www.pcta.org/2019/a-veteran-wildland-firefighter-tells-hikers-how-to-react-to-fires-64549/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2kOYU2r9rKTkqhDpbSpvthiQyNz-hqcNw-iE_DyCrdCBGfwGmS0G6vGTQ_aem_KhtGkjePjecEzPE-cz42kw

By Ken “Granny Gear” Hale Five of us stood on a large rock outcropping just past Devils Peak on the PCT in southern Oregon. As I watched, a large cumulus cloud hovered over the next ridge between us and our planned destination that day, Mazama Village in Crater Lake National Park. The top of the...

06/21/2024

Goldilocks is celebrating a birthday today and wandered some underground trails at Skyline Caverns. Happy trails!

06/21/2024

We at Next Bend are following and supporting Jen as she helps make the El Camino accessible to other-abled Pilgrims… we met Jen at Walkabout Outfitter Harrisonburg where we watched the documentary I'll Push You… a pure example of agape love and friendship.. Buen Camino!

06/11/2024

Another adventure… this school group from L.A. experiencing SNP and the AT up to Compton Peak .. columbine, indian cucumber root, turkey tail, jack in the pulpit, wrens and sparrows, oh my!! just missed seeing Captain Morgan running thru the area to set the fastest record on the AT…

05/30/2024

These young folks from Pennsylvania enjoyed their hike up Compton Peak today learning about the famous white-blazed trail, wildflowers, mushrooms and local wildlife.. off they go on their next adventure, rafting on the Shenandoah River with Front Royal Outdoors

05/21/2024

…and on that note.. the following PSA

Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor to a national park. While it is an exciting moment, it is important to remember that bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous.

If you do encounter a bear in the woods, stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Don’t we all? ⁣⁣Identify yourself by making noise so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. We recommend using your voice. Waving and showing off your opposable thumb means nothing to the bear. You could also read aloud the passive aggressive email you wrote to Carol after she wanted to schedule a meeting at 4:30 on a Friday. The bear may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better understanding of Carol’s audacity. However, a standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.⁣⁣

What else should you know?

🐻 Running may trigger a chase response in a bear and you can't outrun a bear. Bears in Yellowstone, for example, chase down elk calves all the time. You do not want to look like a slow elk calf. (Apologies to the elk calf.)⁣

🐻 In most cases, climbing a tree is not your best choice. Many bears can climb trees (especially if there is something up the tree that the bear wants). Also, when was the last time you climbed a tree?⁣
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🐻 Running to a tree or frantically climbing a tree may also provoke a bear to chase you. If the former friend you pushed down somehow made it up a tree and is now extending you a hand, there’s a good chance it’s a trap. Karma’s a bear. ⁣

Find more bear safety tips at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

Image: Screenshot of tweet with text, “If you come across a bear, never push a slower friend down…even if you feel the friendship has run its course.⁣⁣”

05/21/2024

05/20/2024

Youngest thru hikers we have supported so far..(5 and 7 years old plus their awesome mom) …

05/07/2024

05/07/2024

05/06/2024

For the purists without earbuds.

05/02/2024

The Dragons from Indianapolis in the Park! Another fun group exploring the Shenandoah Valley - almost ALL of them tried the garlic mustard 😊 a adventure!

04/26/2024

this fun homeschooling group from Idaho joined me today for a hike up Compton Peak…then off to float on the mighty Shenandoah! Fantastic day in the valley!

04/22/2024

Happy ! "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." -Jane Goodall
Help VWC make a difference on Virginia's public lands today and every day!
Photo taken in Thunder Ridge Wilderness, JNF

04/21/2024

Expanding our shuttle services to include wedding venues… how fitting for FlipPhone and Freebird to be in an AT shuttle for their ride to their bridal suite (not a shelter! slight upgrade to the Courtyard Marriott) - thank you for the honor of giving you your first shuttle as husband and wife!

04/20/2024

Mr and Mrs Watson!

04/20/2024

Fred and his daughter, Leanna…. hiking down the aisle to her future! Honk! Honk!

04/20/2024

Today is a BIG DAY for the Next Bend Family! Two of our guides, Ben and Leanna (FlipPhone and Freedbird) are tying the knot! Which knot, you ask? The eternal bond of love in matrimony!! here’s a big “Honk! Honk!” to celebrate and encourage their life together!

04/20/2024

While at the event, bid on one of the many items in the silent auction, including a gift certificate offered by Next Bend Adventures for either a 3-hr personal fitting/gear selection or guided hike for 2 persons. Who will be our top bidder?

FRONT ROYAL — Samuels Public Library is preparing for a British invasion.

04/18/2024

Reason #1 why we love what we do—a adventure sharing the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley with today’s youth.. this group came all the way from Houston, TX

04/16/2024

Teach the youth wilderness skills, connecting them to nature and fostering patience, resilience, problem solving, leadership and other valuable traits.