Midnight New Year's Eve _ Overlooking the Shenandoah Valley

I have ushered in the New Year in many different ways and in many different places over the years, but my hands-down, no-debate-necessary, all-time best way to experience midnight Dec. 31 is sitting on a Skyline Drive overlook with fellow hikers, gazing at the fireworks and city lights in the distance.

This was the second time I participated in the Northern Virginia Hiking Club's New Year's Eve hike. We carpooled to the north end of the Skyline Drive in Front Royal and walked around the barricades and onward along our journey. (The Skyline Drive is closed to cars in winter.)

We hiked roughly 2 miles up the road to the first overlook and waited for midnight, enjoying the stars, eating peanuts and toasting the arrival of 2014 with fizzy juice. The view was grand, the company was grander, and all were full of thoughts about the wonders that lie ahead in the new year.

Afterward, we hiked back to the cars and made the traditional trip to the 7-11 (always open, of course!) for hot chocolate and such. That's where we posed for the obligatory photo, given it wasn't very feasible to take pictures in the dark during hike.

All in all, it's much better than watching a ball drop on TV. You should join us next year.

Also, now that 2014 is here, it's time to get serious about your vacation plans. Sign up for one of our hiking trips at http://myhikingvacations.com. We'll be going to Switzerland, Vermont, Vegas and the Shenandoah this year.

Happy new year. And see you on the trails.

Joseph