Body of missing bicyclist found in Shenandoah National Park

The National Park Service has posted that the body of the bicyclist missing since July 6 has been found in Shenandoah National Park:

The body of Tyler Keefer was located today in the Dickey Ridge area of the park, marking the end of a multi-day search. The cause of death is under investigation.

Keefer, 21, had been missing since Saturday, July 6. His family reported him missing to the Front Royal Police Department and park officials were notified Monday that his bicycle had been located near the Dickey Ridge Trailhead.

Shenandoah National Park employees and trained volunteers, including dog teams, ground searchers, and support personnel were involved in the search. National Park Service personnel were assisted by Front Royal Police Department, Virginia Search and Rescue Dogs Association (VSRDA), Dogs East Search and Rescue, Blue and Gray Search and Rescue Dogs, and canine team dispatcher, Melissa Taylor. Shenandoah National Park wishes to thank these cooperating search teams for their response and continued efforts.

Prayers for the family of this young man....

H/T to Merlot

UPDATE: Missing hiker's body found in Park

Alert: Bicyclist missing in Shenandoah National Park

H/T to Merlot

Saturday: Shenandoah National Park neighbors enjoy free admission

 June 14, 2013 ... mountain laurel is in full bloom along Skyline Drive.

Tomorrow -- Saturday, June 15 -- residents from AUGUSTA, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Nelson, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham, and Warren Counties receive free admission to Shenandoah National Park in honor of Neighbor Appreciation Day plus discounts on items in the bookstores and on some items in gift shops and restaurants.

DNC, the park's official concessioner, plans to provide a 10% discount on select items in their retail stores and a 10% discount on food and some beverage items at all their restaurants. The Shenandoah National Park Association, which supports the interpretive and educational activities of Shenandoah National Park, will offer a 20% discount on all items in their bookstores located in the Dickey Ridge and Byrd Visitor Centers.

Visitors wishing to take advantage of these discounts will be required to show proof of residency by showing their Virginia driver's license.

A trip along the Skyline Drive on Friday was filled with wildflowers and mountain laurel blooming in profusion throughout the Park. With comfortable temperatures and low humidity, Saturday should be a perfect day to visit.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
Shenandoah National Park
June 14, 2013