Actually it’s me that’s taking a break.
I have decided to take a break from the blogging world. Life, family, and some recent challenges have prompted this. I so enjoy reading about all of your adventures and will miss you. I hope to return in the Spring when things settle down.
Enjoy the holidays, whatever you celebrate!
I know the peak is over and it won’t be long until the trees stand naked for the coldest weather (why is that? wouldn’t they want to keep their leaves for warmth?). Anyway, I wanted to see if I was ready to hike again. So I gathered some of my loyal warriors and headed out for a short, easy hike.
When we arrived at Gatewood Park, we were met with this:
Since we didn’t see a “no parking” sign and they did not mention specifically no hiking, we decided to soldier on.
It was almost Karma when I spotted this sign:
We took the eazy trail just for good measure.
This trail definitely lived up to its name “Beaver Creek” as we saw evidence of beavers everywhere.
Is this how they do it?
We were a little bummed to find that previous explorers had left behind some of their trash. Seriously? How hard is it to pick up after yourself?
Fortunately, one of the objects of litter was a plastic bag. Sharon would not rest until she collected all the trash. Of course there were no trash cans, so she had to carry it back to the car.
Even though the hike was short, we all enjoyed being out in the woods together on this beautiful fall day.
The lake was pretty in spite of the sun taking the day off.
And I always enjoy my time in the woods with my buddies.
Oh, and when I got home, I realized I had reached my goal of 200 miles of hiking this year. Well, 201.6 to be exact, but who’s counting (ME, that’s who). I’m not sure I’m ready for anything major just yet, so I’ll just ease back into it, one hike at a time.
And enjoy time with my sign ignoring warriors!
Thanks for visiting!
This morning I went out in search of some fall colors. With the winds we’ve had lately, it won’t be long before the leaves have all fallen off the trees. I grabbed my cell phone and captured a few images.
I also discovered some of the prettiest colors right in my front yard.
Alas, I find myself sidelined once again. Aging can definitely be a challenge. I have a tendency to overdo when I’m healthy, and now my hip is suffering the consequences.
While my hiking may be on hold, it has not hindered my love of fall. Here’s hoping that if you are in the same season, you are being treated to some of nature’s natural beauty.
And if you live in the U.S. please make sure you VOTE on Tuesday!
Another perfect fall hiking day. While it was a chilly start, the sun was abundant and it didn’t take long for the warm temps to settle into the forest. My warriors were in for a treat today.
We learned the merits of a selfie stick today, thanks to Hannah.
Starting with a popular hike that nearly everyone in the New River Valley has done – we hiked the Cascades. With remnants from the last two hurricanes, I actually called the forest service to make sure the trails were open. They were, and the river was gushing.
The Cascades were at their absolute fullest and just as beautiful as always.
But that was just the beginning. My friends have never been beyond this point and that was something I had to remedy. The next stop was the Upper Falls.
The drop may not be as dramatic, but you can walk right out to the top of the falls and they are secluded enough that unless you know exactly where they are, you would not find them. (Shhh, I’m not telling)
For me, the best was yet to come, as you know I’m all about the view. So we had another mile and a half to get to the gem known as Barney’s Wall.
The trail is steep at first and then levels off, so while it’s not a difficult climb, it is long (seems much longer than the mileage posted). But, as always, worth it.
We ate lunch, basked in the sun, and lounged long enough to appreciate the view and the fact that we were alone on this rock with only the buzzards aware of our presence.
It wasn’t until we were almost back to the lower falls that we met another person heading up to Barney’s Wall. Then the traffic picked up from the falls to the parking lot. A very full day with a lot to explore, we all were happily tired on the return trip wondering where the next adventure will take us.
Thanks for visiting today!
This past weekend, JG and I rented a cabin in far Southwest Virginia. There is a hike that I heard about several years ago and it has been on my mind that I have to do it. It’s called The Devil’s Bathtub. I knew it would be challenging, I’ve read about the many creek crossings, but it sounded like something I really wanted to try.
Friday morning, we did a small hike outside the town of St. Paul where we spent the night in a really cute boutique hotel called The Western Front. If you are in that area, I highly recommend staying there.
Anyway, we decided to check out the parking for the Devil’s Bathtub as we planned to hike this on Saturday. Here’s what we found:
Notice how these are all 4-wheel drive vehicles. We started up the road and quickly realized our Camry did not want to go any further.
Not exactly welcoming! I get that it’s annoying to have property close to an attraction like this, and I get that people will park where ever they have to, but what I don’t get is this: you have an amazing attraction in a county that could really use a boost. Why not pave the road, put in a decent parking lot and capitalize on this. The nearest gas station is about 5 miles away, there is no cell service. We felt like this was something locals have decided not to share (wait a minute, I do know about that too). I know there are ways to get there, but after seeing the barbed wire and signs, we decided not to put out any more effort.
On to Plan B, (always have a plan B). There is another cool hike called Hanging Rock trail that takes you along the Little Stoney Creek and rewards you with some waterfalls. We drove to the trail head and were surprised to see only one other vehicle in the parking lot. Guess Why?
We have had a lot of rain in the area so it was not that big of a surprise. Of the 3 miles, about 1/2 mile of the trail was open. What the heck, we had to see how far we could go.
This is as far as we were allowed. At least we got to experience a portion of the Little Stoney. And, what we saw just left us wanting more. Don’t worry Scott County, we will be back.
Some hikes you know you are just going for the view. Today’s hike was more about the journey. And what a journey! My warriors were put to the test on what we all agreed was our most difficult hike so far – but also the most interesting, challenging, and wonderful hike.
This is the before picture, when we were all fresh.
What made it challenging was: the length – 7 miles; the creek crossings – 3; the rocky terrain; and the elevation gain – 1500 + feet.
Just a little sample of the creek crossings.
Of course there was a view. . .
and a beautiful creek. . .
and the hint of fall colors.
I wrote about this hike, Mill Creek, a few weeks ago, this is one that JG and I got caught in the rain. Every time I do this (today was number 3) it seems to get a little easier and it always looks just a little different. I will be taking my weekenders here later in the month, it could be even more of a challenge as the leaves were falling at an alarming rate today.
Great way to spend Columbus Day. A shout out to my Canadian friends – Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone had a wonderful day! I know we did.
Such a great plan. We leave early in the morning, 8:30 a.m. (hey that’s early if you’re retired). It’s a weekday, school is in session, people are at work. Perfect time to hike the most popular spot in the area, right? Then why was the parking lot already full when we arrived at 9:30? Time to learn to share. (sigh)
My enthusiastic companions today!
Did I really just complain about having to share a trail? I apologize! I’m thrilled so many folks love hiking as much as I do. And it really wasn’t that bad, except when an older couple passed us and the woman told us that we were the first group they had passed all day, having previously been the ones to get passed. Folks, that is NOT a compliment!
Oh well, it was an incredible day for hiking. Crisp blue sky, dancing clouds, good friends, and we could not have asked for better weather.
McAfee’s Knob is the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. Today, I got to introduce it to two newbies (and one who hadn’t been there for many years).
Yup, that’s the money shot.
October is a tough month for some dear friends of mine. Two years ago they lost their youngest son to a sudden illness. I usually wear his remembrance bracelet when I am hiking. The bracelet says “be outrageous, be strong, be you.” I especially think of Sawyer when I’m on a high cliff or crossing a difficult creek. He was a fearless, spirited young boy who left this world way to soon. This one is for you my young friend.
On the way down, we encountered a little guy that I really didn’t want to share the trail with. . .
But since there were 4 of us and only one of him, I think we could have taken him if necessary.
All around great day, thanks to my warriors for joining me on this really fun hike!
This weekend, my daughter planned an incredible get away/hiking adventure. Tucked away in the Tennessee/North Carolina border, we stayed just outside the little town of Roan Mountain. She found us an Indian themed cabin, that was cozy if not just a little over the top.
This was my actual bed.
We gave the kids the queen room since they brought their dog, and JG slept on his inflatable on the kitchen floor. It was way more comfortable than it looks.
Anyway, on Saturday morning, she took us to a section of the Appalachian Trail that was a view seekers paradise. If you have hiked the AT, you may know this spot – it was quite popular on this crisp September morning.
The hike starts off on an easy trail through the forest. . .
and brings you out onto the first of three bald knobs.
It just gets better from here. If every hike had this many views, I would never stay home.
But the most fun for me, was hiking with family. We don’t get to do this very often and even though the kids go much faster than we do (and end up waiting on us) I think they enjoyed showing us this part of the AT that was new to us.
Grand dog Stark, had a good time as well. He can’t believe how high up he is.
On the return trip, the clouds were moving in, but we did not get any rain. I was so taken with the ridges and how they interacted with the sky – what a fantastic setting.
We were all pooped by the time we returned to the cabin, especially Stark. We had a quiet evening in. This morning we had breakfast together and then parted ways. I mentioned to JG that if he wanted to pull over for a quick hike on the way home, I did have a clean hiking outfit.
He took me up on it, and we stopped for a short loop at Grayson Highlands, where autumn has arrived a little earlier than the rest of the state.
What a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Taking back roads home, I took this shot as it looked like we were driving into a major storm. Turns out we just got the tail end of it.
I love that our family enjoys these adventures together. What fun things do you like to do with family?
Last week I was all about the funky fungi. Today’s hike in the mist of the foggy morning, was filled with the most striking spider webs. I could not resist stopping, to try and capture their images to share with you.
On a part of the Appalachian Trail that offered no mountain view, it was fun to just enjoy the trail and the natural surroundings.
An annual Father/Daughter camping trip between JG and our one and only, was moved to a cabin due to the weather, so I got to join in for part of the trip. (I don’t camp, but I do cabin.) They had their bonding time on Friday, hiked all day Saturday and I joined them Saturday night and got to do a small hike with them this morning. It was so fun to be in the woods with these two.
Looks like hiking in rain/drizzle/fog/mist, is becoming a regular thing. No problem!
I always say I’m not a nature person, but today I discovered so many beautiful things as we were hiking along that I just had to keep stopping to take pictures.
The way the sun beam was shining on the damp leaves,
and catching the spider webs.
Or the macaroni looking fungus,
and the early onset of fall colors.
We had a lovely 5 1/2 hours in the Forest without meeting a single soul. I wonder if that had something to do with the fact that we had thundershowers?
We had some heavy rains already this week, so the dam was flowing, creek crossings were challenging, but the view was still awesome.
We were about a third of the way down when the rain came. This time we were prepared. After getting caught in the rain last week, we purchased some rain ponchos and got to break them in today.
By the way, check out those fungi!!!
Incredible, right?
Once we made it back to the car and changed into dry clothes, the sun came out. So we decided to drive across the river to get a view of where we had just been.
Yes, we were on the top of that mountain, right under the power line.
Here’s how I have changed since I started hiking:
And last, but far from least:
I’ve found something that JG and I both love to do, and what a great way to spend our time together!!
Makes you all want to visit Southwest Virginia, doesn’t it?
The Unassuming Hiker 