Rocky Mount - February 4, 2012

John Shannon executes some garlic mustard.

Although not as nice as the 70-degree day we had midweek, the first Saturday in February turned out to be a not-too-shabby day for a winter hike. We started from Two-Mile Run Overlook, and a half-hour into our out-and-back route, coats started feeling like too much clothing.

We enjoyed some lovely Shenandoah Valley vistas, and the elevation gain ensured that we earned lunch. Hike leader John Shannon made sure no one went without sweets by providing pumpkin cake.

Don Davis had predicted that rain would commence at 1 p.m., but he was twenty two minutes off. Shortly after lunch, a few sprinkles fell but didn’t amount to enough moisture to warrant rain gear.

We finished the 6.8 miles (or 7 miles, depending on which source you believe) by midafternoon, leaving time for a stop at Timberwood Grill for those so inclined.

We were joined today by Barbara Shenefield, and her husband Richard Price who hiked with us for the first time. Richard and Barbara used to live in France, giving them and Ken Moss a common interest besides hiking. We were also joined by Southern Shenandoah Chapter’s Michael Seth, who is always a welcome addition. Other hikers included Sue Tansey, Dan Funkhouser, Lindsay Brown, and Marian Styles.