Weather forecasters had been predicting a nice, hot, sunny, summer day for this waterfall hike, but that is not what arrived. Instead our day was overcast, but at least not rainy or cold. In fact, we were unaware that rain fell all day in Charlottesville, while we hiked under just clouds- it pays to go hiking!
The group who assembled at AHS included usual PATC hikers Tricia Neumann, CJ Woodburn, Dan Ralston, Bill Holman, and Kelly Guell, and OASC hikers Ashley Brill, Charles Perkins, Jack Hartnett, Diane Wolfe, and Paige Madison. Upon arrival at the trailhead, Barbara Martin also joined her hiking friends from our July 4 hike in the White Mountains (CJ, Dan, Bill and Iva). Dan Ralston was assigned to lead as the point hike leader, due to his years of hiking experience in such remote locations as Mt Rainier, WA; Annapurna, Nepal; and Machu Picchu, Peru. A better guide, who could find? While I chose to follow from the middle, we agreed that he would stop at the stream crossings, which were plentiful, but not deep this time. So, Ashley, Charles, Tricia and I followed at a distance, enjoying the lush vegetation of this wilderness area and the rugged terrain, despite the popularity of the trail. We reached the first stream crossing and the leading group was nowhere to be found. So we proceeded on, following the trail as it meandered across the St. Mary’s River. We crossed the stream 4 more times, and still never came across Dan’s front leading group. We passed a group of Boy Scouts and leaders who were setting up tents for their night in the woods. We would see more of them later…
Upon arrival at the base of the Falls, I was distraught to see the rest of the group was NOT THERE! So, leaving my small group to enjoy the beauty of the Falls and river, I retraced my steps in search of the missing hikers, whom I was sure was good hands with Dan. When I passed the Scout leaders, they confirmed that they had not seen a group of 7 hikers, so I continued on. At the section of the river that washed out the old trail in a hurricane several years ago, I found them clinging to the bank, trying to find the trail. As is true with much of this area, there are lots of options, but the tricky part is just to cross the river before the banks disappear. I had apparently passed by them, while they followed a deer trail and were sitting on rocks in the river in a spot not visible from the trail. VERY relieved to see my wayward followers, I coached them through the crossing and then retraced my steps back to the Falls, making sure that everyone was accounted for. Perfect timing- LUNCH!
Some of us crossed the low river and sat on the rocks beside the Falls, while others decided to not get their feet wet. Usually, this is the best time for a swim break, with a few brave enough to jump off the rocks. Today, however, the temperature was pleasant and without the sun, it was not so tempting to soak in a cold mountain stream. But, to our great enjoyment, entertainment arrived- the Boy Scouts and their leaders! I would say the age range of their group was 11 years to 60, and all 3 leaders jumped off the rock several times. The boys had a terrific time making cannonballs and splashing each other, scurrying up the slippery rocks beside the Falls without issue. We all enjoyed watching them clowning around and enjoying the freezing cold water. After distribution of cookies, we began our amble back to the cars, this time I lead from the front to ensure all 5 crossings were found.
We arrived without incident, after enjoying the hike back along the clear, blue, stream. As we had worked up quite an appetite, we made the obligatory stop at DQ in Stuarts Draft, as the rain began sprinkling down. Once we crossed back over the mountain, we experienced the downpour that had dowsed Charlottesville all day. But, we were the smart, lucky ones, returning from a trek in the Wilderness, happy with ice cream and dry. Join us next time!
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