Whetstone Ridge on St. Patrick's Day - March 17, 2015

Western view of Shenandoah Valley

Eastern view of Boston Mountain and Nettle Mountain

Mark Perschel, Dave Borszich, Pete Fink, Ann Colgate, Tom Cross, Irene Burke

St. Patrick's Day should be spent outdoors admiring the green of nature all around.  That is what a group of seven hikers did on March 17.  Hike leader, Marit Anderson, convened with the six trekkers in the photo above at the Whetstone Ridge Trail Center at MM29 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We shuttled Pete's truck to the southern trail head on Irish Creek Road 8 miles below the center and then began the hike a little before 9 am at the northern terminus.  The perfect day for a ridge hike with little leaf cover, high 60 degree temperatures, and a pleasant breeze made the outing even more enjoyable. 

Adams Peak nearby at 2,976 ft

Along South Mountain, the Whetstone Ridge Trail (the longest trail in the Pedlar District - George Washington National Forest) is a challenging 11.9 mile hike with the first 3 miles gradually descending, the next 6.5 miles having a series of sharp ascents and descents, and the last 2 miles descending on switch backs to the Irish Creek trail head.  We had various GPS trackings, but the elevation gain seemed to be around 1600 ft.  Highest point was at 3,167 ft. The group had a quick pace of 2.5 mph with lively conversation and much camaraderie.  We completed the hike at 3 pm and had some refreshments - thanks to Mark Trail.

Lunch time at 1 pm with chubby chews and chocolate for dessert

Irene and Ann follow the contours of the roller coaster trail

The path is marked by a yellow blaze

Bright yellow/green moss everywhere -  leprechaun's carpet

Six hours later the group is finished and ready for the shuttle back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway

 submitted by Marit Anderson