Spy Rock on Halloween - October 31, 2015

Atop Spy Rock -Claire, Caitlin, Todd, Marit, Dan, Jeanne, James, Rich (back) with Grace, Emerald, Tom, Ellen, Iva (front)

Little Priest in the distance - and we saw many other peaks including the Priest, Three Ridges, the Cardinal, and the Friar with the Peak Finder App

     Halloween is a great day to climb Spy Rock, so 13 hikers did just that meeting hike leader, Marit Anderson, either at Albemarle High School or the trail head at Montebello Fish Hatchery. The clan included Grace Nui, Tom & Ellen Shields, Todd Patrick, Claire Cline, James McAdams, Jeanne Densmore & Dan Ralston, Emerald Young, Caitlin Henning, Rich Bard, Iva Gillet, and Bill Holman. A cool, but clear day, the group climbed the short, but steep out and back trail which measured in at 4.1 miles and 1,263 ft. of ascent. The drive in along Crabtree Creek was full and impressive, and water indeed was along our route at Mill Creek and Louisa Spring Branch. Most of the leaves had fallen, but the view of the top was still beautiful, and a way to capture the autumn colors still remaining. Fortunately it was not too crowded when we reached the summit, so we got to enjoy our lunch, chocolate, and pumpkin chocolate chippers in a relaxing way.  Many photos were taken and sunshine made for many smiles.

Claire making her way to the top- crossing the Appalachian Trail for a brief period

Congrats to the newlyweds - Jeanne and Dan!

Iva and Rich - he just had a birthday!

Happy Halloween with our tricksters - Bill, Iva, and Marit

     After lunch Dan, Jeanne, Tom, and Ellen hiked more miles towards Maintop Mountain and the rest of the group descended down to the parking area with a jaunt to look at the fish at the Montebello State Fish Hatchery.  There were some big trout in those tanks!  A number of hikers went on to Devils Backbone Brewery and the rest car pooled to various locations.  The rest of the night was for trick or treating and other spooky antics.

Tom takes the hard way- Todd opts for slipping down

Rich cruises through Mill Creek

Who is that bunny at Montebello Fish Hatchery?

Hard to see, but there are some doozies in there

submitted by Marit Anderson - Claire Cline provided photos also