Rip Rap "Loppin and Hiking" - April 8, 2017

     "Many hands make light work" was in evidence on this combination hike and work trip.  Fifteen hikers (and one dog) showed up for this event and made quick work of clearing brush on the Appalachian Trail near Rip Rap.  Iva is checking, but 15 people may be a new record for a work trip.  After clearing brush from the trail we headed out toward Chimney Rock for lunch, then descended the long trail into to the hollow, ending at Meadow Spring.  After a short break we made a u-turn and headed back up, up, and up the trail to Rip Rap parking area.  A total hike of about 8 miles including the work portion.  

     A special thanks to John Shannon and Dave Borszich for the tread work on a couple of water bars.  The pick axe must have weighed 20 pounds by itself.  Lopping shear operators included Jeanne Siler, Marley McGrath, Bev and Pete Fink, Marian Styles, Anne Colgate, Dave Abdullah, Jodi Frederiksen, Andy Willgruber, Iva Gillet with Remi the happy hiking dog, and Amy and Evan Reed. 

Reported by Lindsay Brown

Robertson Mountain - April 1, 2017

submitted by Dan Ralston

     A beautiful day to be the only people on Robertson Mountain while swarms of folks hiked the mountain right beside us.  Actually we did see one other person during our hike.  The views from Robertson Mountain located right beside Old Rag are amazing before leaves cover the trees in spring.  The hike started at the Berry Hollow parking area which is shared by the return trail for Old Rag.  The beginning and end of the hike was on fire roads which evened out the steep, rocky and strenuous middle section of the hike that climbs up Robertson Mtn.

     Our four hikers, Michael Seth, Taylor Putney, Jeanne Densmore-Ralston and I enjoyed unobstructed views of Old Rag thanks to the leaves not quite yet being out.  A wonderful spring hike appreciated by all.