Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Hike and Soup Party - Modified- January 18, 2020

January 18 was scheduled for a 5 mile hike and soup party led by Marit Anderson and Mark Perschel, but weather had other things in store. With a winter weather advisory listed for the day and many hikers dropping out the day before - the leaders made a decision to cancel the hike at Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve which is located on winding, rolling, and narrow Albemarle County roads, and offer walking on hiking trails from Old Trail Subdivision in Crozet (home of Marit and Mark) with a soup party after.  Nine folks partook hour long walks, some before the party, and a second set after the party including Dianne Anderson, Sunny Choi, Margaret Helber, Brooks Fulton, Barbara Martin, Andre Meyer, Iva Gillet, and the hosts. All enjoyed chili, vegan vegetable soup, salad, bread, many adult beverages, hot cider, homemade toffee bars, biscotti, and snickerdoodles. Thanks to all who brought things to share, but most of all thank you to Sunny for her amazing Korean yodeling demonstration!

submitted by Marit Anderson with photo share from Margaret Helber

January 11, 2020 Georgia Camp Trail/Shenandoah Mountain Trail/Road Hollow Trail

January 11, 2020 Georgia Camp Trail/Shenandoah Mountain Trail/Road Hollow Trail
10 hikers: Barbara Martin Anna Castle, Marit Anderson, Nancy Handley, Linda Beights, Margaret Helber, David Crowe, C J Woodburn, Dennis templeton and John Brandt explored a trail that was new to most, the Georgia Camp Trail. We started at Mountain House Parking and shuttled 2 cars to the Georgia Camp Trailhead. We climbed slowly up to Signal Knob and then down the Great Eastern Trail to Confederate Breastworks where we had lunch. We continued on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail, making a right on the Road Hollow Trail to return to Mountain House and Ramseys Draft. This is a beautiful area with many trail left to explore!

Reservoir Hollow Trail with NBATC: 2020 Jan 04

The first PATC-Charlottesville hike of the year was on the GWNF's Reservoir Hollow Trail.  Most hikers had never before experienced this pretty route, including veteran Michael Seth who completed every trail in the GWNF Pedlar District with this hike.

This hike was a combination hike with the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club.  As a result, the group was treated to examples of non-blooming orchids along the way - a real treat!

 There were several stream crossings at the beginning of the hike, providing some adventure.  Nobody got wet!

 There were also interesting rock formations.

The NBATC hikers showed us a great overlook that was marked only by a stone cairn.  It looked west towards the Shenandoah Valley and Elephant Mountain.

 For lunch, we crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway and picnicked at Indian Rocks, in among the great rocks.

 After lunch we retraced our steps back to a fork in the trail.  Michael led a sub-group of PATC hikers on the trail to its northern terminus at US 60, halfway up from the valley to the BRP.  The NBATC and other PATC hikers headed back to their cars, located on the edge of Buena Vista.

 We might return during the green season.  It was a nice alternative to our usual hikes.

On the way back, we stopped at JJ's Meat Shak in Buena Vista.  Highly recommended!

Here is our mandatory group shot!