Flat Top Mountain Loop - November 30, 2013

Reported by Dan Ralston

It was a beautiful day for a hike with Hike Leader Dan Ralston!  Due to the closure of Skyline Drive because of snow and ice we decided to do the Flat Top Mountain Loop and it turned out to be a perfect hike.  We had crisp winter weather, a slight breeze, the sun peeking out between the light clouds and snow covering the ground beside the trek.  We were be able to enjoy the expansive panoramic views of the mountains; of both the Piedmont and the SNP.

We had PATCers popping up from everywhere to join the hike.  We started at AHS with Jeanne Densmore, Wanda Hamilton, Kelly O’Rourke, Kelly Guelli and Anne Colgate.  We made our way to the little country church to park and when we got there Dave Borszich drove up to join the group.  The hike was uphill from the church but the beautiful weather, the woodland farms and the feeling of a wonderful day’s hike ahead set the pace.  Kelly O’Rourke and Jeanne lead the charge up the mountain.

Once at the top we settled in on the sun heated rock outcroppings for a well-deserved lunch and a wonderful view.  Low and behold John Brandt and Clai Lange hiked in to join us.  So our original group of 6 was now a happy group of 9.

We stopped by a newly reconstructed log cabin and met one of the colorful locals hanging out with his Scottie dog whose name we had to guess.  Kelly Guelli guessed it right off!  However this blog being family oriented we won’t print the pooch’s name here.  But the dog did come to the name so we guessed it was for real.  We finished the hike laughing at the day’s events.

One the way back to Charlottesville we stopped at the Moss Vineyard in Nortonville for a tasting and then headed back to AHS.  A perfect hike with a perfect group of people in the winter forests of the Virginia Piedmont.

Humpback Rocks - November 23, 2013

Reported by Ken Moss

View toward Wintergreen.

This hike offered access to a classic regional destination, but from a different direction than most people take. Rather than hiking up the steep climb from Humpack Gap Parking, we drove further south along the Blue Ridge Parkway to begin our hike at the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area.

We followed a short side trail from the picnic area which connected us to the Appalachian Trail, which we then followed northward. Though there were still some decent grades along this section, they were generally short and didn't pose much of a challenge... and certainly less tedious than the slog up the trail most people use.

After a short stop to admire the view from near the summit of Humpback Mountain, Hike Leader Ken Moss cleverly led the group the wrong way on the trail for a few minutes, just to see if they were paying attention... happily they passed this test and we soon resumed our our hike in the correct direction toward The Rocks.

Once at Humpback Rocks we admired the views and also had a treat, witnessing a marriage proposal by a young couple, with our own Maynard Davis acting as the impromptu official photographer. The hike back to the cars was uneventful.

The entire group, including Wanda Hamlin, Joanne and Maynard Davis, Leon Gorman, Kelly O'Rourke and Dave Borszich, stopped by Blue Mountain Brewery on the drive back for a bite to eat.

Lewis Peak - November 9, 2013

Reported by Ken Moss

This turned out to be a perfect day for a hike on a trail with wonderful views. Eleven hikers met Hike Leader Ken Moss at Albemarle High School and the subsequent drive to the trail head at Browns Gap.

The temperature was perfect with calm winds and clear skies. Hiking along what was often a ridgetop trail with easy grades offered wonderful views toward the Valley. The lunch stop was ideal and everyone enjoyed good conversation while munching on their victuals while admiring the view.

The hike back was equally easy. Following the hike, most of the group gathered at Timberwood Grill for après hike munchies. Participating in the hike were Wanda Hamlin, Dan Ralston, Bev and Pete Fink, Barbara Schenefield, Brad Young, Kelly O'Rourke, Anna Castle, Dianne Anderson, Jeanne Densmore and CJ Woodburn.

Turk Branch Loop and Turk Mountain- November 2, 2013

Leon, Bayly, Brad,Kelly, Jeanne, Marit, Pete and Bev at the start of the hike

 Nine hikers and one dog made it up to Shenandoah National Park to enjoy a beautiful autumn day and trek the Turk Branch circuit and out and back summit to Turk Mountain.  The group included Jeanne Densmore, Kelly O'Rourke, Bev & Pete Fink, Brad Young, Leon Gorman & Bayly, John Brandt, and leaders, Marit Gay & Mark Trail. The 10.4 mile route began at Jarmans Gap, near MP97, as we descended down the South Moormans River Fire Road. Leaves of gold and orange lined  the forest as we crossed feeder streams of the Moormans River multiple times.  At the intersection we stopped for a snack of homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and caramel corn then followed the yellow blazed Turk Branch Trail upward 2.6 miles with a 1200' elevation gain. When we reached the Turk Gap parking area we crossed the Skyline Drive and then veered right to take the 1.1 mile, 1200' climb up the Turk Mountain Trail to the summit for our lunch break.

Brad, Jeanne, Bev, Pete, John, and Kelly taking some nourishment

 

Shenandoah Valley vista from the top

After our meal we descended back to meet the Appalachian Trail going south stopping at the Sawmill Run Overlook for more views of the fall colors.  Bucks Elbow and Middle Mountain could be seen to the east as we continued back to the Jarmans Gap parking lot.  Glimpses of Calf Mountain and Humpback Mountain were also visible.  Warm temperatures and sunny skies made us appreciate the day so much.  We know winter is just around the corner!

Reeds Gap to Hanging Rock

Reeds Gap to Hanging Rock - October 5, 2013

The lovely view from Hanging Rock

The closing of the national parks did not deter us from taking a group hike, although the original location on the Turk Branch Loop in the Shenandoah National Park had to be changed to an out and back on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We went south on the Appalachian Trail from Reeds Gap up 1050 feet elevation to Hanging Rock.  Fourteen hikers made the 7.4 mile trek including Susanna Williams, Bev & Pete Fink, John Brandt, Kelly O'Rourke, Emerald Young, Dan Ralston, CJ Woodburn, Susanna Keller, Eric Bredo, Mark Perschel, Michael Seth, Barbara Martin, and hike leader, Marit Gay.
We headed out on a beautiful, but unseasonably warm day from Reeds Gap, stopping at the Mau Har Trail intersection for snacks, including Mark's caramel popcorn.  Privy breaks at the Maupin Field Shelter were also taken. Then we continued to climb to Hanging Rock to enjoy views of the Three Ridges and The Priest.  Hazy, but scenic views made for an enjoyable lunch respite. We back tracked to the parking area and 11 members of the group ventured down to Devils Backbone Brewery for much needed refreshments.  We were happy to be able to enjoy the mountains when so many were not able to because of the government shutdown.  If things open back up the original plan to hike the Turk Branch Loop and Turk Mountain will happen on November 2 instead.

Barbara, Dan, Michael, Eric, and John rest on the rocks

Bev & Pete with Emerald & Mark in background

Kelly, CJ, Susanna K. and Susanna W. at lunch

Emerald is joyous on the mountain