Iva's Annual Soup Hike, Blue Ridge School Trails - February 23, 2019

Submitted by Jeanne Siler

The high temperature was 48. A steady light rain was falling at 10 am in Stanardsville on February 23, 2019, and it continued well into the afternoon.

Most importantly, the rain was falling on Iva Gillet’s Annual Soup Hike Saturday.

Having recently switched from a simple web posting of upcoming hikes to include an online Meetup system, the PATC event attracted well over two dozen interested hikers. But as early as 6:15 am, the regrets started pinging phones all over the region: “Sorry. I was looking forward to this hike, but...” “I’ve decided to pull out as I really don’t enjoy hiking in the rain.” New president of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Chapter, Jeff Monroe, responded by reminding everyone, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing.”

Thus, despite the weather, hiking prevailed.

Twenty-three men and women—with an average age of 62, I might add—turned out in ponchos and plastic to make a trek along the muddy, but navigable trails at the Blue Ridge School in Dyke, just a few short miles from Gillet’s home where pots of chicken chili, beef stew, vegetable soup and desserts awaited.

The hardy hikers ranged in age from 35 to 72 but no one was too old for either the three-miler led by Bill Holman or the six mile route that included a steep uphill climb on the Moonshine Trail to the top of the hollow ridgeline, led by Gillet. (Monroe, capable of taking on much more strenuous treks, opted for the shorter hike so he could return in time to watch the UVA/Louisville basketball game on Gillet’s television.)

The cold rain didn’t create serious hazards for anyone, but the warmth from the wood stove was much appreciated, all the same. (And the Hoos won, helping create an even more festive atmosphere among the many Virginians, a couple of Cardinal fans notwithstanding.)

This was the annual Soup Hike, a favorite among area hikers.

Those in attendance included: Monroe, Holman, Gillet, first-time hiker Laverne Strother and four Davids, (D. Crowe, D. Ledbetter, D. Borzich, and D. Abdallah) plus Peggie B, Jeanne Siler, Art Bykonen, Marian & John Shannon, Michael Seth, Mike Hammer, Jeanne & Dennis Templeton, Jodi Frederickson, Nancy Handley, John Brandt, Ann Hays, Brian Muszynski, and Marie Moss.

Sorry if you missed out- a little rain should never stop a good hike!

Powell Mountain - January 12, 2019

submitted by Iva Gillet

With the prediction of snow in the afternoon, those planning to join this hike diminished, however, a dedicated group of nine hikers met at Swift Run Gap planning to head north on the Skyline Drive to hike the Powell Mountain trail. Despite the government shut-down, someone did manage to close the Central District. This meant that Iva Gillet changed to plan B, and headed west into the Shenandoah Valley to hike this trail from the bottom up. Bill Holman navigated our group to the Jollett Mission Church through winding back roads near Elkton. David Crowe, Nancy Handley, Jim Fye and a friend followed as Jeff Monroe and Gracie showcased the new for him 4Runner driving Dave Abdullah and Jodi Fredricksen.
Starting out with the steepest part of the climb, we steadily hiked the wide trail stopping occasionally for breathers. The weather was terrific for winter hiking and with the Park closed, we saw no one else. David and Dave zipped ahead of the group and admired the Skyline Drive with a pristine layer of snow. We congregated at the Hazel Mountain Overlook to enjoy our lunch. With the approaching weather front, the wind picked up and we shared food and drink quickly as we cooled off, and then descended the same way we climbed. The clear views and gentle grade made this a pleasant hike. As we finished and took our final pictures the snow began to fall- perfect timing. This hike was 7 miles and 2000 feet of climbing. Thanks to all who weren’t scared off by the weather prediction and joined Remi and me!

Elliott Knob Joint Hike with GoHiking! Charlottesville Meetup Group - February 2, 2019

submitted by Jeff Monroe

The Charlottesville PATC conducted its first-ever joint hike with the “GoHiking! Charlottesville” meetup group on February 2, 2019 that culminated in a trip up the metal stairs of the fire tower at the summit of Elliott Knob.  PATC hikers included Dan and Jeannie Ralston, Marie Moss, John Brandt, Nancy Kern, Claire Cline, Jocelyn Prostko, Pam Tauer, and newcomer Emily Hjulstrom. A number of additional hikers came via Meetup, which was led by Patrick Corey. This was originally a work hike, but our inability to obtain tools from the Shenandoah National Park tool shed meant this turned into just a regular hike.  Good thing! The trail was in great shape. The group hiked south to Elliott Knob, over sometimes shady and snow covered trails and sometimes sunny and warm trails. The hike totaled 9.4 miles, and the group lunched at the summit. After the hike, some of the group dined at a restaurant in Staunton.

Austin Mt. Loop - February 9, 2019

On February 9 the Lewis Peak Trail hike that was planned for a second time had to be changed again due to closure of Shenandoah National Park.  Hike leader, Marit Anderson, tried to approach it earlier in the week coming up from the west side off of Madison Run Fire Road and taking the Austin Mt. Trail to Rockytop Trail to Lewis Peak Trail only to find it littered with trees.  Work crews had not been able to get to that section yet after the big ice storm in November and the park closure from the government shutdown.  So Austin Mt. Loop was the designated hike of the day.  Many of the folks signed up for the hike cancelled (most likely because it is a harder hike).  Temperatures were very cold in the morning....more no shows....so the final group of folks was an intimate five - along with Marit were Susanna Williams, Nancy Handley, Marie Moss, and John Brandt. We met at Rockfish Gap, all piled into Marit's car, and went to the trail head.  Five solid hikers - we had a good pace up the 1,515 ft ascent, over the rocky portion of  the trail, while enjoying the many views of  Furnace Mt., Cedar Mt., Trayfoot Mt. and the Shenandoah Valley.  We found a beautiful sunny spot lined with pine needles to look at the vista and eat our lunch and homemade chocolate chip cookies right before passing Rockytop Trail and then taking the Madison Run Spur Trail to the fire road.  Everyone agreed that the hike had it all- good distance of 9 miles, a climbing section, rocks, views, water features along Madison Run, and gentle descent down the tree lined fire road back to the car.  The day had warmed up and after drop off at the Popcorn Stand most of us made it home by 3 PM. Marit will try to lead the Lewis Peak Trail ridge hike another time. We thank all the trail crews that have been out clearing Austin Mt. Trail allowing us to enjoy the mountains for the day.

 submitted by Marit Anderson and Marie Moss (photos).