Doubletop Mountain/ Wilhite Wagon Trail - April 30, 2011

With  impeccable spring weather on relatively unchartered trails, we had an unprecedented group of 31! While some folks had not hiked with us for year, we all had a lovely hike to catch up on past activities. We were also fortunate to have all of outr hike leaders out, except for Michael Seth, which has not happened in some time, and was especially helpful with such a large group. 

 

John Shannon provided walkie-talkies for communication with Erick Clepper returning from injury and running sweep with Dan Ralston. We also were pleased to have Debra Fisher, Dan Funkhouser, Helen Reutlinger and Eric Seaborg back hiking with us again. Our first in command this day were Jeff and Will Monroe who led us through the woodland beauty of Doubletop Mountain along the Wilhite Wagon Trail, which PATC maps indicate is not maintained. However, we found it a lovely and not too steep trail, complete with stone retaining walls from many years past. 

Wildflowers were just begining to show and views were still accessible while the leaves are still growing in size. Our break was along the Doubletop Mountain trail on the most enormous lunch rock I have seen in the Virginia mountains. It was easily able to accomodate our vast group, so we admired the view across the Rapidan River toward Bear Church Rock. 

Goodies were shared after lunch in preparation for the optional spur trail that took us to another impressive rock close to where the Doubletop Mountain Trail begins its descent, prompting hike leader Iva Gillet to recount the harrowing night she and 6 friends attempted to negotiate this trail with horses in the dark, eventually having to spend the night on the trail. Most all agreed they did not want to go on a trail ride with her. 

Leon Gorman and Baily waited patiently for the return from the spur trail as we prepared for our descent. OASC members Beth Goodell, Alex Popkin, Steve Cohen, and Yao Lu led us down the trail, which provided glimpses of trillium, wild geranium, and other lovely early flowers. Barb Wilson, Liz Lyons, Marit Gay, Brad Young, and Rita Kieffer chatted as we meandered through the wooded trail toward the Rapidan River. Bev and Pete Fink, Eileen Seaman, Neil McKinney, and Lindsay Brown appreciated the lovely flowing waters of the river as we arrived at the Rapidan Fire Road to head back to the cars. Ken and Marie Moss charged ahead with visions of a post hike brew in their minds. Many were surprised that Marian Styles and John Brandt did not take a cooling dip in the water, but the perfect temperature must have made this seem unnecessary. New hikers Steve and Nancy seemed to enjoy this hike which ended up at 8.5 miles, after adding the out and back spur trail. During the hike Andy Wilgruber photographed the spring glory. Not sure how many photos we took of the wedding party that was posing on the banks of the river as our vigorous group hiked past, admiring the tuxedo-in-the-woods look. After briefly counting to make sure all had returned, many of us headed to the Tastee Freeze in Madison for some much deserved ice cream treats.

Submitted by: Iva Gillet