Torry Ridge and Sherando Lake - July 30, 2011

Considering that the hottest day of the summer was on Friday, Hike Leader Ken Moss felt fortunate to have eight people show up to hike on Saturday morning at Albemarle High School. After some discussion concerning the logistics of a car shuttle to and from the trailhead, we headed out in three vehicles for Sherando Lake. Upon arrival we redistributed swim gear into the one car that was to remain parked at the lake, then piled into the other two cars for the ride to the trailhead.

The Slacks Trail

We started at White Rock Gap, descending the White Rock Trail for a short distance before turning left onto the Slacks Trail. We immediately began a challenging, stiff climb...the only sustained climb of the hike. As it was still morning, the temperature was still in the upper 70's at this elevation, but the lack of a breeze and the steady climb made it feel warmer than it was, but still a big improvement over the previous day!

Upon turning onto the Torry Ridge Trail, we had one last taste of uphill climbing before transitioning to an easy, gentle downhill slope that continued for a couple of miles along the ridgeline. Once opposite the lower Sherando Lake, we turned onto the Blue Loop Trail for a steep descent broken only by a pause at a rock outcropping. We considered stopping for lunch with a view here, but with a strong sun and the beach below in view, we opted to continue to our objective.

Torry Ridge Trail

Upon arriving at Sherando Lake, we first found a shaded picnic table for a restful lunch. Several members commented on the enticing smells of grilled meat which wafted our way from time to time from neighboring picnickers. Following lunch we changed into swim suits and headed to the beach, where Pete and Bev Fink bobbed in the cool water near the beach while Dan Funkhouser, Marian Styles, John Shannon, Dennis Templeton and Ken swam out to the small island located off shore to explore. Helen Reutlinger remained on shore to watch everyone's gear. Everyone was surprised that the water wasn't colder, but it was still a pleasant cool-down following the hike.

Lunch at Sherando Lake

After changing back into hiking attire, we shuttled the two cars from the trailhead back down to the Lake and then all headed back toward Charlottesville, but not before stopping for refreshments at Devil's Backbone Brewing Company. Here we sat on the patio enjoying a mix of beverages, onion rings and hummus while watching a thunderstorm roll across the Blue Ridge into the Piedmont. We enjoyed watching the storm develop and were all pleased to have a front row seat for the action before finally heading back to town at the end of a fun and varied day among friends.

Devil's Backbone Brewing Company