An easy 6-mile hike on a balmy December day enticed some 21 people out on New Year’s Eve. This hike marked Andy Willgruber’s debut as a PATC hike leader, and he was assisted by veteran Iva Gillet.Andy has done a lot of work on the Fluvanna County Heritage Trails, which offer both hiking and equestrian trails, some with views of the Rivanna River. Some of us were familiar with the area because in February 2005, members of PATC – Charlottesville Chapter joined Andy to work on the Rail Trail on the opposite side of the river from today’s hike.
Andy gets an A+ for accuracy with his warning that the trail would be muddy. Recent rains ensured that the route was indeed squishy. Mud proved a minor inconvenience, though, when compared with the scenery, spring-like sunshine, and fine group of hiking companions, some hiking with the club for the first time.We stopped for lunch at a shelter with picnic tables. Andy shared chocolate treats, John passed out cranberry cake, and Iva distributed brownies and holiday cookies.
We completed the hike at about 2 p.m. Those not in a hurry stopped off at the Gypsy Gourmet Cake Lounge, where they had a choice of Chap’s ice cream, Greenberry’s coffee, and an assortment of yummy baked goods. Might be worth a repeat hike so we can make another stop at this unique place!
In addition to the two hike leaders, participants included Wanda Hamlin, Joanne & Maynard Davis, Dan Funkhauser, Marian Styles, Kim Pingatose, Barbara Sheneheld, Pete & Bev Fink, Ken & Marie Moss, Briana Taylor, Tricia Neoness, Dan Ralston, John Shannon, Leon Gorman, Don Davis, Dave Abdalloh, and Jodi Frederiksen.
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