Jones Run / Doyles River - May 12, 2012

A slightly overcast, but otherwise pleasant day, with low humidity and comfortable temperatures, greeted a relatively small group of hikers who assembled at Albemarle High School on a Saturday morning for the annual spring rite of passage known as Jones Run / Doyles River. The hike leader, Ken Moss, likes to do waterfall hikes in late spring when the water levels are most conducive to a good water flow and cascading display. Others seeking the same experience on this day included John Shannon, Eric Christensen, Bev and Pete Fink, Sue Tansey, Rita Kieffer and Marie Moss.

Upon arriving at the trailhead at the Jones Run parking area off of Skyline Drive, we waited a bit longer for one last hiker coming from Staunton, Barbara Martin. After waiting for about 10 minutes, we prepared a note to leave for her…this incantation was enough to produce Barbara, who pulled into the parking lot as we were positioning the note under a windshield wiper for her. The entire group was soon on the trail.

The descent down Jones Run Trail was without incident. We paused for a short break at the falls along Jones Run, which displayed a worthwhile water flow, though not nearly as impressive as last year. As this seemed to be an impatient group, so we soon forged on downhill, passing one of the largest trees in the Park before arriving at the junction with the Doyles Run Trail.

The uphill stage then began and was moderate enough until we approached the lower Doyles Run Falls, where the trail became steeper for a time. As we had already passed the noon hour, it was at this point the hike leader attempted a never-to-be-repeated effort at democracy on the trail, offering people the choice of lunch in place at the lower falls or continuing uphill to lunch with a view at Big Run Overlook along Skyline Drive. At first the decision was split, with half wanting an immediate halt and the other half preferring to finish the climb before dining. John Shannon then introduced the possibility of lunch at the upper falls…so we headed in that direction.

Upon arrival at the upper falls, our less than nimble-minded leader again offered the choice of stopping or continuing. John, Rita and Barbara decided to head down to the falls for lunch as the others debated…and soon decided to continue to the top, not wanting to make the remaining climb on full stomachs. Incredibly, our far from astute leader accepted splitting the group, and descended to the falls to ask John to take charge of the stay behind party while the rest climbed up the trail for lunch at the overlook. John was with Barbara, who soon decided that she would rather stay with the larger group, so she left to rejoin the group. John, thinking that everyone else had already left, started the climb to rejoin the group as well.

Rita had meanwhile settled in by the falls for a pleasant, unhurried lunch with a view of cascading water. Soon, however, she noticed that something was not quite right…where was everyone else? She was alone…apparently abandoned by the rest of the group. John had not realized that Rita had descended to the falls ahead of him and thus, theoretically, was one of his stay behind charges. After awhile, John caught up to the main group and was queried about Rita. Realizing the gaff, and true trooper that he always is, John rushed back downhill to gather a somewhat lonely Rita in order to bring her back into the fold.

Upon reaching Big Run Overlook, the now reunited group spread out along the rock barrier wall for victuals while admiring the Big Run watershed, largest in Shenandoah National Park, before us. Suddenly, Rita bolted from her seat with a scream…she had finally noticed a rather large black snake curled up directly at her feet in the tall grass! This caused both concern and amusement among the group, particularly after determining that the serpent was dead. Still, it was obvious that Rita was hardly leading a charmed life on this day!

The return to the parking lot along the Appalachian Trail was uneventful. Following the hike, the entire group, at the leader’s suggestion, stopped at Blue Mountain Brewery for rejuvenating refreshments…a great way to finish off yet another great day on the trail!