North Fork Moormans River - May 26, 2012

It was Memorial Day weekend, and while I really wanted to join John Shannon for his 11 mile hike, my social calendar did not allow for such a long hike and drive this particular day. So, while hoping to have a few folks join me for this magnificent first weekend of summer, I did not want to detract from John’s hike. We had a great crowd in the parking lot, and both John and I presented our respective hike options. While we both promised post hike ice cream, my drive time of 20 minutes and a 4.5 mile hike, seemed to have appealed to many others this day, too. As such, 10 sun loving hikers joined me and waved farewell to John and Brad Young, as they drove north to meet Michael Seth for the big hike of the day. Once Dianne Anderson retrieved her dog, Amber, we set off in several cars to allow for the flexibility of our various social schedules.

We collected a new hiker, Kim Fitzhugh-Higgins at the Piedmont Store in White Hall on the way, and Barbara Martin met us in the Sugar Hollow parking lot. Once assembled, we began the lovely walk up the road to the trailhead. As we approached our first stream crossing, only one balked. With weather in the 90’s, most of us were very happy to walk through the Moormans River, but Amber found it intimidating and I carried her across the stream while Dan Funkhouser and Paige Madison stepped nimbly across the rocks to keep their feet dry.

This was the point where some realized that it would have been beneficial to bring shoes more appropriate for water crossings. Brian Muszynski and Briana Taylor led us onward. The hot day made the stream crossings all the more enjoyable, and we passed by the best swimming hole, saving it for our return trip. As the number of stream crossings increased, so did the number of folks who figured it was easier to walk through the stream as opposed to negotiating the stepping stones. Dennis Templeton and Jeanne Bono abandoned their boots for crossings and just tied them on their packs.

The day was clear and hot and when we reached the side trail to the falls for an early lunch, some scrambled up the rocks in the stream bed and others walked around. Bill Holman climbed beside the waterfall to the top and lunched alone, looking down on the rest of us sprawled on either side of the pool. While the pool was not deep, John Brandt was the first to go fully under, while Marian Styles was not far behind. While most of us relaxed in the sun Brian restacked the rocks in the stream, making a scenic piece of rock sculpture for the next visitors. He also spotted a snake- the first of at least 4 seen this day, on a quiet log on the far side of the pool. Several folks (NOT me!) investigated. We shared 3 different types of cookies prior to our departure.

 

We retraced our steps taking time at the large swimming hole for a final dip and the sighting for those interested of 2 more small snakes. By now the Memorial Day crowd was starting to increase and we were glad to be leaving while so many families were arriving. On our way back John Brandt demonstrated his love of animals and chivalry and carried Amber through the remaining stream crossings, making her trip back easier. Upon returning to the parking lot, some of us proceeded to Dairy Queen in Crozet for ice cream, while others returned to their Memorial Day plans. We were all back in time for our respective plans and had some fun in the sun on this hot summer day.