Reported by Ken MossA pleasantly warm but humid day found nine avid hikers willing to take a Saturday hike. Pete Fink graciously gathered the flock at Albemarle High School and shepherded the better part of them to the trailhead near Crimora to meet up with hike leader Ken Moss. While waiting for the group to arrive, Ken occupied himself with picking up empty beer cans distributed liberally around the parking area, wondering ironically as he did so why any self-respecting redneck wanting to party in the woods would chose to drink lite beer! Michael Seth soon showed up to keep Ken company, followed not long afterward by Pete and his car load of Dan Funkhouser and Beverly Fink.
Missing in action, though, was the car driven by newcomer Jayson Gale with John Brandt, Liz Lyons and "navigator" Dan Ralston. After a few cell phone attempts, we learned that Dan had "navigated" the car to Weyers Cave, about 8 miles north of Crimora. The group waited patiently for them to backtrack and find the trailhead, noting that Dan is starting to gain a reputation for "misplacing" himself and those following him!
The hike was uneventful, walkking from the park boundary in the Valley up a good, steady climb to Chimney Rock, where we enjoyed fine views for lunch. On the way back down, the plan had been to stop at the wonderful swimming hole in Cold Springs Hollow, but Ken and Michael were so engrossed in a comparative discussion of the Far East and West Africa that they missed the stop completely on the way back down! Those following thought this this may have been done purposefully because the pool was covered in leaves and foam due to low water flow...perhaps only now does the truth come out!
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