Devils Marbleyard - September 16, 2014

Clai and Pete on the upward climb of Devils Marbleyard

 The Devils Marbleyard hike on September 16 was not for the faint of heart.  Hike leaders, Pete Fink and Marit Gay, put together an adventure hike described on the PATC schedule to include bouldering, bushwhacking, and hiking. Five fearless hikers took the challenge including Clai Lange, Bev Fink, Dave Borszich, Barbara Martin, and Michael Seth. 

Bev and Barb pick a line and keep on moving

 The hike began in the James River Face Wilderness within the Jefferson National Forest.  The usual 8.3 mile loop starts with the Belfast Trail, skirts the boulder field, connects to the Gunter Ridge Trail, and loops back southeast across Little Hellgate Creek on the Glenwood Horse Trail.  Pete had wanted to find a way to climb up through the boulder field and bushwhack back down to find the Gunter Ridge Trail.  He used coordinates from where the Belfast Trail intersects the Appalachian Trail to help track a line.  It was not easy going, but provided for an adventure we will all remember!

Dave took the day off of work to do this crazy hike!

 It took us over two hours to climb the boulder field and bushwhack to connect to the Gunter Ridge trail, which was less than a mile in length. But we persevered and we were elated to finally find it.  A short lunch and homemade cookies were enjoyed at the campsite near the AT intersection.  Next time we would like to do the 3 mile spur, because there is a spectacular 360 degree view at a clearing known as the "Helicopter Pad" on the un-maintained Sulphur Spring Trail. We were a bit worried about having enough time to complete the Gunter Ridge Trail to do it today though.

The group concentrates on their footing - the area of  Natural Bridge Station is in the background

Pete's legs after the bushwhacking portion of the trek

Barb, Dave, Clai, Bev, Michael, and Pete leaving the James River Face Wilderness towards Petites Gap Road

We survived! Time for dinner at The Palms in Lexington