Delfosse Winery Trails - October 18, 2014

submitted by Marit Anderson Gay
What is the best thing to do on a spectacular fall day?  Take a hike, of course!  October 18 was the scheduled Delfosse Winery Trails hike and 22 participants joined hike leader, Marit Gay, at the vineyard in Faber.  Bill Holman assisted in preparation for becoming a new hike leader for Charlottesville PATC. The group carpooled to the location, which is 35 minutes south of Charlottesville.  The initial climb from the parking area at the tasting room, was steep - over 800 feet in elevation, and a good way to warm up our legs.  After passing through the gate from the vineyard to the wooded private Delfosse trails, the group spent the next 2+ hours hiking the path partially created and maintained by the Nelson County Parks and Recreation.  This 5.5 mile loop is open to mountain bikers and  horseback riding as well.  Trail runners also enjoy it and we met three runners - possibly preparing for the upcoming 10k race. The terrain is rolling, providing for a fairly strenuous hike with over 1,400 feet in elevation gain.  A good workout for a fairly short hike.
We stopped briefly to enjoy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and then finished the outing with lunch gathered by the pond.  Some of the participants partook in glasses of wine and also wine tasting offerings.  The setting was ideal for a warm, autumn afternoon in full color.

The view of the beautiful Delfosse Winery

Gerard Roene (above) and Marie Pain, were our international trekkers, both from France  

   

      

Lisa Lampe, Brad Young, Pete Fink, Gerard, Claire Cline, and John Shannon pass by the Log Cabin

Time for lunch by the scenic pond

Thanks for coming out to hike including Iva Gillet, Catherine Miranda, Leon Gorman, Emerald Young, Rita Kieffer, Jeanne Siler, Bev Fink, Dave Borszich, Rich Bard, Marian Styles, Kyle Lampe and Maxwell the dog, Michael Seth, CJ Woodburn, and Linda Ginsberg.