By reserving 5 cabins at Lost River State Park, our core group of 13 set up headquarters for a weekend of group meals and hiking with new and former friends. Gathering for the weekend was: our organizer - Kelly O’Rourke, Barbara Martin, Dianne Anderson, Geoff Manning-Smith, Edna Baden, Carol Wise, Nancy Weiss, Jayne Mayne, Susanna and John Williams, Mark Trail, Bill Holman, and Iva Gillet. With a rent 2 nights - get one free policy, several of us extended the weekend into Monday. Our cabins had wonderful fireplaces and modern kitchens, with spacious decks in a wooded setting. With cozy chairs and plenty of food to share, there was time to rest and relax when we weren’t hiking. We all highly recommend this West Virginia State Park, just 1½ hours from Charlottesville.
The cornerstone of our cabin/hiking weekend was either a long (11 miles) or short (4.5 miles) hike to Big Schloss. For the long hike, leader Michael Seth was joined by Charlottesville PATC hikers: Mark Trail, Barbara Martin, Kelly O’Rourke, John and Susanna Williams, and Iva Gillet. Also joining from other PATC clubs were Aida Salines, Scott McBane, Edna Baden, Jayne Mayne, Gina Kwak, Judy Smoot, Karen Brown, Valentine DiMilo and Beth Lipford. The weather was perfect - crisp and clear. Despite the hour drive from Lost River to Wolf Gap campground (a site for a future camping adventures!) it was worth the trip. Long hikers started with a gradual ascent along a lovely trout stream, eventually passing the small, square, Sugar Knob cabin. We enjoyed lunch along the Tuscarora Trail before continuing toward Big Schloss along the ridgeline. When we arrived at the intersection with the trail back to the cars at 3 PM, with Big Schloss still to come, several folks returned to the cars to make sure that they made their evening commitments. So 5 of us continued to the expanse of craggy Big Schloss.
The view from Big Schloss was spectacular. The bridge constructed there is a marvel. The short hikers, led by Bill Holman, consisted of Geoff Manning-Smith, Nancy Weiss, Carol Wise, and Dianne Anderson. While both groups had intended to meet and lunch together, long hikers were much later, so the shorter hikers has already come and gone by the time we arrived, despite our 2 hour lag in start time. We all enjoyed the spectacle of natural beauty and expansive views. Long hikers were very happy that our carpool drivers, Michael and Jayne, had fetched the cars and moved them to Wolf Gap, so we did not have to return to the start.
Saturday night dinner was a hearty spaghetti meal prepared by Barbara Martin with handmade meatballs and homemade sauce, salad and garlic bread. Combined with all the desserts that were brought to share, we were all well fed!
Sunday, Jayne Mayne led a long hike and Nancy Weiss led the short hike, both on the trails at Lost River. With many rock outcroppings, small shelters, campsites, horses on the trails, and distant views, we had another day which reminds us how fortunate we are to be able to hike in such an amazing part of the world. Pleasant temperatures and fall leaves enhanced our Sunday.
It was fun to get to meet and talk with many other PATC members from nearby clubs. We have so much in common sharing our love of nature and being outside enjoying life to the fullest. Be in the moment!
No comments:
Post a Comment