Jarman Gap to Beagle Gap from Jarman's Gap Road - January 28, 2017

     Fifteen hikers braved the cold and the wind, hiking the Appalachian Trail south from Jarman Gap to Beagle Gap starting from a different approach.  Hiker leader, Marit Anderson, and assistant, Mark Perschel met the others at Brownsville Elementary at 9 am and car pooled up Jarman's Gap Road through Crozet. The hikers included Dan Ralston & Jeanne Densmore, David Crowe, CJ Woodburn, Tony Alimenti, Susan Quinn, Jeanne Siler, John Shannon, Nancy Handly, Susanna Williams, Marie Moss, Iva Gillet, Dave Borszich, Ginny Barber, Steve Thompson, and John Brandt. Taking the 2.2 mile dirt road straight up along Lickinghole Creek and parking at the top we proceeded a quarter of a mile down to the intersection of the AT.  The group went south 1.5 miles on the AT and then took the side trail to Calf Mountain Shelter to enjoy a snack of chocolate chip cookies, water, and hot drinks in the wind break of the structure.

Snack break at Calf Mountain Shelter

 After our break we retraced our steps back to the AT and continued along Calf Mountain to Little Calf Mountain.  The view was clear and beautiful at the top but we continued to Beagle Gap and partway up the hill, deciding to stop there for lunch instead of continuing to the Bear Den Mountain tower complex.  Chilly temperatures made our meal short and we  returned back on the AT, but taking a detour down a fire road near the end of our route to see the possible PATC cabin and land acquisition site,  which is currently being reviewed.  When we arrived back to our cars after the 7.5 mile hike with 1,284 ascent we were happy to regroup.  Marit and Mark invited all of the participants to stop by their house in Crozet for adult refreshments, hot drinks, snacks, and a warm home, and many did so after retrieving their cars.  Thanks everyone for sharing the day!

submitted by Marit Anderson