Submitted by Jeff Monroe
The hiking group of Marian Styles, Brian Muszynski, John Brandt, Suzanna Williams, Nancy Handley, newcomer Dan Cox, and hike leader Jeff Monroe joined veteran Valley Chapter members Lynn and Malcolm Cameron, and Michael Seth for a nine mile hike south on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail from U.S. 250. There were few views and no waterfalls along the way, but the group was amazed by the many wildflowers and large fields of ferns under large trees. This is a part of Shenandoah Mountain that gets much less hiker activity, compared to parts further north in Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness, and the group marveled at the health of the plant communities along the hike, with very few invasives. Lynn showed off her amazing knowledge of the area by directing the group to a hidden trail that connected the Benson Run Trail back to the Shenandoah Mountain Trail.
Hastening the return were threats of lightning and rain, but the group escaped any heavy downpours. On the drive back both vehicles stopped for a motorcyclist who had fallen off of his bike on US 250 near the base of Shenandoah Mountain. John and Suzanna helped other passing motorists get the bike off of the rider as it had pinned him to the pavement. The rider claimed to be ok, and all were on their way.
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