Considering the weather forecasters' prediction of imminent winter weather, a great turnout collected to head into the valley and join the SSVC on a joint hike of Massanutten Mountain.
Hikers included Patrick Cory, Jeff Monroe, Ann Hayes, John Brandt, Karen Ballen, and MJ Jawoisz (new via Meetup) from Charlottesville, and John Kolp, Paul Boisen, Lin Yang, and Jim Fye from the Valley.
Jim Fye led the group to the trailhead on the western slope of Massanutten Mountain after an icy drive for the last half mile of the trip. The group hiked into the national forest on the Fridley Gap Trail, before crossing a stream and going uphill on the southbound Massanutten South Trail. Everyone wore or carried traction devices on a sometimes icy ascent. The group made it to an overlook before turning around as a couple of the hikers were feeling the cold.
Upon returning to the trailhead, the group helped another hiker whose Prius was not progressing on the icy access road. They helped the driver get turned around and back down the road. Our hikers successfully returned without incident, despite the start of precipitation during the return drive.
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