Iva's Annual Soup Hike, Blue Ridge School Trails - February 23, 2019

Submitted by Jeanne Siler

The high temperature was 48. A steady light rain was falling at 10 am in Stanardsville on February 23, 2019, and it continued well into the afternoon.

Most importantly, the rain was falling on Iva Gillet’s Annual Soup Hike Saturday.

Having recently switched from a simple web posting of upcoming hikes to include an online Meetup system, the PATC event attracted well over two dozen interested hikers. But as early as 6:15 am, the regrets started pinging phones all over the region: “Sorry. I was looking forward to this hike, but...” “I’ve decided to pull out as I really don’t enjoy hiking in the rain.” New president of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Chapter, Jeff Monroe, responded by reminding everyone, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing.”

Thus, despite the weather, hiking prevailed.

Twenty-three men and women—with an average age of 62, I might add—turned out in ponchos and plastic to make a trek along the muddy, but navigable trails at the Blue Ridge School in Dyke, just a few short miles from Gillet’s home where pots of chicken chili, beef stew, vegetable soup and desserts awaited.

The hardy hikers ranged in age from 35 to 72 but no one was too old for either the three-miler led by Bill Holman or the six mile route that included a steep uphill climb on the Moonshine Trail to the top of the hollow ridgeline, led by Gillet. (Monroe, capable of taking on much more strenuous treks, opted for the shorter hike so he could return in time to watch the UVA/Louisville basketball game on Gillet’s television.)

The cold rain didn’t create serious hazards for anyone, but the warmth from the wood stove was much appreciated, all the same. (And the Hoos won, helping create an even more festive atmosphere among the many Virginians, a couple of Cardinal fans notwithstanding.)

This was the annual Soup Hike, a favorite among area hikers.

Those in attendance included: Monroe, Holman, Gillet, first-time hiker Laverne Strother and four Davids, (D. Crowe, D. Ledbetter, D. Borzich, and D. Abdallah) plus Peggie B, Jeanne Siler, Art Bykonen, Marian & John Shannon, Michael Seth, Mike Hammer, Jeanne & Dennis Templeton, Jodi Frederickson, Nancy Handley, John Brandt, Ann Hays, Brian Muszynski, and Marie Moss.

Sorry if you missed out- a little rain should never stop a good hike!