AT: Sinking Creek to Johns Creek, March 20, 2022

 Hikers from both the PATC's Charlottesville Chapter and Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter who are working to complete the entire Virginia AT hiked a portion of the AT near Blacksburg on a cold Sunday in March - a stark contrast from the previous day's warm hike!  This day featured sleet over much of the summit of Johns Creek Mountain. There were two groups: a southbound group led by Margaret Helber, and a northbound group led by Jeff Monroe.  The groups met near Kelly Knob and exchanged vehicle keys for the ride home but did not stop for lunch - too cold!

AT: Craig Creek to Sinking Creek, March 19, 2022

 Hikers from both the PATC's Charlottesville Chapter and Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter who are working to complete the entire Virginia AT hiked a portion of the AT near Blacksburg on a nice Saturday afternoon in March.  There were two groups: a northbound group led by Margaret Helber, and a southbound group led by Jeff Monroe.  The groups met on Sinking Creek Mountain and exchanged vehicle keys so everyone could meet up again in Christiansburg after the hikes.  

The highlight of this section was the Keffer Oak, the second largest oak tree on the AT.  And this tree is literally right on the AT.  

Bear Church Rock – February 11, 2022

A warm and sunny winter day greeted 11 folks and Remi the fabulous hiking dog for a wonderful hike to Bear Church Rock. Starting from the Graves Mill parking, we walked beside the Rapidan River before turning to accompany the Staunton River. Several small falls and some beautiful pools surely attract water-lovers during the summer.

Most of us took a short out-and-back detour to visit the Jones Mountain cabin. Harvey Nichols built the cabin in 1918 and lived there until 1937. PATC restored the cabin in 1969-71, and members can rent it. Hike leader Iva had read a book about the cabin and gave us some background about it and the interesting Mr. Nichols. In addition to the cabin, where we had lunch, we saw the grave of one of Nichols’ wives.

A steep climb brought us to Bear Church Rock, where Iva passed out Valentine’s Day chocolates. We enjoyed the view, the warm sun, and the camaraderie before starting back. 

Today’s 8.5-mile hike took us past an impressive mountain laurel grove, which will be gorgeous to see in spring. In addition to the scenery along this route, the lack of crowds is another plus. We had Bear Church Rock to ourselves and saw only a few other people throughout the day.

submitted by Marian Styles and Iva Gillet