Patterson Ridge and Big Run, SNP - September 8, 2018

submitted by Iva Gillet

It was threatening rain, but eleven stalwart hikers, including new hikers Michael Matz and Mike Hammer, joined hike leader Iva Gillet, Marian Styles, CJ Woodburn, David Crowe, Jodi Fredericksen, Dave Abdullah, Michael Luu, along with Sharon Holman and her dad Bill for this 7.5 or 10 mile loop. The Patterson Ridge trail was beautifully manicured and increasingly steep as we descended into the Big Run Portal area. Traveling along Big Run, Dave caught a quick glimpse of a bear before the rest of us approached and scared it off. Lunch along the clear waters of Big Run were relaxing as we prepared to go UP the distance we had descended all day. We hiked our own pace with Dave and Michael Matz reaching the Skyline Drive first. As the rain was lightly falling, all but four of use decided to call it a day and head to the Loft Mountain Wayside for the cars and refreshment. Jodi and Dave, Michael Matz and Iva (with Remi the best hiking dog ever!) completed the loop past the Loft Mtn. campground to finish the 10 mile loop. We were grateful to have gotten such a lovely hike in before the weather worsened.

Rustic Highland Trails - September 22, 2018

Thirteen was the lucky number for the PATC hikers who turned out on Saturday, September 22, for a hike on the new Rustic Highland Trails opened in April at Highland (the former Ashlawn-Highland).

The thirteen who introduced themselves to each other before heading off on a 4.5 mile loop around the former plantation of the fifth U.S. President (James Monroe) included representation from Charlottesville, three surrounding counties, and Richmond. They were: Nancy Kern from Nelson County; Dave Borszich from Greene County; Art Bykonen, and Craig and Claire Forbes from Richmond; Holly Gunderson, Iva Gillet, Marian Styles, Paul Henderson, Marie Moss, and hike leader, Marit Anderson, from Albemarle County; and city residents, Jeanne Siler and Brian Muszynski.

Highland, owned by The College of William and Mary, recently opened four color-coded trails on the 535 acres (lowered somewhat from the original 1,000 acres owned by Monroe) for public enjoyment. The kiosk near the visitors' center parking lot outlines the various loops that are possible; interpretive signage is strategically posted along each trail, all of which is open 9 a.m. until dusk. Because Highland is a working farm, and resident cows are often moved from pasture to pasture, one or more trails may be closed, so check the kiosk before venturing out. Our hike consisted of the Green (Woodland Trail), Red (Mountain Trail), and Blue (South Pasture Trail), which are marked well with plastic, color diamonds.

Given the persistent humidity- Saturday was still officially summer, albeit for a few more hours-- several hikers were glad the elevation climbs were minimal (Iva, of course, could be overheard asking for something steeper.)  The Green Woodland Trail curved through shaded thick woods before merging with the moderately sloped Red Mountain Trail up to the high point of 820 feet, with the Blue South Pasture Trail rounding out the morning's expedition with a slow incline paralleling the gorgeous, tree-lined entrance drive up to Highland's main properties.

Lunch, chocolate and cookies, not necessarily in that order, finished out the morning, leaving everyone plenty of time for football, yoga, or their drive back to Richmond or elsewhere.

For more information about the trails and Highland, see www.highland.org

Submitted by Jeanne Siler and Marit Anderson

Little Devil Stairs - August 18, 2018

by Iva Gillet

It is August, so it was humid, but the threat of rain did not keep twelve hikers from heading toward Sperryville for a hike up one of the premier waterfall climbs in the area. Hiking today were some veterans of this hike: Debra Fisher, Marian Styles, Michael Seth, and John Brandt, along with first timers for this hike: Nancy Handley, Tim Brown, Bill Holman, Ruth and Mark Walkup, and Karen and John Ballen. The group headed up the Little Devil Stairs trail and spread out according to how quickly they wanted to scamper up the rugged gorge. The water level was perfect, with enough to produce lovely waterfalls, but not enough to make the several stream crossings difficult. Rocky steps, plunging water and steep walls were some of the best features along the way. Most of us had our lunch at the base of the falls at the top of the Little Devil Stairs gorge, though some had hiked quickly ahead and ate there waiting for the others to join them. At the Fourway intersection of trails, Bill Holman and Ruth Walkup chose the 6 mile option down the Keyser Fire Road and returned to the cars for a nap while the rest of us hiked another 2 miles. While rain threatened, it never really materialized, so we were able to hike in cool temperatures past several more waterfalls on the much less popular Piney Branch trail. Returning up the Hull School trail, we visited the meticulously kept Bolen cemetery before descending the Keyser Fire Road to the cars. Unlike the morning, when the lot was overflowing, our cars were among the few left. While the Ballens and John Brandt returned to Charlottesville, the rest of us headed to Headmasters Pub in Sperryville for a bite and beverages.

Backpacking Basics by Mark Perschel - August 15, 2018

submitted by Bill Holman

The Charlottesville hiking community was treated to an excellent presentation on backpack basics by someone who has done the Triple Crown of Hiking, Mark Perschel.  Sponsored by the Great Outdoors Provision Company at the Barracks Road Shopping Center, Mark talked about gear choices, route planning, equipment management, safety and many more areas in planning a long distance backpack. Sprinkled with personal experiences, insights and “Big Fish” tales along with Snickers bar rewards for audience participation, the presentation was enjoyed by all along with the drinks and food provided by the Great Outdoors.  The Charlottesville Chapter of the PATC wishes to thank the Great Outdoors Provision Company for their help and support in making this interesting talk happen.

Kaylor Knob, Massanutten - July 28, 2018

submitted by Michael Seth

Claire Cline, Dave Borszich, Pam Heinrich, Heather Denny, Dave Bennick, James Fye, Theresia Barger, Anna McAllister, Lori Silvestri, David Schoemaker, Don Blume, Stephen Brong, Lisa and Glen Gray (their first PATC hike) and Jean Fraser met hike leader Michael Seth at the Food Lion in Elkton at 9:00.   We carpooled for the 12 minute drive to the trailhead. The weather was a fine break from the recent rains, sunny but not too humid, with temperatures in the upper seventies.  There was a lot of water in Boones Run making for a scenic hike along the series of cascades.  It also made the seven stream crossings which we had to do twice an interesting challenge.  Some people made all of the them with dry feet, some just waded across.  We made the 1200 foot climb up to Kaylor Knob doing a little clipping the first half of the way.  We saw some beautiful yellow fringe orchids along the trail and someone spotted the old CCC marker on the trail.  We had lunch at the top where the rather creepy can with a woman's ashes was no where to be found as in past hikes.  On an earlier hike, one person thought it was a geocache and put her hand inside, at least that didn't happen this time. We met several people on top from the Massanutten Resort, but there were the only ones we met that day.  After coming down the mountain we visited Boones Run Shelter where its maintainer, Jim Fye, gave us a little tour.  At the end of the hike we went to the swimming hole, eight people waded or plunged in; all reported that they were glad to have done so, the water was so refreshing cold. We got back to our cars shortly after 3:30.