Sunday, July 7, 2013

Hiking rocks!

Rocky trail and mountains make for beautiful views and waterfalls.  While a gorgeous view does not sooth ones knees at all, it does something to lift spirits that nothing else can.  (Though, if your brave enough to endure the cold water, a waterfall might help out sore joints.)
Dismal Falls is an absolutely gorgeous water fall, swimming hole, and fishing hole at mile marker 605.  On a hot day, the cold water is enough to make a weary hiker alive again.  This spot was perfect for camping (although we did not) and catching up with hikers that we had previously met on the trail.  A local fisherman pulled several trout out of the falls up to 8 inches long. 
One of the spectacular and underappreciated views of VA is known as Wind Rock.  This rock outcropping is at MM 660.  A small campsite with no water source is located with the summit.  This rock provided a spectacular view of the sunset and a great night's sleep.  When we woke up in the late morning and prepared our cowboy coffee, we all wanted one last look from the view.  Taking our time packing, we heard what sounded like large military jets.  Shortly after, we were treated with (and lucky to catch the glimpse) a quick fly-over by what looked like a F-16 (sorry, I have no idea if that was actually it) fighter jet.  Fully stocked and loaded.  These two jets were just above the tree line, riding the ridgeline.  It was and intense and exciting moment, just in time to get our adrenaline pumping.  This was the start of a week long ridge line run. 
For about a week, it seemed as though every time we descended, we ascended again to walk along another ridgeline.  Occasionally, you can look straight down on either side of you, literally on the tops of the mountains.  The most stunning experience was running along the top of the Eastern Continental Divide.  This meant that water flowing to the West of the mountain was bound for the Gulf of Mexico and water flowing to the east was bound for the Atlantic Ocean.  A due North view was a perfect 180 view with the sun setting in the West and the moon rising in the East.  The nerd in me still can't get over it. 
Shortly before reaching McKafee's Knob (one of the most well known spots on the trail), we conquered the Dragon's Tooth.  It was a long day.  The rocks of the tops of the mountains make every step alittle more tricky than the last.  The really, truly tricky part was that we reached the summit of the dragon's tooth just in time for sunset.  There is no water up there, and absolutely no suitable camping so a descent was still necessary... after dark.  We had no idea how long the hike would take us that day (it was highly understated in the guidebook).  So down we went.  In the dark, guided only by our headlamps, our group of about 5 hikers at the time began the scramble down the rocks.  It was about 2.3 miles of scooting, reaching, and climbing on the occasional rebar ladder step in place for the shorter hikers.  This would have been a blast without a pack and in the day time, but instead it turned into a test of focus and agility.  It was AWESOME! 
McKafee's Knob was great.  After the treacherous Dragon's Tooth, we expected much worse terrain than the day hiker ready, well maintained trail that we found.  None the less, 4.3 miles in the mountains in June, is still a hike worthy of the amazing view that we gained.  Enjoying the view after dark, we were just headed down the mountain, (much more prepared and without packs) when I heard a heavy drum overhead.  I grabbed the large groups attention and we were all stunned to see 22 C -130 Super Hercules military planes in a straight line headed due South.  Turns out it was the largest joint military exercise operation between the Air Force and Army ever and this was the largest formation of the super cargo carriers ever.  'Merica!!!!!!!!
Water has become a resource that we must plan for.  When we were in Georgia, water flowed freely and readily out of the rocks, cold and ready to drink.  Now, in Virginia and in the summer, any outdoor enthusiasts must plan for extra water usage and less water availability.  Even more, just about every water source in Virginia will require treatment of the water.  Iris and I were descending McKafee's Knob, a major landmark on the trail and in VA, when we saw a group of slack packers just about to the top.  The hike to the top is about a 4.3 miles one way.  It was mid June and hot when Mrs. Cindy and her young gentlemen passed us going up.  They had two empty water bottles and looked like they were ready to fall out from heat exhaustion.  We were almost off of the trail, and had just refilled our water bags.  We gave them what we had and they were more than grateful.  We found out that Mrs.Cindy's husband was in the middle of an expedition of another kind.  Bike Virginia is a group of bike enthusiasts that spend the majority of their days biking up and down the mountains.  It sounded like another great way to see the beauty of this state, while being able to shower every night... hmmm.  What killed us was the amount of day hikers we passed afterwards that had absolutely nothing going up that mountain!  I was reminded of the countless safety meetings last summer at work where all we spoke about was HYDRATION!   
Dismal Falls Waterfalls

 

ECD from the ridge


Audie Murphy Monument
Audie Murphy was a WWII veteran worth a Google

Dragon's Tooth from the road

McKafee Knob

A.T. photo 1 of 2 (gotta wait till  the end for the second)

This is Steelers Country


View from Wind Rock
Wind Rock

Wind Rock

4 comments:

  1. WOW!! I hang on every word. You put me there with you and Iris. The bear probably ate the food from the trail angels box. The snakes need to leave you'll alone. Thank you for blogging. May God keep all evil away and keep you both safe. Hope your friend you dedicated this to is better. Love you very much. xo mj

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  2. You'll are working for this. Not many people have the momentum to do such. Good on both of you. Step by step, mile by mile, to the top. See ya there. xo mj

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  3. Thank goodness the wind was not blowing hard. Now that I think about it. It must have been HELL O making a way to the top of those (what would you call them) rocks, cliffs, outreaches.
    Bless the trail angels. xo mj

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  4. Where are you at now? I want more posts! What happened to August?

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