Blogs from Jefferson National Forest, Virginia, United States, North America - page 3

Pics for May 17th North America » United States » Virginia » Jefferson National Forest By OD and CCs Long WalkMay 28th 2007En route to Trout Creek Primative Camp: Picking up our primative camp, the notorious Dragons's Tooth along with various snapshots of the flora around it.... read more

Happy Birthday to our daughter Joline. The night passed uneventfully. It was a bit cool as I popped my head out of the tent for the first time. I guess the cold settled in the river bottom. We were up by 6:45AM and on the trail at 8:30. We took our time with breakfast and packing. The trail designers were kind to us today. We left Dismal Creek Falls and headed for VA606 over a bunch of PUDS, but never more than 100' or so lost or climbed, but in total we lost 200' in two miles. Just after the road, we crossed Kimberling Creek on a beautiful suspension bridge near 200' long, some creek! From there we started up "Brushy Mountain." *** NOTE *** Over the next few days we will cross at least ... read more

Waken from a sound sleep again! About 11:30PM it sounded as if our tent was center court at an NBA game. Headlamps threw a kaleidoscope of ever changing shadows on all sides of the tent. Loud voices barked commands as some huge out of control train wreck of a camping group descended on the shelter and surrounding area. This ruckus continued for an hour and fifteen minutes as they settled in for the night. Once they were in bed all was quiet the remainder of the night. Sunlight was cresting the ridge around 6:30AM as I emerged from the tent. Elements of the 14th Mongolian Horde were also rising. Since retiring from the Army, I have become a kinder, gentler soul. For a brief moment that old crusty Ranger First Sergeant started out of his ... read more

Bears, rumors of bears, trail magic, near hike ending accident and more walking. Today was full of adventure. We took off from our dry camp near Wind Rock and headed down toward Salt Sulphur Turnpike (4,100'-3,900'). We stopped at the Bailey Gap shelter for a short break then back on the trail. About 15 minutes after the rest stop, I hit a stone at just the right angle and my left ankle gave way. There was a stabbing pain and feel of things tearing along with seeing a few real bright lights. I went down hard and had a real bad feeling about the fall. CC came running back with panic on her face. I took immediate action, removing the boot and applying some cold medicine to keep the swelling down then replaced the socks ... read more