While We Were Out

Written by Mike Webb (5/27/09)

Well, well – good to be back!  We missed you while we were out!  It’s hard to believe a month has gone by since our last chat.  So much has gone on – let’s catch up, shall we?

We have taken groups on three hikes:  Big Devil’s Staircase,

Rose River Falls (yeah, I know – again; as you can probably tell – I love that trail), and Mary’s Rock (longer version of a short trail this time).  We also took a group on our big camping weekend to Natural Bridge/VA Safari Park.

Big Devil’s Staircase:  Valerie and I had done this one once before but had to stop short of finishing it completely.  We had gotten a late start and darkness threatened to overtake us.  This time, we were determined to make the circuit, including the “old trail” alongside the creek.
First, let me explain the “old trail.”  Seems the “old trail” kept getting flooded out and washed away, so instead of constantly re-marking and blazing the “old trail,” it was just decided to eliminate the “old trail.”

I had read, on another hike sight, by a fellow hiker, that the old trail was easy to find, “awesome route finding skills,” or something along that line, were not needed to find the remainder of the trail.  Honestly, that was what I read.  Yeah, right.

Off we went, determined to conquer the entire trail, all 5+ miles of it.  We reached, and passed, the point we had turned back the first time.  So far, so good.  We reached the point where our map said to turn around because, and I quote, “beyond this point begins a steep descent and is not recommended.”  I drive for a living and I know there are times to follow directions to the “T” and times where you can improvise and take chances.  Trust me on this, unless you want to work real hard at your hike – TURN AROUND when the map tells you it’s not a good idea to proceed.

We pressed on, beginning the aforementioned “steep descent.” And it was.  We kept going in anticipation of the cool hike back up beside the flowing water to the waterfalls spotted in the canyon earlier.  Amazing what one will do for the sight of a waterfall.

We kept going – over a trail that had seen better maintenance days.  Some parts were leaf covered and disappeared, while other parts were blocked by downed trees.  By looking for the next blaze and a little off-roading, er, I mean off-trailing, we plodded ever onward.

We finally made it to the park boundary at the bottom of the mountain and the creek we would follow back to the top.  Or thought we would follow back to the top.

Now, I don’t know when the fella who said no outstanding navigation skills were necessary had last been this far, but it was quickly obvious that there was no trail.  I hiked about 150 yards up the stream to see if I could find any blaze markings or sign of an “old trail;” there was nothing to be seen.  Could we have found our way?  Pride says “YES!”  Did we?  No.

Did I mention we took our dogs again?  Note to everyone out there:  if you take a trail that’s labeled strenuous, don’t take an animal with you until you’ve had a chance to check the trail out.  You would think Valerie, after taking an unplanned bath the last time, would be especially sensitive to this, but alas, we don’t seem to have learned our lesson … but I digress.

We decided to turn around and take the sure way back.  Two problems with that plan.
1.  By this time we were well past the ½ way point of the original hike.  Our 5+ mile hike just turned into an 8+ mile hike.  That wasn’t the worst part though, because –
2.  That “steep descent” that wasn’t recommended now became a steep ascent that I don’t recommend.

We finally made it to the top and were completely worn out.  The worst part was, because we took longer than expected, we missed our traditional “triumphant hike” ice cream cone at our favorite spot:  Stonewall Abbey in Sperryville.

Remember that pride thing I mentioned earlier?  Because of it, there is one thing you can count on:  we’ll be back to Big Devil’s Staircase and we will conquer the “old trail.”

Next post:  we’ll get you up-to-date on the other two hikes and Natural Bridge trip.  Till then – get OutDoors and Meet Your Maker!