Spruce Knob ... 05/06/00

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Country Roads ...

Like Katahdin, this was my third attempt up this mountain. This time I was met with success.

The journey started hot and muggy and would get more so as the day wore on. I began my climb off Spruce Knob Rd. at about 2800 ft. This is a fairly easy climb (9 miles RT with 2000 ft. el gain) The first mile or so follows a gentle but steady incline along a jeep trail.

It was a beautiful and delightful walk. Summer exists in the valleys in early May here, but it is still feels like a month or two earlier on the upper slopes. My hike allowed me to witness the transformation step by glorious step.

Copperhead Road

Once on the ridge, the hike settles into to a very gradual climb. Over 4 miles, I bet the total climb is probably 500 feet. Every now and then you emerge into a "bald" area of grass and shrubbery with vistas. Spruce trees abound. I had the trail to myself save for this little creature who poked out of the brush long enough to say "hello". He was about 2 feet long.

On Top

Haze and humidity obscurred the view the day I claimed this peak. I was content at least with the relative solitude I experienced that day. Only a handful of other people (all drivers) milled about on top with me. The weather was pleasant: mid 70's under hazy sun.

Into the Maw of the Beast

After my hike I saw sights that verify West Virginia's claim of being "Wild and Wonderful." A few miles west of Spruce Knob, I happened upon a group of spelunkers who were preparing to explore and underground river. I tagged along with wide-eyed curiousity.

The River Styx ?

My jaw dropped open when I saw the entrance to the cave but I was totally floored once I broke the threshold and ventured into the subterranian world. But without a helmet, headlamp or wetsuit however, I wasn't going far. Hades can wait!

Nonetheless I waded in the ice-cold water about 100 feet to snap this photo. At the first bend in the river, where the inky blackness swallowed up the party of spelunkers whom I was trailing, I could proceed no futher. I heard them for quite some time as they splashed around in the dark and mysterious recesses of the cavern. I even hiked around to the exit of the cave to greet thier return from the underworld. The outflow this cave has an equally impressive entrance. What an an astonishing experience. I shall return!