GOING MOBILE

My October started with a business trip to Mobile, Alabama. I wasn’t really looking forward to the trip, but Mobile wasn’t really that bad. The highlight was going for a run one evening after work. Ten minutes of research on the city of Mobile’s website didn’t turn up anything in the way trails or greenways, so I headed over to the campus of South Alabama University. I figured there would be a pleasant, safe place to run there, and if I was really lucky I’d see some nice scenery!

I improvised a route around campus. The highlight of the run was circling a swampy lake full of cypress and lily pads. All along the lakeshore I kept passing side paths leading down to the water featuring signs warning me to beware of alligators and snakes. I’d say those signs covered pretty much everything except spiders, politicians, and strangers in windowless vans handing out candy. I guess the school figured those signs would be more effective than the usual “no trespassing” and “keep out”.

I reached another side path, which led to an old wooden boardwalk spanning the swamp. This one didn’t have a sign, although it did have a rusty chain blocking the entrance to the bridge. Most people would’ve taken that to mean that the bridge was closed, but I’m not most people. I hurdled the chain and galloped onto the boardwalk.

The bridge was a bit rickety, and it began to sway alarmingly once I got out in the middle of the lake. I tried to avoid thinking about what would happen if the whole thing collapsed. Alligators? Yeah, buddy. Reaching the far side was a relief. There, I found a pleasant sandy trail winding through the woods. I followed it until it was time to turn back. At that point I had no idea where I was. I had to return the same way, which meant braving the boardwalk one more time. This time I was treated to a lovely sight as the sun sank behind the cypress trees at the far end of the lake. It’s too bad I can’t carry my camera while running.

I made it home late Thursday night, which enabled me to escape for my weekend in Boone on Friday morning. This was a solo trip, as Christy had other commitments. I even left the dog behind on this occasion.

I headed for Blowing Rock late Friday morning, and stopped at Price Park to claim a campsite. I set up quickly, and then drove into Boone for lunch. Once that was accomplished, I had a few hours at my disposal. I decided to drive up to Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia for a short hike. It was October 8^th, and I figured that the highest elevations offered the best chance for early fall colors.

Traffic was horrible in Boone, but the driving improved once I made it to Ashe County. I headed straight for the state park, paid my $2 entrance fee, and made a beeline for Massie Gap. I parked there, with plans to hike along Wilburn Ridge to Rhododendron Gap. If time allowed, I thought I might even extend the hike up to Thomas Knob or even the summit of Mount Rogers.

I made lousy time from the beginning. I found some nice fall color just above Massie Gap and stopped for photos. Then I stumbled across the first of many groups of “wild” ponies. Before I started I’d sworn I wouldn’t take any pony pictures, but of course I couldn’t resist. By the time I finally started up the Appalachian Trail, just making it back from Rhododendron Gap before dark seemed like a stretch.

The hike up Wilburn Ridge was fantastic, as it was a beautiful, sunny fall day. The views back towards the high peaks of North Carolina were incredible. The only drawback was the rocky footing on this stretch of trail, which made for a slow hike.

I reached Rhododendron Gap a bit later, and climbed up onto a large rock outcrop at the north end of the gap. There is a great view of the mountains to the north from here, but everything in that direction was still green. I had a quick snack there before heading back. On my return, I took the Wilburn Ridge Trail instead of the A.T. for a bit of variety. The views were even better from the top of the ridge, but the footing was even worse.

I reached the top of the hill overlooking Massie Gap shortly before sunset. I took photos there for an hour or so, taking advantage of the evening light. Afterwards, I drove back to Boone, where I had dinner at a sports bar before heading back to the campground.

Back to Virginia

Back to Hiking and Backpacking Trip Reports

Home

Please remember to Leave No Trace!