It absolutely poured Saturday night. I was awakened by thunder and lightning several times throughout the night. I got up at 7, but it was still coming down. I retrieved a pop tart from my pack and got everything together in the tent. Just when I thought I’d have to break camp in the rain the storm ended. What a blessing. I got everything in the car and headed out a little after 8.
The drive out followed a long dirt road. Once again I was treated to a lot of wildlife. First there was a deer. Then a flock of turkeys. Then another deer. Then some more turkeys. Then there was a skunk, and another deer. This all happened in about 5 miles. Later I’d pass several more deer. I was getting nervous though because they were hard to spot in the morning fog. I finally reached the highway and headed for Staunton.
I had originally planned to hike the North Mountain Trail in Virginia. It features several balds along the ridge. However, the weather looked threatening. Eventually I decided to take the safe route and do a valley hike. I did pass the trailhead for the Ramsey’s Draft wilderness. However, I’d heard that the ancient hemlocks there were dying due to an infestation of an imported bug. Plus, it would be a 9 mile hike, with lots of creek crossings that would be tricky after the heavy rain. I didn’t really have that much time. However, I had purchased a map of the St. Mary’s wilderness some years ago which I had never used. That area was right off the highway. I reached the trailhead at 11:30 and headed up the old railroad grade under heavy skies.
The rocky trail followed the river and forded it 3 times. The water was fairly low, but the rocks were slippery, and I managed to dunk each boot once. I followed the river up into the gorge, with sheer rock walls above me. I reached St. Mary’s falls around 12:30, just in time for lunch. The falls were only about 12’ high, but were still very appealing. There was a deep swimming hole, but it didn’t seem like a great day for swimming. I relaxed for awhile before hiking back. I saw a few people along the way, but mostly I had a couple of hours of quiet before getting back on the highway. The 4 mile hike was a great way to stretch the legs and take a break from driving. I’m sorry that I missed out on the North Mountain Trail, but perhaps I’ll get back there another day.
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Please remember to Leave No Trace!