The 2008 annual backpacking trip was once again a huge success. We went once again to the Mt. Rogers recreational area near Damascus VA. We did a 17 mile section of the Appalachian Trail that is loaded with breath taking scenery and ample opportunities for peace and solitude. The attendees this year were Doug Jackson, Allen Lundy, Shawn Hess, Ryan Hess, Jeremy Root, Dan McElwee, Bruce Wullenweber, Jared Wullenweber, Pete Savard, Jared Mitchell, Jim Boroff, Jim Miller, Brandon Knisley and Mike. As always the trip was a blast. There's just an unexplainable freedom about getting away in the mountains. It was a blast getting to know everyone on the trip a little better. There's also something about 14 guys around a campfire loaded with trail mix and beef jerky and a different kind of freedom but here is not the place for that story... Some of the highlights of this years trip were the many encounters with wild horses. There are many in the area but it's a big area so timing is everything. We were extremely fortunate this year to see so many. We also took a little "detour" on the Wilburn Ridge trail this year. It's a 1 mile trail that parallels the AT but goes over one of the tallest peaks in the area. While it was quite challenging to climb in full packs, it was well worth the extra effort. Except maybe for Dan who had some choice words for me at the top. :) One of our best experiences came not from the trip itself but from an unlikely couple we met along the way. One of our group was unable to complete the trip and this couple took him to their campsite while we finished our hike. The last morning when Doug and I hiked out to the road, much to our surprise, they came to pick us up and give us a ride back to the vans. You couldn't find nicer people in the world than our "trail angels". A big thanks to Doug for organizing another amazing trip.
After our rafting trip, another OAC friend, Denny took Allen repelling by the New River Gorge Bridge. Man was that scary! I had to lie down at the top and hold the camera out to take the pics and heights don't usually bother me. But that was straight down and wayyyy down. It was a very cool place for climbers and the kids had fun trying to climb up the rocks too. Besides the great cliffs, it has an awesome view of the gorge and bridge. I got my favorite picture of the bridge there too!
Allen surprised us with a rafting trip on Saturday! We went with friends from the OAC. Joe let us borrow his raft and take the kids down the river. Of course it was the Glade Creek section which is really tame, but they had a blast. To them it was some wild white water action on the New River! Allen and Michelle were in the back, Julie and I in the front, and six kids piled in the middle. It was the easiest rafting trip I've ever taken and so nice to just relax and not dig in or fear death like usual! Poor Allen missed a day of kayaking for it, but he had fun seeing them so happy.
The 2008 annual backpacking trip was once again a huge success. We went once again to the Mt. Rogers recreational area near Damascus VA. We did a 17 mile section of the Appalachian Trail that is loaded with breath taking scenery and ample opportunities for peace and solitude. The attendees this year were Doug Jackson, Allen Lundy, Shawn Hess, Ryan Hess, Jeremy Root, Dan McElwee, Bruce Wullenweber, Jared Wullenweber, Pete Savard, Jared Mitchell, Jim Boroff, Jim Miller, Brandon Knisley and Mike. As always the trip was a blast. There's just an unexplainable freedom about getting away in the mountains. It was a blast getting to know everyone on the trip a little better. There's also something about 14 guys around a campfire loaded with trail mix and beef jerky and a different kind of freedom but here is not the place for that story... Some of the highlights of this years trip were the many encounters with wild horses. There are many in the area but it's a big area so timing is everything. We were extremely fortunate this year to see so many. We also took a little "detour" on the Wilburn Ridge trail this year. It's a 1 mile trail that parallels the AT but goes over one of the tallest peaks in the area. While it was quite challenging to climb in full packs, it was well worth the extra effort. Except maybe for Dan who had some choice words for me at the top. :) One of our best experiences came not from the trip itself but from an unlikely couple we met along the way. One of our group was unable to complete the trip and this couple took him to their campsite while we finished our hike. The last morning when Doug and I hiked out to the road, much to our surprise, they came to pick us up and give us a ride back to the vans. You couldn't find nicer people in the world than our "trail angels". A big thanks to Doug for organizing another amazing trip.
