An Exciting New Adventure

“Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive–it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be half so interesting if we know all about everything would it?” -- Anne Shirley

This past weekend I was in Abingdon, Virginia. I had completed the Creeper Trail the day before and was curious about what else was nearby. In an internet search of walking trails, I discovered Grayson Highlands State Park. This park is full of hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. I was intrigued. I did further research into the park and found out some really neat information. In 1974 ponies were brought to the park to help graze the balds. These areas are difficult to mow, and ponies were the perfect answer. Today there are 10-15 herds of wild ponies of various sizes. 

A visit to the park can result in pony sightings!! THAT little message had me! Early Saturday morning I drove through Damascus and then took a windy mountain road up the mountain. I chose to take a different route than the one the shuttles take to the Whitetop Station for the beginning of the Creeper Trail. My road was curvier, narrower, and sometimes dirt; I loved it! When I finally arrived at Grayson Highlands State Park, which is very near Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak, the park was shrouded in a thick fog. I was not deterred. I decided to hike some forest trails while I waited for the fog to clear. I walked the Twin Pinnacles Trail which is not too strenuous and is a little less than 1.5 miles. It would have had some amazing views if it weren't for the heavy fog which was not dissipating at all. When I completed the trail, I visited the visitor center. There I learned that chances of seeing any of the ponies were very slim due to the fog which was expected to stay around all day. 

I decided to make it like a treasure hunt. I headed over to Massie Gap, where I would find the trailhead for the Rhododendron Trail. This trail crosses the Appalachian Trail, and I had read that this was the most likely area for seeing ponies. I headed out on the trail, passing many disappointed people heading back in. Whenever I started to feel discouraged, I reminded myself that the experience itself was fun; I was on new ground, in a place I'd never been in. (I know, you're right; I really wanted to see a pony.)

About the time I gave myself a 15 minute time limit before turning around and heading back, I heard a noise over to my left. Looking through the still dense fog, I saw it -- a pony! I was so excited! The rule is that people are not to get closer to the ponies than 150 feet, so I crept closer, but not too close. I got some great pictures, especially when that gorgeous pony lifted up his head and looked at me, before calmly continuing to graze. 

I felt like I had indeed found a treasure, and not just with the pony sighting. I have found a new place to visit. There are so many more trails there that I want to walk on. There's even a waterfall. And there are many more ponies yet to see. I can't wait to return but will probably wait until spring. Hooray, a trip to look forward to. Below are a few other shots I took on my hike. I've also included a link to the park site so you can learn a little more about it. Isn't it such an interesting world?

Grayson Highlands State Park

Virginia Creeper Trail (Times Two)

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." -- John Muir

Over the past few weeks, I have been blessed to be able to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail twice. For the first time ever, I went with friends. I had such a great time; we laughed the entire time. Neither of them had been before, so it was fun to be able to show them all the beautiful photo-ops along the way and to introduce them to all the wonders of this magnificent ride through the woods across and along the river that runs down the mountain. 

We spent the night in Wytheville and ate at Graze on Main. We all three had something different and all enjoyed our meals. We also had fun browsing the open stores along Main Street. The following day we visited Wytheville's Farmers Market (not that impressive) and Wytheville's Goodwill Store (impressive). We tried to go out a little ways from town and pick apples at a farm, but they no longer allow people to pick. We did buy some apples and got to see a surprise friend in a pasture beside the road. 

On the way back to Greensboro, we took our time and decided to stop wherever we wanted. We stopped in Hillsville, Virginia at an exit off of I-77. It was a really good market. All three of us made purchases. It would definitely be a worthy stop if you are ever on 77 south of Wytheville. We decided to stop for lunch in Mt. Airy and ate at the old drugstore. It is family owned and operated and a lot of fun. It was also nice to walk up and down the busy street in Mt. Airy, stopping at antique stores and candy shops. Overall we had a terrific weekend, and the trail now has two new enthusiasts!

Then... I got to visit the trail again! The leaves had not turned much when we were there, so I went ahead and made a reservation for two weeks out, hoping for some more color on my return visit. I had another very enjoyable ride, this time by myself. Due to the hot weather and lack of rain, the leaves weren't much more colorful. I didn't mind though. I even walked on a short nature trail before I arrived in Damascus. The trail is right off of Hwy. 91. It runs beside Laurel Creek and is a little over two miles round trip. I got some good pictures of the creek there.

I stayed in Abingdon on this trip, but before I left Damascus I ate a late lunch at the Old Mill Restaurant. It was delicious and not terribly expensive. Even nicer was that I got to eat right next to the water. I highly recommend it!

I stayed at a small local hotel in Abingdon, nothing impressive. I believe in saving money on hotels when I am only staying one night. As long as it's safe, clean, and has a comfortable bed I'm happy. I went on a new adventure the next morning but will save that for my next post. You'll want to read it, because it's something really neat. I'll try to post soon.