That evening we explored the nearby pedestrian mall in Charlottesville. After a terrific breakfast the next morning, Adam transported us to Swift Run Gap where we began our intended 40-mile hike on the AT. The trail was well-marked and we started hiking up a significant incline, walking through a lovely forest of oak, basswood, and tulip trees, with goosefoot maple and sassafras present as common understory trees.
The rhododendrons were just starting to blossom. Many of the trillium had already bloomed, but we saw many at the height of their bloom.
During our first day we were entirely surrounded by forest and were unable to see any views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that we were hiking through. By late afternoon we reached Lewis Mountain Cabins, where we had booked a cabin for the night.
DAY 2: Lewis Mountrain Cabins to Big Meadow. The next morning, soon after leaving the cabin, we hiked through a vast field of ferns covering the forest floor. Along the trail interesting saprophytes were just emerging above ground.
After several miles we came to one of the AT shelters that are located at intervals along the trail. These are used by hardy Thru-Hikers who are attempting to hike the entire 600+ mile long AT, which runs from Georgia to Maine.
For most of the hike, as on the first day, we were hiking underneath forest canopy.We did come to a few overlooks where we could stop and briefly rest, and get a sense of the Blue Ridge Mountains that we were hiking through.
The trail was well-marked with white blaze paint markings, located at intervals on rocks or trees.
As we were nearing Big Meadows we took a diversionary trail (marked by blue markings) to Lewis Waterfalls. This involved a descent on a rocky trail down to the waterfall (hiking poles came in handy), a brief stay at the waterfall, and they a fairly steep ascent up another rocky path. We stopped to watch a black bear and her cut and then got caught in a thunderstorm, so that when we finally arrived at Big Meadows Lodge we were soaking wet (the adventurous unknowns of hiking!). We celebrated our arrival with alcoholic beverages in the bar followed by a nice dinner in the dining room. We had heard about blackberry ice cream pie, and so ordered one serving which we shared. Except for the once brief heavy rain shower, we had perfect hiking weather (low 70's temperatures and a nice breeze) during our 4-day hike.
DAY 3: Big Meadow to Skyland. The hike began under the forests canopy, often with extensive areas of ferns on the forest floor or a variety of blooming flowers along the trail. I was very happy to find a beautiful patch of the rarely seen Yellow Lady Slipper's orchid in full bloom.
On this section of the AT we could choose to stop at several different overlooks which afforded lovely views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah valley.
DAY 4: Skyland to Thornton Gap. The last 10 miles of our hike looked like it might be a piece of cake, but with quite a lot of up and down on an achy right knee, it proved quite a challenge. However, seeing our fourth black bear, this one only about 12 feet from the trail, made the hike worth doing.
We were picked up by our shuttle driver at Thornton Gap at the prearranged time of 4 pm, and driven back to our B and B in Charlottesville. The following morning we visited the Rotunda at the nearby University of Virginia. The Rotunda was designed by Thomas Jefferson as a seat of learning. Today the Rotunda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though more challenging than I had anticipated the hike was a positive experience, facilitated by dramatic forest and mountain scenery, interesting plants and animals encountered along the way, clement weather, and wonderful hiking companions.
Breathtaking! Serene!
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