2-28-06
Start: Laneville, WV
Destination: Blackwater Falls, WV
Miles: 12
Weather: Nice! Blue skies!
The title for today is "BIF" because too many times to count, that's what I heard behind me when mom fell on her butt in the snow. Each time she was laughing, except for the last few -- I think she started getting very frustrated at the end. But thankfully the falls were very soft because of the 6" of snow. So, there were no injuries. It's only fair that I admit that I fell a couple of times, too. :) It's funny how fast you go down with a backpack on your back! But if you do it right, you land that first, and you can use it to break the fall. Mom and I have that down to an art after today!
The trail we were on was gorgeous - a section of the Allegheny Trail. At times it looked like we were walking through a tunnel of green - I think they are rhododendrons. And with the snow and a few beams of sunlight, it was very picturesque.
But while hiking, the snow was deceiving, making the trail appear smooth and easy to walk on. Every step proved different. There were rocks we'd slide back and forth on, thin ice to break through, and holes to fall in. We probably looked completely drunk trying to walk that trail! But it really was a fun day.
We hoped to make it about another 5 miles to a camp shelter, but just as it grew dark, we landed in front of the Blackwater Falls Lodge. I contemplated asking if we could camp for free in the yard. But with the snow on the ground and a ton of warm rooms right there, the temptation took hold, and we found ourselves with a key in hand.
We were actually going to hike into the dark. But our trail is actually in the woods -- a blazed trail, and we figured we'd miss a blaze in the dark or something and really end up in a pickle. With all that added up, the lodge was the obvious choice.
We have a re-supply box waiting for us at the Parsons P.O., and we're hoping to make the 17.7 miles ASAP tomorrow to get it before they close. So it will be an early day tomorrow. Gotta get some sleep! Next to healthy feet, I'm finding a good night's sleep is crucial if I want a really good hiking day. :)
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