Humpback Rocks

Pete and I hiked up to Humpback Rocks yesterday after we lost our kickball game. It was an uphill hike to a great outcropping of rocks that provided a 340 degree view of the valley.
Original cabin


Original springhouse

View of the rocks

Zoom in - there are people up there





Does anyone know what would strip a tree of its bark the entire way up the tree? Its in smalls strips and doesn't look like a lightning strike.

Another trip to Carter Mountain Orchard

Pete and I returned to Carter Mountain Orchard to get more apples to make apple dumplings and two pumpkins to carve this week! We started off our day with Apple Cider Donuts hot and fresh from the ovens with some hot apple cider which burnt my tongue. We took the long way around the orchard and saw some interesting old buildings and machinery.

View of Charlottesville from the orchard

Old Hunting Lodge below the orchards


Beautiful Virginia Creeper vine

Old water truck


We took a short stroll on the Monticello Trail past a nice little pond with Canadian geese and an old tree that used to stand to the right of Monticello.

Crabtree Falls Video

Now you see what I see! Enjoy!

Weekend Adventures

Pete and I took a break from paddling and went for a few hikes this weekend. One to Hightop Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park, one onto the field at Scott Stadium at UVA and one to Crabtree Falls which many of my viewers probably remember hearing about on The Waltons. Oh, and we lost our 2nd kickball game of the fall season - we're now 1-1-0.

View from Hightop Mountain

Oak Tree on top of Hightop Mountain

Students rushing Harrison Field after UVA defeated undefeated Georgia Tech

Me on Harrison Field - after the chaos as many people got trampled on

What field?

Yet another enticing sign - At Crabtree Falls





Beautiful falls









The cave

Steps up... and lots of them.


View from the top

Continuation of the Rapidan River Float

Yesterday, Kristin, Patrick, Pete and I continued on the Rapidan River right below the dam where we stopped our float last weekend. I wanted to go over the dam but decided against it after feeling how brisk the water was. We saw a red fox, a mink, 2 snapping turtles, 3 raccoons and a gaggle of geese. The little town of Rapidan still looks the same as it did many years ago with not too much going on.
School House in Rapidan

Church in Rapidan

Rapidan River Mill Dam

Kristin framed by an overhanging tree

Our lunch stop rapid

Sycamore Tree

Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy already changing colors

Invasive Bamboo Forest

Snapping Turtles


Private bridge across a creek spilling into the Rapidan with bridge pier made of cribbing

2 More Rivers!

Pete, Iva, Trish, Kristin and I canoed/kayaked down the Robinson River to meet up with the Rapidan River for the finish of our float. I was able to add 2 new rivers to my list and the Robinson River was one of Pete's firsts too - he's done alot of rivers so this was a privilege. It was a brisk low 50's so no swimming, but it was a great float with the beginning of fall. I love this season!
Trees along Robinson River

Kristin kayaking down the Robinson

Robinson River views

Robinson River Private Access

Robinson River joining the Rapidan River which begins at Camp Hoover

Old Mill

Pete and I canoeing - someday I'll get this guy to smile for the camera