TRAILMARKER. Take a Trip to one of our Local Treasures this Spring like Stone Mountain. The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter.

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1 TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter MAY JUNE 2013 Since 1982 Volume 31 Number 3 Take a Trip to one of our Local Treasures this Spring like Stone Mountain Visit us on the Web

2 Page 4 of 16 About our Hike Rating System Our rating system provides a useful, general gauge of a hike s difficulty. It factors in distance and elevation gain and is intended to help you choose hikes that you will find most enjoyable. R0-R10 These are more walks than hikes. They re usually close to home, the trails are flat, and distances are generally short. An after-dinner walk around the block would be rated R1 or R2. Our Wednesday Night Walks are R5. R10-R20 Most of these hikes will be in the lower mountains and foothills. Distances will be about 5-8 miles, with vertical ranging from feet...not easy if you re new to hiking! Trails will be dirt and rock. As long as you re in moderately good shape, you should be able to enjoy the outing. R20-R30 Hikes in the low end of this range will be too hard and overly stressful for many new members. Plan on an all-day trip, with at least 4 hours of continuous hiking in rugged and steep terrain. At a minimum, be sure to pack two quarts of water, lunch, a snack, and rain gear. Outings Protocol Outings Inform the outing leader you are going to attend. Arrive early for the outing. If you carpool, reimburse your driver for driving costs. A suggested amount is $4.00 for each hour of driving. Always take snacks, lunch, water and rain gear. Bring extra clothes to change into after the outing. To keep vehicles clean and the air fresh, always carry something to hold muddy boots and sweaty clothes for the ride back from a hike. Your participation is at your own risk. Piedmont Enviromental Center Map R30-R40 These are strenuous hikes. They will usually be 10+ miles, with climbs of feet. They re appropriate only for those who have done a number of lower rated hikes. R40+ These hikes are usually 12 or more miles with 3000 feet or more of elevation gain. They re appropriate only for fit, experienced hikers. Check with hike leader about the trip if you are wanting to do this trip for the first time.

3 Outings Page 5 of 16 The Wednesday night Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening in the parking lot beside Tex & Shirley s at the Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a brisk walk before dinner. The group will have rotating leaders. The group will go to dinner after the walk. If bad weather cancels the walk, the group will still meet at 6:30 and go to dinner. Friday Sunday, May 3rd 5th Canoe/Kayak New River (Blacksburg Va. area) Join us for 2 days of paddling on the New River in an area PHOC has never paddled before. The New River in the Blacksburg vicinity is said to be VA s most outstanding scenery and river. It is often surrounded by high unspoiled cliffs. We will paddle different sections on Saturday and Sunday. Some folks may camp while others may utilize lodging options. Not a trip for beginners but novice and above will enjoy the river. Rentals can be arranged locally in the area. Contact Joel for more complete details. May 4, Saturday Linville Gorge Another great hard day in the Gorge - known as the Grand Canyon of the East. Today we will go down the Pine Gap Trail to the Linville Gorge Trail. We will then hike about eight rugged miles along the river up and over Babel Tower until we come out of the Gorge on the Conely Cove Trail. This is for experienced Saturday hikers only. Please call Ben for meeting place and time. Approx. 10 miles +/- 3000ft. R-50 May 4 Saturday Stone Mountain The initial part of the hike winds through some old woods on a soft, hilly trail. There are interesting artifacts, including a series of busted up stills. The trail brings us to the Lower Falls, for me the prettiest falls in the park. We will emerge onto the outer loop trail and continue up to the face of the Mountain, where there are often climbers moving toward the summit. From there we will pick up Wolf Rock Trail and take in the vistas from Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock. Returning to the Outer Loop Trail we will have the choice of viewing Stone Mountain Falls from the bottom of the falls, or heading directly back on the Lower Falls Trail and the original trail back to our cars. This gives us a moderate hike, and avoids steps going up or down stairs related to Stone Mountain or Stone Mountain Falls. There are three creek crossings. Keenes or other water shoes may be the best strategy, depending on the water level. Call John for meeting details. 10 miles R-22 May 5 Sunday Osprey Trail, This pretty 5 mile hike is not done very often because it is quite easy. For many, this is a virtue! The trail is made up of gentle hills with plenty of views of Lake Townsend. Parts of the trail bring a definite sense of being in the deep woods. Waterfowl are common. Once in a while the trail lives up to its name and we can watch an Osprey diving for fish. This is a perfect first hike with the club for camaraderie and a good long walk. If some in the group want more after we finish five miles and return to the parking lot, we can walk across the street to the Townsend Lake Trail and tack on as much as an additional eight miles. But today is really for those looking for an introduction to the club. 5 miles R 7. Directions: From Battleground Ave or Lawndale Avenue, go east on Pisgah Church Road, which turns into Lees Chapel Road. Very soon after the name change, turn left on Yanceyville Road, and go north for 2.1 miles. The parking area for the Osprey Trail is on the left. Please arrive at about 1:20 pm, so we can leave together at 1:30 pm. (If you come to the bridge crossing Lake Townsend, you have gone too far by about one quarter of a mile.)

4 Page 6 of 16 Outings May 6, Monday Power Walk, May 11, Saturday MST/Cedar Ridge Trails Stone Mountain and Doughton Parks We will walk 7 miles on the city greenway maintaining at least a 4 mph pace. Our objective is a good cardio workout. If you are working up to this pace, we will catch you on the way back since it will be an out and back. Please or call for time and location. May 11, Saturday Hour Walk plus Yoga Laurel Bluff trailhead For those who enjoy (or would like to try) yoga, meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Laurel Bluff trailhead, which is located on Lake Brandt Road on the right heading north, just before crossing the Lake Brandt dam. We will walk 30 minutes out the Laurel Bluff Trail, with modest elevation gains, then turn around and walk back to the trailhead. The walk will be at each individual s pace - some faster and some slower, depending on each individual s cardio needs, ability and preference. (Most will walk miles during the hour.) Returning to the trailhead, we will do 30 minutes of yoga, with emphasis on the body s core. Bring a yoga mat or large towel, and water. (Note: Terry, an attorney and PHOC member, has been a serious yoga practitioner for more than 15 years.) May 11, Saturday Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail to the Swinging Bridge This is my favorite very challenging (and beautiful) hike, with a most scenic lunch spot. Join me as we take the rough and rocky Profile Trail to the Grandfather Trail and all the way to the swinging bridge, and back. Yes...we will rock scramble, climb up and down THE chute, and hang on to cables and ladders. If this sounds like a fun day for you, contact Debby for details. Approx. R 50, 10 rugged miles. This hike will use the Mountains-to-Sea trail on the slopes of Green Mountain to connect beautiful trails at Stone Mountain and Doughton parks. The route from near the base of Stone Mountain up to the Blue Ridge Parkway will use the Widow s Creek trail and the MST, where we ll hope mountain laurels are in bloom. The stop for lunch will be at the parkway s Devil s Garden overlook. From there, the route will continue on the MST to Brinegar cabin at Doughton Park. The descent to Longbottom Road will be via Cedar Ridge trail another outstanding route for viewing mountain laurels. Drivers will participate in a shuttle between Stone Mountain and Doughton parks, but most of the cars will be awaiting the hikers at the Longbottom Road parking area. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Contact David if interested in this hike, preferably before Friday prior to the outing. (14 miles, 3500 feet, R49) May 12 Sunday New Hill, N.C. American Tobacco Trail Bike Ride The trail is now open for 13.5 miles from our starting point. Riders can ride this entire section, out and back (27 miles), in about 3 hours. Slower riders can ride a portion and turn around wherever you would prefer. There are nice restrooms at the start point (milepost 0) and at another access point at milepost 5. However no water is available. The surface is partially paved, but mostly packed cinder. We ll meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. Contact Jim if you are coming and interested in a possible carpool or caravan. Directions to the trailhead: From Pittsboro, Jordan Lake, and points west, go east on U.S. 64 to the N.C. 751 light. Turn right, or south, go two miles to the gravel drive on the left, shortly after the Beaver Creek Bridge. See the blue Wake County Parks sign.

5 Outings Page 7 of 16 Monday, May 13 PHOC Monthly Meeting Jamestown, NC Please join us for our May meeting at the Piedmont Environment Center on Penny Road in Jamestown. Meet for fellowship, snacks and soft drinks at 7:00pm. At 7:30 a staff member from Great Outdoor Provision Co. will show members how to use a compass and a map. will probably not get back to until after dark. Contact George ( is best) if interested. Some prior backpacking experience is recommended. [Approximately fourteen miles in total with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain and 5,000 feet of elevation loss.] May 18, Saturday Stone Mountain State Park Friday, May 17 Dinner, Wasabi Japanese Restaurant Let s go to one of s best Japanese restaurants for some delicious hibachi/sushi/teriyaki fare. We ll meet at 6:30 p.m. at Wasabi, 4630 West Market Street. Please let me know if you will be attending by Wednesday, May 15th, so I can give the restaurant a heads up. Thanks! Today we will hike the Stone Mountain, Wolf Rock and Cedar rock trails in Stone Mountain State Park. These trails offer spectacular views of the park and the surrounding mountains. The hike will begin at the upper parking lot and trail head. Meet at Shoney s in and be ready to leave at 8:00 a.m. or meet us at the Jonestown Road exit off US 421 in Winston-Salem behind McDonald s at 8:30. A pleasant walk for experienced and new walkers alike. (7 miles, +/-1600 feet, R23) May 18-19, Saturday-Sunday Backpacking Trip Roan Highlands May 18, Saturday Doughton Park Loop This will be a moderately strenuous backpacking trip with wonderful mountain vistas if the weather cooperates. The mountains around this part of the AT are mostly bald affording unrestricted views of the surrounding hills and valleys. We will take the time to smell the roses on this trip. On Saturday we will leave a vehicle at Route 19E and shuttle to Carver s Gap at Roan Mountain. We will hike across Jane Bald and Round Bald on the AT and into the woods about six miles to our camp near the Yellow Mountain Barn. You may sleep in the barn if there is room but I prefer to tent camp outside. On Sunday we will hike about eight miles over Little Hump Mountain and (Big) Hump Mountain (both bald with great views) and then down a steep and sometimes rocky descent to Route 19E. We This will be a long, strenuous hike covering trails on Bluff Mountain. Fantastic views from the top of the ridge. Expect a good workout from this hike. Contact me for meeting details but please call if you are contacting me Friday p.m. [17 miles, 3500 feet elevation gain, R52]

6 Page 8 of 16 Outings Sunday, May 19th Canoe/Kayak Haw River Chicken Bridge to 15/501 May 25, Saturday Reedy Fork Laurel Bluff Loop Join us in a canoe/kayak trip down the popular Haw River near Pittsboro. The river portion is 6.5 miles and generally takes 3 hours. Not for beginners, it is a novice and above trip with a few interesting but not dangerous rapids. You will need to provide your own, borrowed or rented boat. Joel can help with transporting the boats. We will leave Shoney s at 10 A.M. Bring a picnic lunch. At the end of the trip, we will stop for dinner at the Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro. If you wish to forego dinner, I suspect you can be back by 5. If you plan to join or have questions, give Joel a call or . May 21, Tuesday Dinner-Bangkok Cafe, Join Nancy and I at 6:30 at our favorite Thai restaurant, The Bangkok Cafe at 1203 S. Holden Rd. (near Patterson Road intersection, across Holden from Arigato). We believe this Thai food rivals any you will find anywhere. Offering fresh ingredients and excellent preparation, along with reasonable pricing, I think you ll agree this is a place you ll come back to on a regular basis. The owner is a charming Thai lady whom you will find either out front seating the guests or back in the kitchen preparing your meal. There is limited seating so please contact John several days ahead so I can reserve enough tables. Let s meet at 8:00 a.m. and hike s Reedy Fork and Laurel Bluff watershed trails. Proceed north on Lake Brandt Road, past the Marina on the left, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park in the gravel parking lot on the right at the Reedy Fork Trailhead. [7.2 mi, R-12]. Saturday, May 25 Doughton Park Flat Rock and Grassy Gap Trails This is the perfect time of year to savor the deep woods and babbling streams of Doughton. The foliage will still be be young and tender, and the water warm to your toes if you decide to take off your boots to cross Basin Creek a couple of times (or more). For those of you who want to continue enjoying the companionship of your fellow hikers while recouping the many calories expended during the hike, Elkin offers several exciting opportunities. We will meet at Shoney s at 8:00 am. Please call Nicole and let her know you re coming. 13 miles, +/-2300 ft [R36] May 26, Sunday Owls Roost Loop Let s meet at 1:30 PM at the Wildlife Center in Bur Mil Park and hike the Owls Roost watershed trail to the Greenway, and then back again, using the Fire Lane trail for part of the return trip. Proceed North on 220, past Horse Pen Creek Rd on the left, then right at the traffic light at Owls Roost, and then left into Bur Mil Park. Bear right at the club house, park in the circular driveway at the bottom of the hill. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. [7 mi, R-11].

7 Outings Page 9 of 16 May 31-June 2 (Friday to Sunday) Kayak/Canoe/Camping New River State Park Saturday, June 1 Woody Ridge to Celo Knob Black Mountains Join us for an outing on the river at New River State Park near West Jefferson. To be flexible, you can join us for any of 3 scenarios: 1 - Camp Friday night at 221 Access Campground. Paddle 15 miles Saturday and camp at Allegheny Access Camp-ground. On Sunday, paddle 4 miles and return to by late afternoon. Please let us know if you plan to camp Friday night. We currently have three tent sites (18 people max.) reserved. 2 Meet us Saturday morning to do the rest of the trip. 3 Meet us Friday night or Saturday morning to boat 9 miles to Kings Creek Rd and return home Saturday evening. The trip is appropriate for novice and up. Call or for details. Saturday, June 1 NATIONAL TRAIL DAY Maintenance at Stone Mountain Park The Woody Ridge trail runs up the East side of Black Mountain where it intersects with the Black Mountain Crest trail at the top. We will hike up Woody Ridge, then proceed north on the Crest trail to Celo Knob. Then we will return to the top of the Woody Ridge trail where we will have lunch. After lunch we will descend back down Woody Ridge. The Woody Ridge trail is approximately 3 miles and the last mile or so is a very steep, slow pull. Fit hikers only, please. Drive time one-way is approximately 3 hours. There will be a Winston stop at Big Lots off I-40, a breakfast stop on the way out, and dinner on the way back. Please call for meeting time and place. [R-43, 9 Miles]. June 2 Sunday Galax to Fries Bike Ride New River Trail State Park Celebrate the annual National Trail Day and join other interested PHOC members and trail enthusiasts for a day of trail maintenance at Stone Mountain, one of our favorite state parks. We ll be working on erosion control on the Stone Mountain Loop Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, work gloves and eye protection. Bring water, lunch and a snack. All other tools and materials will be provided. If you are planning to participate and/or have any questions about carpooling, time, etc. contact John Furnas. Saturday, June 1 NATIONAL TRAIL DAY This year it appears the events regarding National Trail Day will be at Country Park instead of BurMil Park. When the details are finalized and as PHOC participation is decided upon, members will be notified by a broadcast . This will be a two-option, out-and-back ride at Virginia s New River Trail State Park one of the southeast s best rails-to-trails conversions. On the route from Galax to the small settlement of Fries, the riders doing the 35-mile option will cross 12 railroad trestles, including the 1089-foot Fries Junction Trestle, and pedal through the 193-foot Chestnut Creek Tunnel, the longest tunnel on the trail. Outing participants for whom the longer route is more strenuous than desired can opt for the 24- mile ride, proceed at a slower pace, and eat lunch at a riverside picnic area where Chestnut Creek meets the New River. Those riders will also experience the Chestnut Creek Tunnel and the Fries Junction Trestle. The long-ride group and the short-ride group should be back at the Galax parking area at approximately the same time. There is a nominal parking fee at Galax. The trail requires durable tires. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Individuals interested in this bike ride should contact David, preferably by noon on Friday before the outing.

8 Page 10 of 16 Outings June 3, Monday, Power Walk June 8, Saturday Grayson Highlands State Park Appalachian Trail through Rhododendron Gap We will walk 7 miles on the city greenway maintaining at least a 4 mph pace. Our objective is a good cardio workout. If you are working up to this pace, we will catch you on the way back since it will be an out and back. Please or call for time and location. Thursday, June 6 Positano s Restaurant Join me at 7:00 p.m. at Positano s at 2605 Lawndale Drive in for some authentic Italian food in this well established restaurant in the Target shopping center on Lawndale Drive. They offer an extensive menu with high quality food, including seafood, pizza and baked pasta favorites along with a full bar. This place isn t huge, so it would be helpful to give them a couple days notice with the number in our party. Please consider joining me. RSVP s requested a few days earlier. June is the month when the premier highlands area of Virginia makes its claim to being the best location in the Southern Appalachians for viewing rhododendrons. The hike will begin at Massie Gap, follow the northbound Appalachian Trail beyond Scales to the Pine Mountain trail, and pass through Rhododendron Gap before again intersecting with the Appalachian Trail. Near that point, hikers will be able to choose between scrambling on the rocky Wilburn Ridge trail or skirting the ridge via the Appalachian Trail on the way back to Massie Gap. The favorite stop for supper following this hike is Mis Arados, an excellent family-owned Mexican restaurant in Sparta. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Individuals interested in this outing should contact David, preferably by noon on Friday before the hike. (13 miles, 1800 feet, R35) June 9, Sunday Lake Townsend Loop Saturday June 8 Black Mountain Crest One of the best and hardest ridge line hikes in the East... the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Leaving from the visitor s parking lot atop Mt. Mitchell we will hike along the Crest Trail going down and back up infamous hills such as Big Tom and the dreaded Potato Hill. The strongest hikers may want to continue to Celo; however I am only going to Deep Gap. Even though this is in June please be prepared for chilly weather. Dinner afterwards will be hikers choice, probably either fast food or Fatz Café in Marion. Approximately 7 miles for Deep Gap or 11 for any Celo takers. Rating of 40 to 60. Please contact Ben for meeting place and times. Join us for a hike around part of Lake Townsend, using three of s watershed trails - Osprey, Blue Heron, and Peninsula. Let s meet at 1:00 PM at the Osprey Trail parking area on Yanceyville Road. The parking area is on the left traveling North, just before 4910 Yanceyville Rd. (Note: the parking area is about 0.25 miles South of the Townsend Trail trailhead). Bring water and snack [7.5 miles, R 11]. Call or us if you have questions.

9 Outings Page 11 of 16 Friday, June 14 Dinner Pieworks Pizza by Design Sunday, June 16 Gibson Park, Jamestown It s Friday night. Let s go out for a pizza! We ll meet at Pieworks, 1941 New Garden Road,, at 6:30 pm. The restaurant does not take reservations, but they are willing to do a call ahead for a group of up to twenty. Please let me know by Thursday evening if you plan to attend. Thanks! Meet at 1:30 p.m. at Gibson Park, off West Wendover Avenue (park is 3.1 miles west of I-40), at the parking lot at the end of the park road near the picnic shelters and restrooms. We will do a very pleasant 5-mile loop walk through the woods and on the greenway. R-6. June 15, Saturday Roan Mountain Friday, June 21 Dinner/Moonlight Belews Lake Enjoy stunning views studded with hot pink Rhodies and flaming orange azaleas at my favorite place in NC: the Roan Highlands. We ll shuttle cars to Carver s Gap, then hike the AT northbound, traversing three open balds, then descending through a wooded valley back to the cars at 19E. We ll be hiking in exposed areas at high elevations where the weather is unpredictable, so bring warm clothes and rain gear even if you think you won t need it. Hike is limited to 20 participants - call/ for meeting time. For added interest, consider reading Stand Up That Mountain by Jay Leutze prior to the hike - a very interesting read! [13.5 miles, +2150/-4650 feet R-44] Weather permitting lets meet at Village Pizza in Stokesdale at 6:30 for dinner. After dinner we will head out to enjoy a moon light paddle on Belews Lake. The restaurant is located at 8302 Belews Creek Road, Stokesdale, NC Those wishing only to paddle can meet us at Village Pizza at 7:30. Launce site will depend on how many paddle. You will need your boat, paddle, PFD and light stick or some other light source to have on your boat. Don t forget a change of dry clothing. Saturday, June 22 Rock Castle Gorge Woolwine, Va. June 15, Saturday Moses Cone Manor Trails, Blowing Rock This is a pretty hike. The carriage road trails are wide and have a gentle grade. If you don t feel up to doing the entire hike, it can be shortened. The loop will be about 6.25 miles on the Maze, Deer Park, and Duncan Rd. trails which will pass Bass Lake, the apple barn and Moses Cone Manor. The up and back trail to Flat Top Tower which is almost 6 mile RT has a short excursion to see the gravesites. Please or call for details. Bring lunch and plenty of water. 12 miles, R 26 Join me on a nearby club favorite in the Blue Ridge highlands hiking the Rock Castle Gorge loop. We will start out at the CC Camp off of Route 8. We will ascend the strenuous climb up onto the grassy highlands of the Blue ridge Parkway. We will have lunch at the old AT shelter. We will hike the ridge line for a few miles before descending into the gorge. There we will pass through a boulder field. We will then pass over and follow Rock Castle Creek to our cars. Please or call for meeting times and places. 11 miles, 2700 feet, R 38

10 Page 12 of 16 Outings Saturday, June 22 Lake Brandt Loop June 29, Saturday Lake Higgins Bald Eagle Trail Meet at 9:00 a.m. at s Burmil Park, at the end of the road near the Wildlife Center. We will walk around Lake Brandt, using the greenway, Piedmont Trail, and Nat Greene Trail. Lakeside and through the woods. Post-hike lunch is an option. Hope to see you. 8.3 miles, R 14. June 23, Sunday BurMil Park, Shelter No. 2 ANNUAL PIG PICKING Entertainment & Social Committee RSVP: Social@PiedmontHikingandOutingClub.org Join us at 2 p.m. for the club s annual pig picking. Famous Prissy Polly s BBQ and all fixings, trimmings & iced tea and soda- all provided by the club. Bring your favorite dessert to share. Bring a serving utensil for your dish. Bur-Mil Park regulations allow beer and wine in all shelters, but no glass containers are allowed so attendees who want to bring their own adult beverages should bear this in mind. Feel free to bring your camp chair. Enjoy fishing, swimming in the Bur-Mil pool, golf at the nearby driving range or par 3 course hiking, biking, cut throat bocce ball, volleyball and visiting with friends. Festivities and meal begin at 2:00 pm at Bur-Mil Park off of Owl s Roost Road in. Meet at shelter #2 on the left just past the swimming pool. Please RSVP by June 16 via above so we can get an accurate count; this is important for the club s budget. We had a great group and time at Spring Fling...let s do it again! For those who can t spare the time to hike in the mountains and still want to get some exercise, let s meet at 9:00 at the Bald Eagle trailhead. Drive out 220 (Battleground) past Bur Mill and the Lake Higgins water spill. Turn left on Hamburg Mill Rd. We will meet in the gravel parking lot just past the Lake Higgins Marina entrance on the left. This is an easy 7 mile hike. If anyone is interested, we might want to eat lunch at the NY Deli. (R 10) Saturday, June 29 Doughton Park Caudill Cabin Near Stone Mountain, history, beauty, and reflection on nature s power are on display on a 9.6 mile hike up and back Basin Cove to the Caudill Cabin. Described as the prettiest bottom land in the mountains, and home to numerous settler families, a devastating flood in 1916, resulting from the crossing of two tropical storms, destroyed this valley, leaving only ruins beside the creek, and, in a sheltered cove near the present day Blue Ridge Parkway, a sole surviving homestead, Caudill Cabin. If you like ruins, beauty, a chance to bathe or wade in crystal clear pools during summer s peak, and the challenge of 16 stream crossings each way, this should be a must visit some time in your club experience. The hike is steep but not oppressive, and the numerous stream crossings require care and a desire to get wet (hey -- it will be hot!). Hiking poles will help, bug spray is a good idea, and a camera would be a nice touch. An easy 85 miles to the trailhead off Longbottom Road in Surry County from Shoney s in, with an optional trip to a secret waterfall near Sparta and dining in Sparta or Elkin on the way home. We will meet at GSO Shoney s at 8:30 a.m., Winston Salem McDonald s on Jonestown Road at 9:00 a.m., or at the trailhead at 10:00. Please contact me if you plan to participate, need further information, or need directions to the trailhead. 9.6 miles R-33

11 Outings Page 13 of 16 Saturday, June 29 Canoe the New River Stay and camp if you like Sunday, June 30 River walk/dining Danville, VA It is time for another annual canoe trip on the south fork of the New River (North Carolina). We will leave Shoneys (I 40 & NC 68) at 7:30 a.m. As in the past our 10 mile paddle starts at Zaloo s Canoes. Midway we will stop for lunch at New River State Park. There you will find restrooms and drink machines. Zaloo will bus us back to Zaloo s and our cars where we can change clothes before heading to Mountain Air Steak and Seafood for dinner. Please me if you are going to paddle and or eat with us. For those who wish to rent a canoe call Zaloo s at (Last year s price $47.00 per boat w/ paddles and life jackets or $44 for a one man kayak.) If you have your own boat, we will work out a shuttle or pay Zaloo s for the service. We will not be stopping along the way to Zaloo s to insure we are there at 10:00 and on the water at 10:30. Bring water, drinks, food, rain gear and or sunscreen to carry on the river. Remember to have dry clothes to leave in the car. Join me for a 8-mile walk on a paved greenway that follows and is adjacent to the Dan River. This will be an out and back with a few detours along the way. Typical bottomland trees along the trail include curling-barked river birch, towering sycamore, wispy black willow and groves of box elder. Double-crested cormorant, osprey, mallards, heron, and basking turtles flourish along the river. Danville s rich history is apparent at many sites along the Riverwalk. The path provides views of the Wynne s Falls ferry crossing, the converted 1856 Southern Railway train bridge, the site of the famous Wreck of the Old 97, and fish weirs from Native American days. At the half way point we will take a quarter mile walk across the river on an old railroad bridge and stop here to refresh ourselves Meet at 10 a.m. beside McDonald s in the Lowe s Home Improvement store parking lot in on Cone Boulevard just off 29 North. Please me to let me know you will be participating or if you have questions. 8 miles, R-laxing.