cathieandrandy

Trip Miles to Date: 115

On Saturday we hiked across the Shenandoah Valley under cloudy skies. A detour to the Handy Mart, a good place for a decent burger, and some more snacks! The store clerks were friendly, as was everyone in the valley. Driving by, no one failed to wave at us. We checked the newspaper and talked to locals for a weather report. Seems a nor’easter was due to arrive in the afternoon, and overnight dump inches of rain, with probable flooding in the area.

“Troublesome, troublesome” is an oft used quote from a friend and professional colleague. We left a voice mail message at the vacation home of our friends Will and Robin in nearby Fort Valley. Will was planning on picking us up on Sunday at Elizabeth’s Furnace, near Front Royal.

Later, high on Doll’s Ridge we tried our cell phone one more time to reach Will and did! He regretted having missed us before, and offered to come get us, since the weather forecast was pretty lousy. But, we figured: “we’re back in the woods, we can manage, and we’ll see you tomorrow at noon.”

Down the hill and into the next valley we met Ken and Terry, day hikers, who also warned us about the weather coming in. That did it! What we know from past experience: Take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself!

“Okay, would you guys give us a lift out of here?” They did.

Back out on the highway, we called Will and he came to get us. So, we bailed on our last night, in favor of a hot shower, a bed, and Will’s spaghetti dinner. Thank you, thank you - to Ken and Terry for the ride, and to Will (and to Robin, absent but missed) for the hospitality. As things turned out, this was the prudent thing to do, watching the rain fall and the water rise in Passage Creek.