Blacksburg, VA (VT)

Kate and Micheal graciously let us stay with them in Blacksburg. They recommended hiking the Dragon's Tooth section of the Appalachian Trail. True to its name the summit is a series of jagged rocks jutting out of the soil like dragon teeth. This was also our first encounter with VT people. They are everywhere and they wear school colors and logos all the time. My theory is that the Orange and Maroon color scheme keeps them safe during hunting season.

While Saturday morning washed out our mountain bike plans, the afternoon was perfect for testing four wheel drive in our trucks. Micheal chose a trail up by Mountain Lake, the film location for Dirty Dancing. In 2008, the lake level dropped significantly, revealing the body of man who drowned in 1921. The level is still very low. The dock and gazebo are high and dry. That can't be good for business.

The 4x4 trail follows a ridge line and parallels the Appalachian Trail at its start. A viewpoint overlooks the forested valleys below. Hard packed rocky soil makes for a sustainable off road experience. We cruised down two track gravel paths and picked our way through rocky descents. The puddles were well established. One of them; headlight deep. We both pulled through, Mike in his Lexus Land Cruiser and I in my Jeep. And we didn't have to use the winch.

Pic 15.56.36

Sunday did permit a mountain bike ride. Kate chose a loop of rolling single track, easy climbs, and fast descents. At speed, it felt like we were weaving our way through the forest. While we were out, Micheal took Liam and Corbin on the easy trails down to the Lake.

We ended the weekend with a relaxing cookout at Kate and Michael's. It was great to catch up with old friends.