The forecast this weekend was pretty miserable. I know, let’s go hike Old Rag!
Why not, better than sitting inside looking out the window and hoping for the sun.
I think I may have mentioned in my last write up of the biking outing that it rained a little. Well, up and down Old Rag we went yesterday and we were again accompanied by our friend Mr. Rain. You now when you have a friend come and stay “just one night” and they’re still in your house after a month, well good old Mr. Rain seems to be that guy right now.
We met bright and early in McLean and then headed out to Old Rag. As we approached the mountain I noticed the very low cloud level and it suddenly dawned on me that the beautiful views you normally get at the top might not happen today.
We arrived at the parking lot, unloaded from the cars and assembled all ready to go. Charlie led the usual and normally slightly comical count off and we had our 16 scouts plus special guest Tyler (friend of Jordon C.) with us.
As we headed up the road to the trail head we knew 4.5 miles uphill was ahead of us. We trudged up the first three miles in the trees and then the fun started. Up and down, around and over rocks we went. The boys were like sprightly mountain goats hopping ever further towards the summit. Some of us older folks were taking it at a much more leisurely pace. We all eventually made it to the top and rested for about 20 minutes eating our sandwiches
Not that I should highlight a slight error Mr. Forrer made but I will. Being prepared is what we teach the boys. Making your sandwiches the night before and popping them in the refrigerator is a great example of being prepared. Getting to the top of the mountain and realizing that they are still in the refrigerator is a sure sign of old age and not quite closing the loop in the being prepared cycle!
Now about those views. When it’s sunny up the top the views are stunning. But today was a different experience, but still good. The clouds moved in and out as the wind blew leaving us with some truly spectacular views as they nestled in valleys, snaked around the rocky peaks and cradled the granite boulders like only mother nature can.
After our lunch, we pottered off the backside of the mountain, hit the fire road and headed back to the cars. The rain began to come down a little harder but we were back in the trees so it didn’t really affect us that much.
Ice creams were had in Warrenton and after a yucky drive back in the pouring rain we unloaded passengers and were home by 4 p.m. An overall damp, but great day was had by all.
Congrats to all that came on this hike. It is one of the most beautiful we’ll do but also one of the hardest. I’m sure there are some aching limbs this morning, but as I sit here typing this in the office all I want to do is get back outside!
See tomorrow for the last installment of Aaron and the bicycle.
MWS
PS: Pictures are up … www.troop1916.com/photos-1