Hiking and a glass of wine

I apologize for not getting this posted sooner, but here it goes. It looks like we have a critical mass to get a nice hike going. Here is what I proposed. Meeting places: 1. For those fellows in Richmond, we will meet at St. Mark’s Church (520 North Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220) at 9:00 am. We will leave St Marks at 9:15 and head west to Afton Mountain. I will drive and can take a couple guys with me. After that, we can divide up riders/drivers 2. We will meet at Afton Mountain (at the old gas station that sometimes has a tourist information tent in front. This is just south of I-64 and right beside the hotel). We will meet there and proceed down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the hiking trail. Hiking trail: I have found a nice section of the Appalachian Trail that begins about 13.5 miles south of the beginning of the parkway (where Rt 664 meets the BRP). We can park our cars there, find the trail and hike north. The trail will cross the BRP after a bit and continue on the western side of the mountain range. I propose this trail for many reasons, including: 1. It is an out and back hike so if someone isn’t feeling the hike, they can stop, rest and either head back, or wait for the rest of us to return and hike back with the group. 2. In my experience, it isn’t a highly popular section, so you won’t run into a lot of people on the trail—this may change, but I haven’t seen anyone on it yet. 3. I propose to walk up to a nice overlook that is an ideal photo opportunity. I think my profile has a picture of me standing on a nice outcropping I haven’t measured it, but I think the hike is about 5-6 miles total. It is also relatively flat (no switchbacks) so those of us who are not in climbing shape can do the hike without too much effort. We should be finished about 1:30 or so. For those of us heading back to Richmond, we can either head home, or stop at a local winery (Veritas is really nice), or a brewery (Devil’s Backbone Brewery is just down 664), to wet our whistles. Anyone who isn’t going to Richmond is welcome to join us as well. I have to be back in town by about 5 or so, so it will be a nice day, but not ALL day experience. To get a head count, if you are planning to join us, please let me know.