Tar Jacket Ridge- George Washington National Forest

In an effort to keep the adventure buzz humming for spring break we loaded up the truck and headed to Amherst County and the GeorgeWashington National Forest for a weekend backpacking trip.

We have made Easter weekend a traditional jump off point for trips because of the elongated break it afforded us and this trip was no different in that it was designed around the idea of “getting away” from the hustle and bustle of normal work related stressors with the exception that this time our trip would have to be abbreviated due to prior work related responsibilities on my end. 

That being said, Ash had pre-planned and scouted a 15 mile “lollipop” route known as the “Tar Jacket Ridge” loop which is across the way from Mount Pleasant where we had previously backpacked in 2009.

The route map has specific detailed information about the hike & points of interest
~ Thanks Ash~

So once the logistics of packing and food prep were done in between work schedules, we were on our way.

Ramsey shows her enthusiasm for the hike  

The beginning of the hike starts off mellow enough in a vast green meadow at the foot of the first real climb just off of the forest road that you park on.  

Several primitive campsites dot the area and are readily accessible to car camping and backpackers alike with the Appalachian Trail meandering through the open field.

It didn’t take us log to be reminded that we were backpacking in the mountains as a short climb opened up to a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks; Mount Pleasant, Cardinal, Friar, and Little Friar to name a few.    

The trail then snaked it’s way back down hill switch backing into the forest and across one of several forest development/ fire roads that we would crisscross along the way.

This particular section was a mix of large rocks & boulders interspersed with thickets of thorns, so we identified few camp sites along the way.

The trail then opened up into large areas of mixed hardwoods and pine forests with little to no underbrush again with limited sites for camping because of the significant pitch of the land.

After 6 miles of steady hiking we came across a beautiful camp site nestled between two small creeks.

The site had a small fire ring in a flat area adjacent to a massive rock with a huge decayed tree growing from it making for a prominent focal point. 

A few hours later we were drinking Horton Eclipse red wine near a crackling camp fire as the sun slowly dipped behind the wooded hills.

The forecast called for seasonable temps and clear skies with a pronounced dip in the mercury at night, and I would suspect that it got into the 30’s but as anyone who has backpacked can attest to; the answer to the most common question of; “How can you stand to be out there in the cold”, is explained by the fact that a two person tent when paired with quality down sleeping bags can create a rather pleasant interior environment of 50 to 60 degrees for world class sleeping arrangements( sans the fact that our two pups haven’t quite grown accustomed to sleeping outside with  the cacophony of unusual sounds that go along with the backcountry in the stillness of the night).    

Once the dogs settled in our K-9 wrestle-fest turned into snoozing and we “slept in” to allow the morning chill to subside.

After several cups of Starbucks instant coffee packs (backpacking godsend) and some filtered water from the stream we were on our way towards the “Seeley Woodworth” shelter and our turn around point to head back.

Up one ridge and down the other we went, on & on through the woods.

We covered 6 miles on the first day and decided to press on for the second covering just over 9 miles to complete the circuit.   

Solitude abounded on this hike, granted we saw several backpackers and hikers along the way, but we would go for hours at a time without crossing into another human’s path.   

The jingling of the dog’s leashes kept wildlife at bay as we saw limited animals on our trek; although we did receive a serenade by what we believe was a winter wren at our campsite by the boulder & stream.       

To get away, to get in your car and just go, to make a plan and stick to that plan, to put perceived obligations on the shelf if only for a while, to go somewhere that manages to transport you even further, to places that make you feel further away than you actual are, the search continues…  

  
 Stephen

Return to the Highlands

“Spring Break 2011” marked our 6^th backpacking trip to the Grayson Highlands/ Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.



 

We would ultimately spend 4 days in the backcountry as we traveled in and out of designated wilderness areas via multiple trails systems and spur trails with the Appalachian Trail being the most recognized among them.

Our outing would see us cover 17 miles of trail as it twisted through varying terrain including the Grayson area “high country” and the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest that blankets Mount Roger’s peak.

While each of our excursions into the Highlands has been a unique experience unto themselves, we resolved from the beginning that all of our trips to the Highlands would be centered on the experience of being “in” the Highlands and not to simply transverse them.

That being said, the point of this trip, or of the previous ones for that matter, has never been to travel as far as possible at a frenetic pace in the vein of “Ultra light backpacking”.

We always travel “heavy” with our pack weights tipping the scales at an estimated 30 to 35 pounds.

                          

We packed in wine, because frankly there is nothing more awe inspiring than to toast one another in the vast openness of the Highlands, or as this trip would dictate from the confines of our MSR “Hubba Hubba” as we sought shelter from both high winds on one evening to spitting skies and encroaching darkness on another.

My wife carried items that you might find on a gourmet menu, like her smoked salmon with tomato sauce over sweet potato gnocchi, a meal which was so rudely interrupted by the alpha male pony who I engaged in a staring and posturing contest with as my food grew cold.


The wild ponies of the Highlands

In other words, we bring items that we feel enhance the experience.
Could we exist for days on Cliff bars? Sure, but then that’s not the point.

It’s still primitive wilderness camping, and as such we filtered water out of mountain streams and springs that crisscrossed the trail, and built camp fires for warmth and “back country ambiance”.

Filtering water at one of many springs that dot the AT

The MSR by the camp fire light on our 3rd night

The Highlands never fail to impress with their erratic weather patterns, and this trip was no exception in that it brought sunshine, which would ultimately yield to howling winds that spawned bands of heavy rain.

This place can go from unlimited visibility to fog so thick that you could cut it with Bear Grylls’ survival knife in a matter of minutes.

Into the mist as we move towards Mount Rogers

It can be quite intense, and this particular trip gave us one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever experienced.

One of those profound instances where everything comes together and Mother Nature reveals some of her most majestic attributes in a subtle acknowledgement to the wayward traveler.

 

We made a point to summit Mount Rogers on this trip, which is something we had woefully omitted on past outings and as we meandered towards the peak we passed many gorgeous camp sites on the “AT” prior to the spur trail which leads to the top of Virginia.

Through thickening fog and periodic rain bans we made our way into the canopy of firs that blanket Mount Rogers and conceal its peak.

The forest did not fail to impress.

After the trek up to Mount Rogers we made our way back down and across Wilburn Ridge to a secluded site nestled beneath a group of pines just off of Spring Trail which doesn’t appear to get the same amount of foot or hoof traffic as the primary routes as it is a “path to nowhere” that fades into obscurity with the scenery a short way in, but the intrepid traveler will find a lively namesake spring amongst the rhododendron a few minutes’ walk from the campsite.



It is impossible for me to convey in words the vastness and indescribable beauty that we find in the Highlands and I can only imagine what others must feel when they travel to that special place in their own lives that reignites the fire that reminds us all of what is…(or is not) important.

It’s incredible that such a diverse and wild place exists only 5 hours from our home and no matter how many times we go it continues to goad us into exploring it further.



Turn the page...

"Of Pirates & Prestige" has added a new page!

The "Out There" page is a photo-journal of some of our backpacking/tent camping trips.

Each picture tells a story and serves as a reminder to "get out there".

Enjoy & get inspired to go explore.