Earlier this week, Jamie and I realized that we had nothing planned for the long weekend. No weddings, no work (at that point -- but more on that later). That's when I suggested a camping trip! We had been watching the PBS documentaries on National Parks: America's Best Idea and I think we were both itching to get out there. When I first suggested it, I wasn't really thinking we would go. First, we had been planning to visit New York for a while now, and this weekend was looking like the only open one we had for a while. Second, it being a holiday weekend, it was going to be a busy camping weekend.
But then: I found out Jess was going to be out of town this weekend; an NPR piece mentioned how the leaves were already changing in West Virginia; and finally, there was a forecast for rain. It was done deal -- Jamie and I were going camping this weekend. As already established, rain is our friend and we figured that it would keep away the other campers on this holiday weekend.
I did a little research -- or rather, I looked up DC on Google Maps and zoomed out until I found a big green splotch to determine which place we would go. The closest (and most sizable) green splotch turned out to be Monongahela National Forest. Upon further research, it seemed to be the perfect choice -- not too far and off the beaten path.
We packed the packs and set off for West Virginia on a rainy Saturday morning. This camping trip was the best idea ever. Just look:
Yes, I did manipulate that picture...to put in the border. That is actually what the colors looked like!!! (Although, I did use my camera's foliage setting...but it's not too far off what it really looked like.)
The changing fall colors were really a surprise. After the NPR mention, I had thought...oh, maybe some of the trees were starting to change. No, when we got there they were in full-fledged peak season. I love the fact that I get to cheat nature out of two peak seasons since it hasn't even started over here in DC.
And of course, it cleared up once we started our hike.
We picked a loop that would take us along a river for the first day, and up into the meadows on the second. What I learned quickly was that "fording rivers" in the Fall, is preferable to "crossing streams" in the Spring. On our last backpacking trip, we crossed streams 15 times throughout the trip and ended up hiking with wet feet and frozen pants. I was fearing the worst when I read about fording these rivers. Jamie had warned me fording means that I could be up to my waist in this river. Yes, we had to cross the river a few times, but fortunately, doing so in the Fall means hopping across rocks. Socks stayed dry and Melissa stayed happy!
The trail took us up into different meadows on the mountainside which offered us INCREDIBLE views of the valley since there were no trees blocking the view. The mountains looked like a patchwork quilt with all of the changing leaves.
Somehow, both Jamie and I neglected to bring anything to keep time with. So we had no idea when we got up the second day, or how long we were hiking...we truly got absorbed into our hiking. We completed the 14 mile loop...got back to the car...and realized we were three hours later than we thought we were. So much for Jamie's Eagle Scout status...I'm sure he should have been able to tell what time it was by looking at the sun or at least fashion some kind of sun dial out of twigs.
I forgave him anyway. And now, the requisite Jamie and Melissa self-portrait. I know I look all timid in this picture, but the alternative was not an option...
