Return to the Tops of the States
I really did mean to stay with this blog. Truly I did. But here it is, fifteen months since the last entry! It is a good thing this was a running travelogue. After having revisited Mount Mitchell, Debbie and I headed northeast to a section of Virginia dear to her, but unknown to me. It was near North Carolina's northern border and the one-time home of my mentor, the late Earl Russel. He and his wife Mary had a Christmas Tree farm near Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's second highest peak. After revisiting the former favorite youth missions site of the youth of our church, we attempted to drive to the top of Whitetop. However, the road was too bad even in good weather. We settled for a great view south that included much of North Carolina toward the southern horizon.
And then it was off to visit the park dedicated to Mount Rogers, our fourth high point. After we were inside the park, though, we found that the peak was visible from only one road within the park. The picture above was taken by my wife with me in the foreground. I have cropped it so as to not offend anyone by that! Anyway, as one can see, the top is green and not very steep. We tried to hike to the top from a nice trail head near the Visitors' center only to stop a mere quarter mile up the gentle slope.
The trail crossed the Appalachian Trail, which goes from Maine to Georgia, and I had my picture taken ascending that trail towards the as yet unseen summit of Mt. Rogers. We found that the Mountain was home to some partial wild horses which we photographed. We joined other hikers and heard reports from the top by those on the way down. We also found out that there were equine tours to the top!
Perhaps someday we will return to ride a couple of horses to the top. I am sure the views on the way will be spectacular. If I remember correctly, the picture above was taken on the way out of the park. Our task was to get to Kentucky, a half a state away. The journey would prove an adventure in backwoods Appalachia.
