Thursday, September 18 – Boy has it been foggy each morning. We like to get an early start each day, especially days when we want to do a hike. If we waited for the fog to burn off, we wouldn’t be leaving until about 9:30. This is what it looked like this morning at about 8:30.
We decided to increase our hiking mileage today. We hiked one part of the New River Trail. When we planned the hike we didn't realize it was a former railroad route (Rails to Trails) making it a very easy hike on a smooth graded surface. This trail is accessible for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding. The entire trail is over 50 miles long. It begins in Pulaski, VA, and follows the New River to Galax, VA.
We began our hike at the Shot Tower Historic State Park. Built in 1807, it stands 75 feet tall. Beneath the base, is a lower shaft dropping an additional 75 feet to the river level. Hot lead was dropped from the top of the tower 150 feet to a large kettle of water at the bottom. The long fall was thought necessary to properly mold the lead into a perfectly round sphere. According to research and tax records, it was the first factory to mass-produce shot on American soil.
Back to the hike.... We followed a path around the Shot Tower to some stairs leading down to the trail. We hiked from the Shot Tower to Austinville, a distance of 3.6 miles and back for a total hike of 7.2 miles. As stated earlier, this is considered an easy hike, although we haven't hiked that far for several months so we had enough by the time we were finished.
There were mile markers along the trail, so it was interesting to clock, time and distance. We were surprised it took us 20 minutes to travel a mile. Three miles per hour. We were a little deflated, thinking we sped along at about 4 miles per hour....and that was on a FLAT surface....JEESH!
There is one neat tunnel we passed through and an abundance of beautiful scenery.
How do those tree grow like that?
We were happy to have the trail almost exclusively to ourselves. We only saw one bike rider and one additional hiker the entire morning.
Where we turned around.
By noon we returned to our car and were headed back to the campground.
One more day, here in Wytheville, VA and we have an interesting side trip planned. So check back and see where we are headed.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
The fog looks eerie and cool. I'd probably want to take that extra jacket along on that hike. At least this time of year you certainly don't have to worry about the crowds.
ReplyDeleteLove those old rail trails, and early morning fog here too.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived out here I rafted the New River a few times. What an experience that was. Really great rapids in the spring time. Jim and I might be able to cover a mile in an hour so I think you're doing great.
ReplyDeleteHow did we miss the Shot Tower? That's what I love about blogs, you don't need a Chamber of Commerce.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place to hike. We may get there next summer.
ReplyDeleteI'd say you hike faster than us as we travel about 25 minutes or more per mile... but heck we just aren't in a hurry
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely morning you had all to yourself. There's a beauty even in the fog...and watching it burn off.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty, pretty park. Aren't you glad to be out and about again?
ReplyDeleteBack in the day. . .long ago, I could do a mile in 15. . .I'll bet it would be closer to 30 now. . .hmmm. . .maybe I'll turn on the Map my Walk app and see. . .could very well be 45. . .LOL!
Loved your hike. . .
Back in high school 3 mph is what I traveled on the mile long walk to school. Today, I couldn't walk a mile unless my life depended on it and maybe not even then. I have a lot of work ahead of me to get back into shape. I wish I'd worked as hard at staying in shape as you did.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting park, will put it on the list.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! That was a terrific hike especially since you are just starting out again:) I would say 20 mins miles while hiking is a great pace. You have to remember that you are also taking photos and stopping just to enjoy the surroundings. Love the tunnel!
ReplyDeleteJohn and I had to laugh at your comment about the fog and your start time. One thing we aren't good at is leaving early. If we got out by 9:30 that would be a record. Now we may still be hiking at 5:00 but that works for me. We got to the trail at 11:00 today:)
Keep up the good workouts. Glad Paul isn't having any trouble:)
Added to the list.
ReplyDeleteLoved the information on the shot tower and how they went about making it.
ReplyDeleteMany times we have seen trees growing on rocks and said the same thing. It's incredible how they manage to do that!
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com
That was a great hike. I love the tower. that goes on my Pinterest list.
ReplyDeleteWe usually look at 20-minute miles so I think you both are doing great. It is just such a blessing that Paul is feeling good enough for a 7 mile hike.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen a similar shot tower in Dubuque Iowa but taller than the one you see in VA.
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