Milestone Reached on VBWT Rock Castle Gorge Trail

 Submitted by Dottie Haley

Chapter member Garnett Hudson recently reached a personal milestone on one of our local Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trails.  Garnett graduated and certified as a SWPVMN in 2022.  He frequently visits many of our local trails but he established a long-term goal 25 years ago regarding his Rock Castle Trail hikes.  This journey began as a competition between him and his younger brother to see who could be the first to complete 100 hikes at Rock Castle.  Untimely surgery for Garnett allowed his brother to win but it was then that he set a new personal goal - 300 hikes over his lifetime.   Though his time to complete the walk has gotten a little longer over the years, he adjusted and held tight to his goal.  On November 15, 2023, he completed number 300.  And did I forget to mention that Garnett will celebrate his 78^th birthday this coming February?  Quite inspiring!

 

Photo by Dottie Haley: Progress was documented by making marks on his walking stick after each hike.  It took him four different sticks to record all 300.

He chose Rock Castle as his course due to its likeness to the Appalachian Trail.  Garnett always had a desire to complete the Appalachian Trail hike and although he has not completed it in its entirety, he has walked over 100 miles of the trail including three separate overnight stays. Rock Castle is a difficult 10.8-mile loop hike on the Sweet Mountain Laurel loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trails.  The terrain is rough and rocky and often quite steep.  Elevation during the hike spans 164 floors and requires around 27,000 steps to complete.  The scenery is diverse and includes deep woods alongside the rushing creek, tall rock formations and open pastures where you will need to watch your step to avoid the fresh cow piles.  Seasonal conditions add to complexity of the hike.  Fallen leaves, acorns and disguised patches of frozen ground are possible during the winter.  Garnett ended up making two trips to the ER over the years after hikes during which he suffered a fall. 

Photo by Dottie Haley: Garnett navigating the rocky trail during hike number 296

Photo by Garnett Hudson: The visitors center at Rocky Knob – a favorite spot to break for lunch

 

His most memorable walks were those where he had unique wildlife encounters.  He was able to watch an Otter catch and eat a fish.  Although it happened too quickly to get a picture, it was a once in a lifetime encounter.  During another hike, he observed a bear cub high up in a tree bellowing for his mother.  Knowing she would answer the call, he quickly moved on.   

 

Photo by Garnett Hudson: Frozen Waterfall

 

Photo by Garnett Hudson: Flame Azelea in bloom on the trail

 

When I inquired as to whether he would continue his walks now that his goal has been met, the answer was yes, but probably not as frequently.  I was curious as to whether becoming a VMN had impacted his hikes.  He commented that since becoming a VMN, he is more aware of litter that he sees on the trail and now picks it up as he goes.  He also now enjoys using the Merlin app to help identify birds.  He uses it when he walks but also enjoys birding from his deck at home.  He has used the app to identify as many as 27 different bird species in his backyard.  

There is nothing better than a walk in the woods on a nice day.  If Rock Castle doesn’t sound like the trail for you, we are blessed to have a wide variety of trails in our area to choose from.

·       For more information on the VBWT systems, click here Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.

·       If you would like to earn volunteer hours by adopting a VBWT, contact Dottie Haley (dottiehaley42@gmail.com).

·       For more information on the Merlin birding app, click here Merlin app