..of 2011!!
I arrived Skyland over there on Windmill Gap Tuesday morning around 11.30. Donnie, Albert, Greg, and Reggie had been there since sometime Monday. They were out riding - and it was raining and blowing, and a bit on the cool side. Finding the Bunkhouse locked with no key in the customary places, I fell back on all those years of watching TV. I pulled out my company issued International Assistance Card. With a bit of coaxing, I eventually gained entry.
I unloaded and prepared the ATV for departure. As I was using my little blue funnel the fellas showed up cold and hungry. They recovered and the rain stopped. We left about 1PM and went over into Pocahontas country. Having received a new GPS for Christmas, and having the Magellan with me, I can't believe I left to go exploring without one. We did get to see Montcalm up close and personal. So no harm I guess. On the way in, the dark night sky was spitting something that bounced off the goggles. I'll leave comment on the detour for later. Although the others got in close to 80 miles, I managed a respectable 45 but no track.
Wednesday morning it was not raining but it was still cold and still snowing. 1 or 2 inches total maybe. AFTER MAKING SURE I had the GPS working, we took out for Mullens. I hadn't been there in a while and have been reading that trail 11 was getting nasty. Being designated the tour guide I figured I'd take them through Spider Creek. Be aware that the Red Rock Trail is now the Red Rock Expressway. It must be 30' wide and smoother than some paved roads. Well, at least to the logging landing that now offers additional options, of which only 1 is correct. I do know a new dead ender now. Trail 11, just before the Mullens trailhead, is a bit more exciting than it used to be. I understand the chatter on HF site now.
We did a splash and go at the BP and re-entered the system. It's not often on the trail that someone says "I gotta @*^# (make a stinky)" and someone answers "I know where a potty is". I showed the guys Vic Morrow Campground and much to Reggie's delight, the outhouse was still there. After, we proceeded to Tiny's on the old trail. We continued on the connector, and then towards Jake's. To show the location, I took them by Wild Willy’s. We were able to find a trail at the end of the road that put us on Indian Ridge. T13 to Windmill Gap Road and the day is done. It was right around 70 miles. I did get a track!
Thursday we spent the day exploring more of Pocahontas and had lunch in Bramwell. We did stop by and say hi to Charlie at Hillbilly Hideaway. He offered a swallow so we had one of two of those too. The Poco system is going to be nice. What would have made it nicer is leaving a few trees in the middle. The interior trails (for lack of a better term) are nice but not at all scenic. At least not right now. That should change as growth returns to the clear cut.
To keep the loop thing going, I got lucky and found that old piece of US52 that goes toward Maybuery. I say lucky because it’s now about 30’ wide and smoother than some paved roads. We connected back to I/R 80 just past the turn off for ‘The Little Feller’. The day was getting short but we thought a quick ride over to the Wheel and Pinnacle Campground was in order. That went well until Albert busted a rear axle on his Can Am. He was able to limp it back to camp. 65 miles.
All in all, it was a good trip. Not to cold, not to wet, and NO DUST!
Wed morning:
I/R:
Donnie resting at Tiny's:
I named her Tina this trip.
For Woodbutcher:
The reclaim looks good.
Repairs:
Subject: The Last Ride... 
Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:10 am
