Sat, Mar 5 2011 - Black Rock Mountain State Park - All 4 Trails (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Clay White Participants: Clay White, Laura V, Jimmy

Write Up:
A force of ten battle-hardened hikers initially made preparations to assault the trails of Black Rock Mountain State Park, on Saturday, March 5, 2011.  But weather, the mightiest of all foes, reduced to three our number of willing soldiers.  Dutifully, we loaded our transport vehicle (a small blue Toyota) in the rain, and made way for the front lines.

The park ranger provided us with maps, seemingly unimpressed by our dedication to the cause, and undoubtedly content in her warm, dry visitor's center.  She smiled and returned to her paperwork and country music.

Adorned in foul weather battle gear, we initiated our descent into the forest.  With rain, and lots of it, trickling mountain streams expanded in both size and beauty.  All around, water cascaded through, around, and over diverse rock formations.  A thick mist shrouded the trees as the sounds of falling rain and rushing water remained ever-present.  A rare feeling of unity emerged, as the trail was ours - and ours alone.  Robbed of promised 80 mile vistas, we settled for those in our immediate presence, like ominous (and awesome) black mountains rising beyond the lake and stretching skyward through low-hanging gray clouds.

It was also a day for wisdom.  Jimmy decided it might be time to buy real hiking shoes.  Laura decided that an ivy leaf does not taste like ginger.  Clay decided his rain gear kept as much water in as it kept out.

After five trails, 12 miles, and lots of rain, we turned our thoughts to dry clothes and a warm restaurant.  A Mexican feast was enjoyed by all.

Clay White

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