A Missed Meeting.. But a Beautiful Hike Nonetheless
My best friend and I haven't seen each other in years. However, that hasn't hurt our friendship. We've been best friends since elementary school. Months can go by without us talking and we can pick up the phone and it's like no time has passed. However, I get sad when I think about how long it's been since we've seen each other. If I remember correctly, I think it's been four years. Is that possible? Where does the time go? So, when she called and said she was going to be up the road in Nelson County, Virginia, I jumped at the chance to meet her there. She and her family wanted to do a little hiking, and I told her about one of my favorite hikes here in Virginia called Crabtree Falls. We agreed we would meet up and do this one together! However, like the saying goes; "fail to plan, plan to fail".. that's exactly what happened.
We set the date and time we would meet and off we went. We decided to meet at the upper parking lot around noon. This was going to be fun!
It took my family and I about 2 hours to get to where we were headed, but we were prepared for the drive, and the long hike. We packed all sorts of snacks, juice cups, lunch and all sorts of clothing in case the weather got chilly. As we got closer to our destination, I started texting my friend to let her know we were on our way. However, that text barely made it to her. See, I didn't count on the fact that cell service would be spotty. Awesome. Now what? Well, I figured, she knew where to meet us, and once we get there, are will be well. However, that's not exactly how it went.
As we were driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we narrowly missed the access road to the parking lot. It's right off the road, but is hard to see if you're not looking for it. We turned on the rocky and windy road and I started to panic. I thought, this can't be right. So, we ended up turning around (not easy and not recommended) and headed back. Fortunately, there was a little market nearby where we could stop and ask directions. Yes, we were on the right road. "Just keep on going" they told us. So off we went - a second time.
The road up was a little sketchy, don't be driving fast on this road - because there really is only room for one car. It took us about 15 minutes to get to the top to the parking area. So when you think it's a road that will never end, just keep going! Once to the top, we were pleased to see a nice parking area with restrooms (thank goodness!)
Once there, I realized we were about 30 minutes late to meet my friend. I tried calling her, and guess what? No service. So we waited. I thought, maybe she missed the access road too? I texted her, hoping, PLEADING with my phone to send the message. Nothing. Well, I thought, no reason to just sit here - we might as well head on out, the girls were getting antsy.
We started along the trail and I figured we'd meet up with them at the falls?? My fingers were crossed. We meandered through the trail, and it is a spectacular hike if you ever get the chance to go. Many have argued that these falls are the most beautiful set of waterfalls in the state of Virginia. They are billed as the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. You can find more about the falls here.
We walked along the trail, and it was well maintained, and absolutely beautiful. We went at the end of October, and it was the perfect weather and time of year to go. The colors were spectacular, and the temperature was cool enough for a sweater, but never too cold that you needed a heavy jacket. When you reach the top of the falls after a 1.7 mile hike, there is a stone platform at the top that provides you with nice views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We just had to stop and enjoy the view. We had lunch on the top of a rocky slope that provided the perfect place to enjoy the nearly 360 degree mountain vista.
While eating lunch I glanced at my phone. I had service!!! I called my friend and we were able to chat for a few minutes. Turned out, she completely missed the access road to the parking lot and they ended up going to a nearby festival instead. I was so bummed. We were so close!! However, I didn't want my disappointment to ruin this moment I had with my family. The girls ended up having such a great time and were able to do the entire hike without too much of a meltdown on the way back. All in all, it was a memorable day and I figured my friend and I would try to meet up again soon. But next time, we'll be a little bit better at making those plans.
We set the date and time we would meet and off we went. We decided to meet at the upper parking lot around noon. This was going to be fun!
It took my family and I about 2 hours to get to where we were headed, but we were prepared for the drive, and the long hike. We packed all sorts of snacks, juice cups, lunch and all sorts of clothing in case the weather got chilly. As we got closer to our destination, I started texting my friend to let her know we were on our way. However, that text barely made it to her. See, I didn't count on the fact that cell service would be spotty. Awesome. Now what? Well, I figured, she knew where to meet us, and once we get there, are will be well. However, that's not exactly how it went.
As we were driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we narrowly missed the access road to the parking lot. It's right off the road, but is hard to see if you're not looking for it. We turned on the rocky and windy road and I started to panic. I thought, this can't be right. So, we ended up turning around (not easy and not recommended) and headed back. Fortunately, there was a little market nearby where we could stop and ask directions. Yes, we were on the right road. "Just keep on going" they told us. So off we went - a second time.
The road up was a little sketchy, don't be driving fast on this road - because there really is only room for one car. It took us about 15 minutes to get to the top to the parking area. So when you think it's a road that will never end, just keep going! Once to the top, we were pleased to see a nice parking area with restrooms (thank goodness!)
Once there, I realized we were about 30 minutes late to meet my friend. I tried calling her, and guess what? No service. So we waited. I thought, maybe she missed the access road too? I texted her, hoping, PLEADING with my phone to send the message. Nothing. Well, I thought, no reason to just sit here - we might as well head on out, the girls were getting antsy.
We started along the trail and I figured we'd meet up with them at the falls?? My fingers were crossed. We meandered through the trail, and it is a spectacular hike if you ever get the chance to go. Many have argued that these falls are the most beautiful set of waterfalls in the state of Virginia. They are billed as the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. You can find more about the falls here.
We walked along the trail, and it was well maintained, and absolutely beautiful. We went at the end of October, and it was the perfect weather and time of year to go. The colors were spectacular, and the temperature was cool enough for a sweater, but never too cold that you needed a heavy jacket. When you reach the top of the falls after a 1.7 mile hike, there is a stone platform at the top that provides you with nice views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We just had to stop and enjoy the view. We had lunch on the top of a rocky slope that provided the perfect place to enjoy the nearly 360 degree mountain vista.
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