Jone's Mountain Cabin is becoming an annual tradition for us. It's pretty close for most of us and the hike itself isn't too difficult. This hike is especially good for people that are thinking about backpacking as a hobby since you don't need a tent.
This trip included Joe, Heather, Pearson, Angie, Myself, Jillian, Ben, Sarah and Craig. It was the first time the last four went with us, although not necessarily their first time backpacking.
We arrived from different places (Woodbridge, Richmond, Baltimore and Winchester) but all showed up within about 45 minutes of each other. There was some tossing of the football, picture taking and testing waterproof boots in a huge puddle while we waited.
Ten minutes into the hike and starting to feel some sweat.
The trail starts off following along a nice creek and every time I see it I tell myself I'll be back for a day hike to sit on the rocks and enjoy a picnic... but I never do.
My girlfriend Jillian by the stream, river, creek... thing.
We had beautiful weather all weekend. It's unfortunate that what feels great while you're standing still doesn't always feel as nice when you're lugging a full pack up a steep incline at a decent pace. That's what layers are for right?
Pearson and Angie wondering why we keep stopping.
After the hill from hell we came around a turn and standing right next to the trail was a deer. Pearson and I were whispering and taking pictures but as more people caught up we realized that the deer didn't care about us at all. It barely moved until Jillian went in for a close up. Even then it just jogged off a little distance and kept foraging through the leaves.
Bambi, all grow'd up.
Before we knew it we'd crested the ridge and the cabin was in sight. We noticed that a trail crew had come through recently and there were large piles of cut wood all around. This made it much easier on Heather who seems to be our number one log finder on most trips.
Our humble abode.
One of the cool things about staying at Jone's Mountain Cabin is being able to relax. Rocking chairs, a nice porch, water nearby and no traffic jams make it easy to kick your feet up and chill. However, I think I'm ADHD so after 15 minutes of that I decided to dig out a little pool for water to collect. I figured it would be nice for folks staying at the cabin in the middle of the summer. It also served as a nice spot to chill our drinks.
Joe and Heather looking relaxed.
On Saturday we got up and headed out for a day hike up to Bear Church Rocks. The hike was pretty short but the overlook had a lot of space to lay out and doze off. We hung out for a while, climbed around like mountain goats and then headed back to the cabin.
What?! More hills?!
Ultimate relaxation.
Heather flexing over the valley.
The crew on the rocks, sunning ourselves like a pack of snakes.
Back at the cabin we decided to chop up some firewood. We started by rolling big sections down the hill. More than a few zipped right on by the cabin and went crashing into the stream below. It was fun to do/watch but only made our work more difficult having to haul wet logs up the hill. All was going well until someone cough*Pearson*cough decided to bust the head off the maul. We'd already cut plenty but I think we were having fun.
Craig, the mighty axe smith.
Quartering wood is a good way to test your manhood.
Sunday morning we got up early, ate breakfast and headed out. Gravity did most of the work down the mountain and in no time we were back at our cars and driving away. Another successful trip with no serious injury or animal mauling.
From Left: Angie, Pearson, Jillian, Me, Joe, Craig, Heather, Sarah, Ben
This trip included Joe, Heather, Pearson, Angie, Myself, Jillian, Ben, Sarah and Craig. It was the first time the last four went with us, although not necessarily their first time backpacking.
We arrived from different places (Woodbridge, Richmond, Baltimore and Winchester) but all showed up within about 45 minutes of each other. There was some tossing of the football, picture taking and testing waterproof boots in a huge puddle while we waited.
Ten minutes into the hike and starting to feel some sweat. The trail starts off following along a nice creek and every time I see it I tell myself I'll be back for a day hike to sit on the rocks and enjoy a picnic... but I never do.
My girlfriend Jillian by the stream, river, creek... thing.We had beautiful weather all weekend. It's unfortunate that what feels great while you're standing still doesn't always feel as nice when you're lugging a full pack up a steep incline at a decent pace. That's what layers are for right?
Pearson and Angie wondering why we keep stopping.After the hill from hell we came around a turn and standing right next to the trail was a deer. Pearson and I were whispering and taking pictures but as more people caught up we realized that the deer didn't care about us at all. It barely moved until Jillian went in for a close up. Even then it just jogged off a little distance and kept foraging through the leaves.
Bambi, all grow'd up.Before we knew it we'd crested the ridge and the cabin was in sight. We noticed that a trail crew had come through recently and there were large piles of cut wood all around. This made it much easier on Heather who seems to be our number one log finder on most trips.
Our humble abode. One of the cool things about staying at Jone's Mountain Cabin is being able to relax. Rocking chairs, a nice porch, water nearby and no traffic jams make it easy to kick your feet up and chill. However, I think I'm ADHD so after 15 minutes of that I decided to dig out a little pool for water to collect. I figured it would be nice for folks staying at the cabin in the middle of the summer. It also served as a nice spot to chill our drinks.
Joe and Heather looking relaxed.On Saturday we got up and headed out for a day hike up to Bear Church Rocks. The hike was pretty short but the overlook had a lot of space to lay out and doze off. We hung out for a while, climbed around like mountain goats and then headed back to the cabin.
What?! More hills?!
Ultimate relaxation.
Heather flexing over the valley. 
The crew on the rocks, sunning ourselves like a pack of snakes.Back at the cabin we decided to chop up some firewood. We started by rolling big sections down the hill. More than a few zipped right on by the cabin and went crashing into the stream below. It was fun to do/watch but only made our work more difficult having to haul wet logs up the hill. All was going well until someone cough*Pearson*cough decided to bust the head off the maul. We'd already cut plenty but I think we were having fun.
Craig, the mighty axe smith.
Quartering wood is a good way to test your manhood. Sunday morning we got up early, ate breakfast and headed out. Gravity did most of the work down the mountain and in no time we were back at our cars and driving away. Another successful trip with no serious injury or animal mauling.
From Left: Angie, Pearson, Jillian, Me, Joe, Craig, Heather, Sarah, Ben