While sitting around having a few too many IPA’s around my dining room table, we came to the realization that we hadn’t set up a tent since last year in the George Washington National Forest. So what did we do? We got too many some more beer, loaded up the trucks, and dusted off the iPad to head out and run a few roads we’d been meaning to check out.
Traveling from Northern Virginia pretty much requires you to pass the city of Strasburg, and any time we’re leaving early in the morning, Christina’s Cafe is our go to spot for some breakfast and even a beer before 10 AM. So naturally this is a much better rendezvous spot for us considering the Sheetz in Haymarket will make you crap your pants is under construction, and driving all the way to Harrisonburg by yourself can get a little lonely.
After a big breakfast, morning drink, and some quick planning, we hit the road and started heading south towards the North River Ranger District. Along the way we made a slight detour to check out Old Hill Cider and the Showalter Orchard and Greenhouse (they are on the same property). They had a great variety of hard ciders, some beautiful scenery, and it was a perfect pit stop since it was also right off our main route. We also had the opportunity to take what will go down as one of the greatest photos of all time which we’ve titled: 3 bro’s, 3 trucks, and 3 SLR’s.
With it getting close to 2 PM we decided it was time to stop having so much fun, so we started heading west towards Fulks Run to hit some trail. After an hour and a half down some winding forest roads with some beautiful scenery, we came up to a great camp site that I’d previously spotted during another trip. It placed us close to the creek and far enough off the main road to keep us away from any other wandering trucks. We only saw 2 other rigs during the entire trip, and this is one of the features we love about the areas further away from Flag Pole. You don’t have to deal with all the idiots.
Once we setup camp, gathered firewood, and started prepping dinner, we broke out the beers. While we were planning the trip I decided I would bring all of the food, Cabell would bring the jerky and sweet tea, and Tony would just bring the beers. Let’s just say this guy doesn’t mess around when it comes to bringing the beer, and he stuffed an entire fridge full of some of the best IPA’s money can buy.
After we started getting into Tony’s beer fridge, things got a little hazy. At one point I barrel rolled down a hill through poison ivy and stinging nettle. That was awesome. I also decided it would be a good idea to wash myself off after with a dip into the creek. It was cold. We also ate some jambalaya/gumbo, apparently it was delicious. That’s about all I recall, pretty sure my colleagues were on the same level, so next time I’ll make sure to take better notes.
Michael,
It was great meeting you and Mary. Kate and I had a great time with you guys. Hopefully we can catch up sometime in the not-to-distant future. Keep an eye out here for the FJ Summit article, as well as Moab. Cheers!
My wife Mary and I had the pleasure of meeting Tony and Kate in Moab, outside the Arches National Park visitor center. Both having come from the FJ Summit in Ouray, CO a few days prior, it was our first trip to the Moab area.
We met the next morning after a night of heavier rain than we endured all week in Colorado (yes, in Moab), and had a great time running around Potash road, to just inside Canyonlands National Park (Shafer switchbacks were closed, and didn’t have enough time for White Rim. Maybe next time!)
After the run, it was back to town for some BBQ and brews. We reconvened in the evening, and got to know each other better under the stars. Tony seems to have earned a reputation for having an amazing IPA stash, and he was happy to share (I owe you a few brother!).
We really enjoyed our time in Moab, and it was made that much better by these two who share our sense of adventure. We hope to cross paths with you again. Until then, travel safely!
Cheers.
Michael and Mary Massong