Took my son and nephew on a camp out last saturday. We parked at Atsion and hiked back to a spot not far from lower forge. The weather was perfect, sunny, cool ,and no bugs at all. I was really suprised at how dry it was. We spent some time out by Mannis duck pond and it was almost dry. I have never seen it so low.The ground was muddy and had this stange "bouncy" feel to it, our feet sank in about an inch but I could easily push a five foot long hiking stick into the mud all the way to it's top in places.
It was full of animal tracks though, we even found a set of bear track across the middle. In fact when we left I discovered that I had set my backpack down in a nice pile of bear scat. Luckily it was dry enough that it didn't stick. The night was cold and brightly lit by a nearly full moon. We built a very small fire and cooked hot dogs and marsmellows for dessert.
My son is only seven and he got a little scared when we heard some coyotes in the distance. This was his first camp out in the pines. I have had him out all over Virginia but the pines spooked him a little. I got up early enough to watch the sun rise. This is one of those times when I wish I had the writing skills to capture the moment.
It was foggy but the cedars were backlit with orange light and there was just enough autumn colors to catch the eye. It is amazing how fast the scene changes as the light grows stronger and the fog burns off. It was one of those moments that you feel like you want to be a part of the scene , remember every detail. A perfect pines moment. What a treasure The pine barrens are.
I said no bugs. I hiked in and out in shorts and actually got about ten chigger bites. A small price to pay for such a show.
It was full of animal tracks though, we even found a set of bear track across the middle. In fact when we left I discovered that I had set my backpack down in a nice pile of bear scat. Luckily it was dry enough that it didn't stick. The night was cold and brightly lit by a nearly full moon. We built a very small fire and cooked hot dogs and marsmellows for dessert.
My son is only seven and he got a little scared when we heard some coyotes in the distance. This was his first camp out in the pines. I have had him out all over Virginia but the pines spooked him a little. I got up early enough to watch the sun rise. This is one of those times when I wish I had the writing skills to capture the moment.
It was foggy but the cedars were backlit with orange light and there was just enough autumn colors to catch the eye. It is amazing how fast the scene changes as the light grows stronger and the fog burns off. It was one of those moments that you feel like you want to be a part of the scene , remember every detail. A perfect pines moment. What a treasure The pine barrens are.
I said no bugs. I hiked in and out in shorts and actually got about ten chigger bites. A small price to pay for such a show.
