Rain, rain and more rain. Nothing new for Dolly Sods in September, but this time it was enough to drive us off the mountain before breakfast
.As Jeff stood in the pouring rain in front of his camp stove on Saturday morning the question was posed: Stay or run for it? Easy. We high-tailed it to the cars and through driving rain and dense fog made out way to Canaan Valley for breakfast.
Click on the photos below for a larger image.
John Kulp and Dan Walker pose for the camera.
Though wet and cloudy, the rain had let up when we reached the Valley. We ate at Amelia's next to the airport and all had a hearty, and dry, breakfast.
After breakfast Natasha and Betsy were lounging in the sun on the deck of the resteraunt when some old geezer came up and grabbed 'em!
I grabbed Jeff and Natasha's camera for a shot. My timing was perfect!
Johnny, Mike, Dan and Betsy take advantage of the sun knowing it would not last.
After breakfast we split up: Jeff, Natasha and Betsy went to Mountain Made in Davis. Dan, John and Mike went to Seneca rocks where the rest of the gang was to meet us later.
The Rocks were socked in as the heavy rain and low clouds continued.
After spending some time at the Visitors center we had decided to head to a local store for some vittles. About that time the Davis contingent returned.
A slightly less cloudy look at the rocks. There were climbers, but only a few.
Cornelian Cherry at the Visitors Center.
Raindrops on Redbud leaves.
There was quite a lot of goldenrod in bloom. This one was covered with some kind of critter.
Since it was still pouring rain, we had out lunch in the visitors center - compliments of Dan.
Betsy, Natasha and Jeff dry their not to waterproof parkas over the air vents.
A soggy Dan back up on the Sods.
This mushroom came up overnight along the trail to our campsite. By Sunday morning it was about 8" across.
When we arrived at the Camp site John and Linda were there and ready for the weather. They were busy putting up our dining shelter.
Finally - out of the rain!
We managed to get fire going by using and old Boy Scout trick - gasoline.
John and Linda had brought everything needed for a nice dinner.
John, Dan and Natasha relax before dinner.
What a feast! Salmon, asparagus, potato salad, garden salad and cake with berries and whipped cream for dessert. Now, that, is a tough act to follow!
DIG IN!!
You would never know we were up on the Sods!
Thanks, John and Linda for a fab dinner.
The next morning, after pouring all night, the rain let up just long enough for Jeff to cook us a nice breakfast of flapjacks and sausage after which we packed up the gear said our good byes.
Hugs and kisses all around!
The cast of characters:
Linda, John, Mike, Dan, Johnny, Natasha, Jeff and Betsy.
Hat's off to Jeff for getting us together for another memorable weekend!