2021 VA/WV Hiking/Caving High Adventure
After arriving at 10:30pm the night before, the boys prep a nice breakfast to fuel the planned 15 mile hike in West Virginia.
The other crew getting their food warmed up.
The forecasted clear skies and 40 degree temps didn’t pan out. Instead, as we approached the trailhead, the road was wet, snow falling around us, and temps in the high 20s. It was about 11am and James/Ben were concerned that if we hiked for a few hours, the sun would drop, the road would cool, and the wet roads would turn into icy roads. The adults made the executive decision to skip most of the trail, drive to the end parking lot, and do a short 1 mile hike to the summit. So at least we were able to say we visited the highest point in West Virginia, Spruce Knob.
Yeah, there was a lot of driving, but luckily we all fit in the 12 person van, so it was easy. Even though we were in the national quiet zone (look it up if you don’t know what that is), the boys were able to listen to music and zone out or sleep most of the drive.
With a free afternoon, we made a quick reservation for 4pm at Grand Caverns for an easy guided cave tour. Luckily the KOA has lot of things to entertain the boys while we waited for our opening, so they boys played all over and snacked up.
There was even a time for a couple card games.
Waiting for the tour to start and looking at historical items.
Some of the caverns.
Group shot at a major formation.
This is what the boys came for. Lester is giving the pre-cave orientation. Notice how clean the boys are (spoiler alert, it won’t last!)
Fun and Learning at Glade Cave with Wild GUYde Adventures, LLC, just outside of Harrisonburn VA.