We have come here several times before, and each time, whether the weather is with us, whether time is short or long, Grindstone is a favorite place for a Road Toad to settle in for a few days. Up the Mount Rogers Trail this time, taking a longer day to enjoy the sights, off we went. The trail leads steadily upwards, nothing too severe, just a nice steady incline. Into the Wilderness area, traveling along tracks for TL traffic only (no bikes, 4 wheelers, or horses), this is a root and rocky trek. A hardwood forest predominates until you get about 3-4 miles in, where fir trees begin to take over the landscape. Ever upward, reaching for the Highlands. It is a beautiful hike, with few travelers encountered. Perfect for a days sojourn.
On other days I took my TL companions on shorter excursions – it’s important to keep the eyes open, the Leggs working, the ears listening. You never know what you may encounter. For these outings, it was mostly forest – bird song, a little sunshine, a little more wind, clouds, and smell of wet leaf and decaying forest detritus.
All a part of the grand cycle of seasons – all to be relished for what it has to offer in the grander scheme of the passing years. Do I wax philosophical? Perhaps. And perhaps, you too, will experience the same when next you walk a forest path in the coming winter.
Grey? Surely. Cold? A little. Boring? Never!
Rollin' with a Road Toad 