Virginia Appalachian Trail: Backpack Reeds Gap to Rockfish Gap

If you have someone who is willing to drop you off and pick you up, the Appalachian Trail in Virginia between Reeds Gap and Rockfish Gap is a great three day, no-rush hike. Reeds Gap and Rockfish Gap trailheads are right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, so they are easy to find and this section of the AT has great views, but it is no easy stroll - pack lite and get ready for some serious hills!

Note: We usually get a chance to take this trip in the summer, so please pay attention to the weather and pack accordingly. This description is for a July/August hike and the temperatures were in the 80s during the day and 60s at night. During this time of year, rain showers are always a possibility and during our most recent trip it rained off and on every day, so this will also affect your packing list. But remember, embrace the weather and love the rain - you're on the AT, everyone smells. 

Reeds Gap trail head is located where HWY 664 intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway and that area of Virginia is in Nelson County. Nelson County has some fantastic craft breweries and wineries - there is a cider house and a meadery down there too, so before you start hiking, you might want to think about spending some time on Route 151, or Nelson 151. My husband and I always meander our way down to the trail head and get a solid meal and a local beer in preparation for three days of trail food, extra carbs, right?!

This section of the AT is less than 20-miles, so we totally realize that thru-hikers knock it out in a day, but for us, this hike is about getting outside, so we do not rush it and we take every side trail. On day #1 we usually get on the trail late afternoon and put in about 4 miles of hiking. This trek has almost NO flat section, so we're going about 2 miles an hour. The ups are pretty brutal and you take the downs slow. During these first 4 miles you'll get to experience the Three Ridges Overlook and Cedar Cliffs where you get some of the best views of the Virginia hills (and the exposed rock outcroppings in this section are a stark contrast to all the green). Note: if you cannot get someone to pick you up/drop you off, there is a Three Ridges Loop that might interest you because you can leave your car.

Camp day #1 is just off the trail because that's the only option. We prefer hammocks on the AT vs. a tent because:

1. they are light,
2. they are quick to put up/pack up, 
3. they are more comfy, and 
4. they dry faster. 

Plus, you are not lacking in trees and there are plenty of areas right off the trail to stop for the night. Remember you are in bear country (black bears), so we always pack rope to hang our packs. Here is is a great site for some extra AT safety tips.
Day #2 is when we put in the most hiking and our goal is the Paul C. Wolfe Shelter, about 10 more miles. On this section you get a fantastic side trail to Humpback Rocks that overlooks the whole valley and you can even see the Wintergreen Ski Resort. Bear Spring is a nice spot for a breather and a water refill. Note: this section of the trail does not have much water, so we usually bring 3 liters each in CamelBaks. And don't forget your water filter + purification system (we have a Katadyn Hiker microfilter, but there are many to choose from). The Paul C. Wolfe Shelter is located on a beautiful, rushing (and cold!) stream and has plenty of room to spread out and relax. The Shelter is also at a lower elevation, so you're going relatively downhill and it is a nice spot to meet and talk to other hikers - it just says "stop here and rest a while." Because we sleep in hammocks we do not set up camp in the shelter, but if you have a tent or a sleeping pad there are top and bottom bunking sections.

** Warning about shelters: there are mice! You would be amazed how much a little mouse can destroy your pack or clothes. **

Day #3 is a five mile trek to Rockfish Gap where we finish up our trip. You gain back some elevation on this section and this is where we usually see (or hear) bears. You are in pretty thick forest and past the rock outcrops by this point. On one trip, my husband counted NINE bears between the Shelter and Rockfish Gap, but we have never had any issues.

North or southbound, this section of the AT is definitely worth checking out - have fun!

Pack List

SUMMER List:

• hiking shoes/boots (my hubby is a minimalist and wears Vibrams and I prefer trail running shoes to boots, but it's your choice)
• sandals for camp (I just strap my Tevas to my pack)
• 1 set breathable clothes for the day (we usually hike in athletic shorts and synthetic shirts and wear the same stuff every day, NO cotton)
• extra pair of clothes for camp/night 
• pack (I LOVE my Deuter) + rain cover
• water (we each set up 3 liter CamelBaks in our packs)
• purification system + filter
• food (for three days we do not bring anything hot, so no stove = less weight)
• rain jacket/gear (we usually do not even bother, but this is a personal preference as well)
• hammock + fly/rope (because it will rain and you want to stay dry while sleeping)
• extra rope to hang our packs
• first aid kit
• pocket knife/tool
• flint/matches
• sewing repair kit
• minimal toiletries + trowel
• head lamp

Trail Type:

Point-to-Point

Distance:

20 Miles (+ as many side trails as you want to take)

 You really cannot beat the views on this part of the AT!

Follow the white markings...

I Make Some Damn Good Pies #3: Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie Recipe Inside!

It's already been established that I love pie, so here are some fun pie facts before my next recipe:

1. Pies have (apparently) been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians.
2. Traditionally, pies were made predominately of meat. 
3. Queen Elizabeth I (apparently) loved cherry pies.
4. Pumpkin pie made it's appearance at the second Thanksgiving.
5. In the 1800s fruit pies were actually a popular BREAKFAST.

You're welcome. So, as a thank you for bearing with my pie trivia, below is the recipe for my Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie - enjoy!

Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 C canned pumpkin
1 C apple butter
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
3/4 half and half

pie crust of your choice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Prepare your pie crust in a pie pan and set aside
3. In a large bowl whisk eggs, pumpkin, apple butter, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and then stir in half and half until smooth
4. Pour mixture into pie shell and place in oven
5. After 10 minutes reduce temperature to 350 degrees
6. Bake until the center of the pie is set, about 35 to 40 minutes
7. Serve hot or cold with whipped cream!

I decided to top this beauty with pecan halves!

PS - If you are in Virginia in May, you should definitely check out the Gordonsville Fried Chicken Festival and try my award-winning pies!

I Make Some Damn Good Pies #2: MARBLED CHOCOLATE RUM CREAM PIE Recipe Inside!

So, as the title suggests, this is my second post about the amazing pies I make and have the blue ribbons to write home about. For those of you who did not have a chance to check out the first post here with my award winning Pear, Cranberry, and Ginger Pie this is your chance to replicate some yummy goodness. I am of the opinion that you really do not need an excuse to make a pie (or eat a pie for that matter) and will take a well-made pie over a cake any day.

Below are just a few reasons why I am a #1 pie fan:

1. Pies are more creative. You can have a traditional flaky crust, graham cracker crust, Girl Scott cookie crust (yes, trust me, it's as amazing as it sounds), or no crust at all. You can put crumble on top, whipped cream, fruit, more whipped cream - and I'm convinced that crisps and cobblers are just pies in disguise, so throw those in as well. Oh, and then there are strudels - yes, this falls into my pie category too.
2. Pies can fit the seasons better and highlight all the wonderful different foods that are available at different times of the year. If it's autumn time you can sit around with your fluffy sweater and enjoy a pumpkin pie slice or two. If it's summer you can have a bite of a light lemon custard topped with fresh berries from your back yard.
3. Cheesecake is in fact a pie and you will not convince me otherwise. 
4. Pies can be savory (and I might be nice and publish an entire post series on the amazing-ness of quiches and pot pies). 
5. You eat pie on Pi Day.
6. Pie pairs better with beer - enough said.

One of my favorites types of pies are cream pies (and I put as much whipped cream as I can on top), so, I hope you enjoy the recipe below for my MARBLED CHOCOLATE RUM CREAM PIE:

Ingredients

crust of your choice - we prefer a graham cracker crust for this one
** Note: If you want to use a traditional pie crust you have to bake it first, this is a NO BAKE pie

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3/4 C sugar, divided
1/8 tsp salt
2 eggs, separated
1 C milk
1/4 dark rum
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 C whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla

Directions

Step #1

1. Using a double boiler mix the gelatin, 1/4 C sugar, and the salt
2. Then beat in the egg yolks and milk
3. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk until the mixture is slightly thickened
4. Then remove from heat
5. Add the chocolate chips and stir until thoroughly blended and all the chocolate is melted
6. Chill chocolate mixture until thickened and then add the rum and set aside

Step #2

1. In a bowl beat the egg whites until foamy, gradually adding 1/4 C sugar and then beat until stiff
2. Fold the chocolate mixture from Step #1 and the egg whites

Step #3

1.  In another bowl whip the cream with the remaining 1/4 C sugar and vanilla until stiff

Step #4

1. Prepare your crust
2. Alternate the chocolate mixture and the whipped cream in the pie shell
3. Swirl with a spoon for a marbled effect and then chill until firm

DELICIOUSNESS WARNING: You will have a TON of left over filling and this can easily make two pies. HOWEVER, what I like to do is pour the mixtures into serving dishes and just have chocolate rum mousse with whipped cream. Chill it just like the pie so it can set.

Feel free to drool...

 This recipe brought home a blue ribbon at 

the Gordonsville Fried Chicken Festival 

in May of 2017.

If you have a great cream pie recipe please send it my way!

For more information about my pies or culinary delights in general, check out the Instagram feed on my family's B&B in Virginia, the Uphill House Bed and Breakfast, where not only am I a co-owner but I am the chef-in-residence with my mom, Suzanne.

Happy baking!

I Make Some Damn Good Pies: Pear, Cranberry, and Ginger Pie Recipe Inside!

So, if you did not know already, my family owns the Uphill House B&B in the little town of Gordonsville in Central Virginia, and as the "chef in residence" I make a mean breakfast, but I also just like to cook and bake in general. I would have never imagined that my culinary skills would actually make money, let along bring home blue ribbons. Yes, that's right, I totally compete in local festivals, and for the last three years my pies have won first place at the Gordonsville Fried Chicken Festival. The Fried Chicken Festival happens the third weekend in May each year and Gordonsville in general is a really cute town, so you should really come check in out (and we might know a great place for you to stay).

Anyway, while my pie crust recipe will remain sealed and locked I wanted to share one of my recipes that brought home the blue:

Fruit Category: Pear, Cranberry, and Ginger Pie

Ingredients:

1/3 C sugar
2 TBS flour
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
6 ripe, but still firm pears (your choice of pear, but we're partial to the Bartlett), sliced
1 C fresh cranberries (you can use dried cranberries if you can't find fresh, but if you do, use 3/4 C)

pie crust of your choice

Optional:
1 TBS 1/2 & 1/2
sugar and cinnamon mix for sprinkling on top

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. In a large bowl combine sugar, flour, nutmeg, and ginger; then add the pear slices and cranberries and toss to coat.
3. Prepare your pie crust and fill with the pear mixture.
4. Optional: We like to coat our pie crust with a little 1/2 & 1/2 and sprinkle a sugar/cinnamon mix on top.
5. Bake pie for 40-50 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the pears are soft.
6. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or over ice cream!

Note: I do not like following recipes, so feel free to add your own twists. 

Not only is it delicious, but it's a pretty pie!

Let us know if you try this one and also if you make any modifications. There are more to come, so keep watching our posts.

My wall of blue ribbons - gotta love small town festivals!

Happy Baking!!

Looking for a Simple Hike Near Charlottesville, VA? Check out Preddy Creek!

Do you live in the Charlottesville, Virginia area and want to enjoy a hike but just can't make it to the AT? Preddy Creek Trail Park is only a short drive from Charlottesville up HWY 29 and is a great way to escape into the hills for a few hours. 

Note: This description is for hikers or trail runners, but there are also mountain biking and horse trails here.

My husband is a runner and I am not. I hate to run and the entire time I am running I am exhausting myself thinking how much I hate running. However, I love hiking. I can hike all day and I can kick my runner husband's butt with a pack on going up a mountain trail. The problem with this though is that I need to exercise, often, and I live in Gordonsville, about 20-minutes outside Charlottesville, Virginia. If you know the area, there are beautiful hills and forested areas, but you have to drive to get to the good mountain hiking, so my daily workout routines needed to involve something a little closer to home. This dilemma, ladies and gentlemen, is how my über-supportive hubby got me into trail running. He helped get me out of a gym and off the hard asphalt and into the woods and this is how we found Preddy Creek Trail Park.

Preddy Creek Trail Park is an area of over 570 acres and has 10 miles of loop trails. The park is well maintained with plenty of parking and there is even a bathroom (bonus!). The trails themselves are well marked and in my opinion are perfect for trail running because you can go the full 10 miles or just complete short loops. There are many loop options so you can switch up your route if your workout is getting too repetitive. The elevation gain is not significant, but you are in the hills, so your lungs and legs still get something out of the run. My husband and I like the Preddy Creek Loop which connects to the Creekside Trail (this is where you actually get to see Preddy Creek and yes, it has water). This loop is 4.4 miles with a nice flat section next to the creek part way through for a little breather.

Many people enjoy Preddy Creek Trail Park for easy to moderate hiking and there are also trails for mountain biking and horseback riding if that interests you. Because the park is used by hikers, runners, bikers, and horses you have to be a little more aware of who is on the trail with you (or behind you), but we have never had any issues. There are some trails that are specifically for mountain biking and they are well marked. The park opens at 7am and closes at dusk, so you have a lot of flexibility.

Enjoy this local spot and you can even find a place for a picnic! Another bonus is that is right down the road from some great wineries. I'm always up for a wine tasting after a work out - gotta reward yourself!

Click here for a complete trail map.
 

Pack List

• Trail Running
  • trail running shoes (there is the potential for mud, so I have trail running shoes and gym shoes)
  • running clothes (dress for the weather)
  • CamelBak or hydration belt 
• Hiking
  • hiking shoes or boots (personally, I do not think boots are necessary unless there is snow on the ground as the trails are marked easy - moderate)
  • hiking poles if you like/need them
  • hiking clothes
  • CamelBak or water bottle
  • picnic! 
  
  
  Options:

  Hiking, Mountain Biking, Running, Horseback Riding
  
  

  Skill Level:

  Beginner (for hiking)
  
  

  Season:

  Year Round
  
  

  Trail Type:

  Loop
  
  

  Distance:

  10 Miles (full loop)
  
  

  Elev. Gain:

  550 Feet

You have a lot of route options!