It was time for another visit to the Sods. We usually avoid the summer months but the Sods elevation provides a bit of relief from the hot and humid weather we had been getting in the Northern Virginia region. We decided to do this as a through hike, staging a car at the Red Creek Trailhead and driving back to Bear Rocks to start our hike.
It was a little windy up top and one of us managed to forget our appropriate hiking footwear…. But otherwise we were looking forward to a great first day.
We hiked down Bear Rocks Trail, staying right on Raven Ridge trail and continuing down the aptly named Rocky Ridge trail.
We stopped on one of the many rocky outcroppings along Rocky Ridge trail and enjoyed the view while eating some lunch.
After lunch we continued on down to Breathed Mountain Trial, heading towards the junction of the right and left forks of Red Creek where there are some terrific campsites. We were able to secure our favorite spot and setup camp for the night.
After a fairly hot day a refreshing dip was in order. Great way to wind down day 1.
Hang em’ High with a prime spot:
Great view from Erinkoko’s dream hammock.
My spot along Red Creek. Kept the tarp flipped back as there was little chance for rain.
Day 2 was a short hike back up Breathed Mt Trail and down Big Stonecoal to a great spot in the piney woods.
We had a few thunder showers skirt us to the north so the tarp went up in porch mode but we ended up free of rain.
The new Hammock Gear "Phincubator" 40deg under quilt was great!
Our friend Brad was the lone Eno guy.
Erinkoko’s great looking Navy UGQ tarp.
With plenty of time in camp, enjoying the surroundings, a bit of bushcraft was in order. A pot hanger that worked great and got plenty of use!
Gravity filter setup rocks!
Remington enjoying the sun by the fire.
Day 3 we continued down Big Stonecoal all the way to Red Creek. We were planning to divert to Lions Head but were running a little behind schedule with a somewhat long drive home and the clouds were threatening a bit of rain.
We crossed Red Creek.
As we made our way along the last mile of Red Creek trail we started to get a few rain drops. When we arrived at the junction of Red Creek Trail and Dunkenbarger trail the skies opened up. We saw it coming from the other side of the valley and had time to put on our pack covers but that was about it. It quickly turned into an absolute downpour. Within minutes the trail was flooded and we were soaked to the bone. We got back to the truck at the trailhead, stripped down to skivvies, threw our gear and clothes in the truck bed and sat on tyvek and trashbags. By the time we drove back to Bear Rocks trail the sky was totally clear and gave us a chance to dry off and put on some fresh clothes for the ride home.
Seems like every time we go to the Sods something makes it memorable. This is a special place that we are lucky to have within a few hours drive. Definitely worth the repeat visit!
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Originally Posted by DuneElliot
and she does great carrying most of her own gear and food.
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