In the Air

Friday, 6 December 2024

It was a brilliantly clear day as we were flying from Roanoke to Dulles Airport on our way to Vienna (Austria, not Virginia). Our flight took a western curve and we flew over very familiar territory.

As we ascended from Roanoke the Titan America cement plant and Tinker Cliffs on the Appalachian Trail were visible.

Next we flew by Covington. The WestRock paper mill was unmistakable.

In the distance was Clifton Forge, and our house was a dot on the image.

Ingalls Field in Bath County.

Lake Moomaw is in the foreground; the Homestead can be seen in the middle of the photo.

The Homestead is at left center, with the ski slope visible as the white streak in the center of the photo.

A wildfire was active in the St. Marys Wilderness in the Blue Ridge.

A view of the smoke plume from the St. Marys wildfire.

Jackson River Scenic Trail - New Section

The final section of the Jackson River Scenic Trail was supposed to be opened in spring 2023, but environmental and construction delays postponed the projected opening to spring 2024. Then a "high water event" in January 2024 caused part of the almost-finished trail to collapse.

Unexpected drainage from below the trail eroded the base and caused a 500-ft section to sluff off.

Stabilization materials had shifted down the slope.

This trail section had to be re-engineered, completely removed, then rebuilt. It finally opened in November 2024.

The rebuilt section has new drainage structures and wall stabilization.

From the other end.

There's still a bit of silt entering the water after significant rain.

A nice set of rapids on Cedar Creek.

Water exiting a cave along the stream bank.

A closer view of the cave entrance.

Looking north along Cedar Creek to the new Cedar Creek Trailhead.