If the sun is shining and the humidity is low, you will no doubt find me outdoors (which is where I have been since last I blogged). Now, even though I’m not a big fan of exercising, sweating, and generally anything involving discomfort, I LOVE to hike. (That low humidity, sunshiny part goes a long way with me in making up for the other discomforts!) This past weekend we visited Matt’s parents in Lexington, VA and enjoyed a hike at Goshen Pass. I had researched the place beforehand and read many descriptions of the beautiful scenery. I stumbled upon an excerpt from a book, Uncommon Wealth, that stated, “Goshen Pass has been my favorite playground most of my life.” Her following description of Goshen is what grabbed me, “the water pellucid green, white where it foamed in the rapids. Boulders as big as houses loomed above us, jutting out of the cliffs overhead. Evergreens and sycamores rustled in the constant breeze”. This sounds like my kind of place! No man made playground can elicit the joy I feel when playing in God’s playground. Enjoying his creation fills my soul with much needed sunshine and reminds me of His love. I am so grateful to have a Heavenly Father that woos us through birdsong, rustling leaves, and rushing river!
Excited to get to Goshen, I printed out a map with what looked like a fairly good description of a 3 mile loop through the forest. With baby backpack, diaper backpack, and a 40+ yr old army fanny-pack, we set off on our expedition. Knowing it was a loop, I decided we’d try the harder part of the hike first and finish off with the easier. Well…despite my map and my best efforts to follow marked trees, we got lost while hiking. Well, not exactly “lost” but we weren’t entirely sure where we were either. Our 3 mile loop seemed never ending, and everyone was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Zephy, strapped to my back in his little backpack, kept doing the baby sign for “all done”. So we decided to hike out to a nearby road and Matt’s dad flagged down a van. Some nice young men offered us a ride back to our car which we gladly accepted. Ah well, it was a good hike anyhow and Asher did great! He hiked most of the way completely by himself. Back at our car site, which unfortunately proved to be the most picturesque aspect of the hike, the boys had a fantastic time splashing in the river.
I’m anxious to return to Goshen and this time try the trail to the right, instead of the left. Perhaps that is the one which leads to the looming “boulders as big as houses”.
Melanie S says
That looks so fun – the thing memories are made of! That cracks me up about Zephan signing all done. Poor baby!
wendy hunter says
Hi Beth! Thanx for your great story of our time in Goshen Pass! I especially appreciate your “seeing with fresh eyes”, because having been here for 11 years, unbelievably even Goshen Pass can take on a “ho hum” aspect.
Getting lost took away some of that!! Come back ANYTIME!!
nanawendyhunter