The BRDC summer camps of 2023 have officially wrapped. Campers and Guides headed up to Scales Monday, and (thankfully) all returned on Friday! Over the entire Wilderness Expedition we covered over 27 miles of trail.
Our first half day was spent setting up camp and traveling to Wilson Creek where we found crayfish, salamander nymphs, and a northern water snake (which musked all over a Guide). Clear skies at night gave us a great view of constellations like Scorpio and Cassiopeia, the big dipper asterism, and the Milky Way Galaxy.
On day two we ventured into the Little Wilson Creek Wilderness and did a giant loop. As we walked, we collected chanterelles which we cooked over the fire as an after-dinner snack. They pair great with taco seasoning!
For day three we switched direction and went into the Lewis Fork Wilderness. When we got back, we set up a moth light to practice our identification skills and roasted marshmallows serenaded by guitar (Cade). Our last full day was a little different.
With a clear weather forecast, we packed up camp Thursday morning, stuffed only the essentials into our backpacks, and headed out for Mount Rogers with the intention of spending the night at Briar Ridge. We enjoyed an hour at the highest point in Virginia, and found both Weller’s and Pygmy salamanders. After a quick off-trail scramble, we ended our journey with a beautiful view of the sunset from a rock outcropping off the Appalachian Trail!
