Life After Peace Corps

Raven Rock – Appalachian Trail (AT)

Finally the weather cooperated; Derrick (former CMCNY member) and I got together this past weekend and headed out to West Virginia for a hike. Jing-Yih was our hiking leader. He reminded me of HY; an easy going guy with lots of self-control. I liked him without ado. He took us to hike section of the AT, a peak called the Raven Rock. It is one of the most popular hikes in West Virginia. The view from Raven Rocks is also one of the best in the area.

It was a 5.5 mile hike with a vertical gain of 1,530 ft. Yet, Jing-Yih cautioned us not to take the hike so lightly for it required three strenuous ascents to reach the peak. We began the hike by heading north. Derrick was in the front to set a pace. Before Derrick moved to Maryland, I only hiked with him once or twice. I knew he was a very energetic hiker but I did not realize he was such a competitive one. The hill did not slow him down. He kept climbing and climbing. By the time I caught up with him, I was nearly out of breath. I was immensely impressed with Derrick’s performance. He was truly in an excellent shape.

Twenty minutes into our hike, and after a sequence of switchbacks, we reached our first view point, a ridge with an open scene. Below us were meadows and valleys. It was hard to believe only a week ago; the landscape was still gray and bare. Rain ignited the outburst of young shoots. The woods, from bare twigs had become a sea of verdure. Right before us, all things were alive and beautiful. The hardness of winter was long gone, Spring was already upon us.

The second and the third hill were just as challenging, if not tougher. The path became very rocky. After ascending to the next ridge, the trail began descending to a small valley; a small mountain stream with clean water flowing over round, odd-shaped stones. The water level was low and we crossed the river with no difficulty. Soon, we passed a sign marking the Virginia, West Virginia border. Finally we reached Raven Rocks. What a fantastic view of the Shenandoah Valley!

A young man with rope and rappel approached us. He appeared to be a serious rock climber. He greeted us with a warm smile. We exchanged greetings and he told us that Raven Rocks was notable for containing the Crescent Rock cliffs. During spring and fall, its 100ft wall was a favorite spot with local rock climbers. Looking down to the cliff wall, I could not help but noticing that the place was similar to the “Claudius Smith Den” in Harriman State Park of New York. Few years ago, George, Mr. Chen and I were also practicing our rock climbing skill on that cliff wall. We took our lunch in the shade of a pine tree. Stella (Derrick’s wife) made us a delicious rice cake. I finished it less than a minute. I guessed I truly missed Chinese foods.

On our way back to the parking lot, I realized this was my first hike since I moved to Virginia. I felt good, and I enjoyed the hike. Looking at Derrick and Jing-Yih, I knew I would not be lonely again. They are now my new hiking partners; replacing Mr. Chen and George…….

How much I look forward to our next hike!