MONTPELIER + CONFEDERATE WINTER CAMP & GILMORE CABIN-EASY 6 MILES. BRING FIDO!
Details
We will meet at Rivanna Ridge Shopping Center & caravan/carpool north on Rt. 20 about 28 miles to our first stop - the Montpelier Train Depot. From there we'll take the loop trail across the road, to the reconstructed Confederate winter camp, then to the Gilmore Cabin, home of a free man of color built at the end of the Civil War. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/25/AR2010022505232.html
From there, we'll proceed to Montpelier's visitor center parking lot. After an inside pit stop, we'll begin the 5 mile hike through a variety of landscapes: quiet groves of old growth oak and tulip trees, meadows and pastures, and along the race course to the slave cemetery and Madison family burial ground - an approximate 90 minute easy hike. http://www.montpelier.org
Some may choose to tour the house on their own after the hike. (Ticket about $22.00.) The beautiful grounds and archaeological slave cabin excavation sites are free.
OPTIONAL: Afterward, we'll head to the famous Exchange BBQ in Gordonsville for late lunch. There are also plenty of vegetarian options. See menu at: http://www.bbqex.com/kitchen.html .
Next door is the allegedly haunted Exchange Hotel, a Civil War receiving hospital, that is well worth a visit. (Ticket $10.00/no charge to walk the grounds, which have great signage.)
MEETING PLACE: N.E. corner of parking lot, end of lot opposite Stix Kebab. Look for my red KIA wagon, license ZEATTLE.
Please pay your carpool driver a few dollars for fuel.
Guesstimate return to Pantops: around 3:00pm. We are flexible: participants can deviate from the hike at any time.
Please, no last minute cancellations. If running late, CALL OR TEXT ME at 540 688 8482. No emails or MeetUp messages after 8:00am.
Please be sure have your photo posted by day of hike.
Can't wait to see you for a fun day.