So on this very hot (mid-90's in the shade) afternoon, I threw a bottle of ice water, my GPS, and my camera in my pack, and drove to downtown Richmond. Everyone else had the same idea, and I had to park about a half mile from the trailhead, which is the foot bridge under the Robert E. Lee Bridge. I decided I would test the GPS by capturing a track of the hike, and waypoints. At each waypoint, I took one or more photos. Here is a map of my hike. The starting point is the top with all the squiggles from taking the ramp up to the bridge. A few of the waypoints are missing, because of errors I made in how to capture them. Total distance of the track was two miles, plus another mile getting to and from my car.
From here, I went to the other side of the quarry, and took this photo of the pond. The
Next, I made the turn around the west end of the island and headed east. I turned to the south for a short diversion to consider crossing the river on these huge rocks, and hiking up the Buttermilk Spring Trail for a while. But I ran into two young bikini-clad women, one of whom was in distress. They had one small water bottle to share, and it was empty. One of the young women, belly-button pierced artistically, was sitting on a big rock in the full sun, and not looking good. Her friend explained that she felt ill and got dizzy every time she stood. I was fearing the start of heat stroke. First thing was to get her in the shade, which we did. I felt her forehead, which was quite warm but not alarmingly so. I
My next photo stop was the old VEPCO (Virginia Electric Power Company) hydro plant. You can see the waypoint on the south side of the map. Must have been something to have a power plant out here.
Speaking of, this six acre site was the scene of unimaginable suffering and hardship some 150 years ago, as Union Soldiers were imprisoned here during the Civil War. They would be amazed to see all the people having fun out here now. You can actually see where this photo was taken on the map, as it is about 60 feet east of this next waypoint and photo.
This armored shed was used to store explosive materials at some point long ago. The walls are all standing and you can walk inside, but there is no roof.
From here, it was a short walk back to the foot bridge and my final photo and waypoint of the rafters heading down river towards the downtown. A couple of them passed right under me as I stood there. Man, it looks like fun! I have not been white water rafting in a very long time, but it is a blast!
After this point, I headed back to the car, drove home, and drank two big glasses of ice water. I was parched! Note to self - next time on a hot day, take two liters of water, because you never know what will happen, even on a short hike.
Looks like a great walk even though it was so hot.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky for the girls that you came along and were such a gentleman.:-)
Sorry to hear you were sick and hurt your leg.