Malicious Timing

Today was supposed to complete the cycle, but Mother Nature had other plans…

I’ve hiked Wildcat Mountain in three of the four seasons this year.   I was hoping for the colors of autumn to finish the rotation today, but Mother Nature was holding out; her foliage still mostly green.  Worse yet, she stalled a massive tropical front over the area.

As a volunteer preserve monitor for Wildcat, my assigned responsibility for trail maintenance was through the week ending Oct 13th.  Unfortunately, the front wasn’t forecast to pass until the 14th; meaning rain gear was needed for my volunteering.  Once I acknowledged this watery challenge, I actually embraced it and became enthused about pursuing my first deliberately-wet hiking experience.

Mother Nature either has a sense of humor or is a malicious bitch.  Most of Wildcat’s trail is along a level ridgeline, but to get there a half-mile, steep hike is required.  During my ascent, Mother Nature opened a can of whoop ass; unleashing a deluge of heavy rain as I switch-backed up the mountain.  My gear kept me somewhat dry, but the ephemeral run-off and slick surfaces of the trail made for a challenging climb.

By the time I reached the ridgeline, Mom dialed the deluge back a bit.  Here I fell into a grove with the trail.  I accepted the wetness - even found it comfortable - and let the unique experience of hiking in the rain take over.  Occasionally, I’d even peel back my rain jacket hoodie to allow for the unmuffled sounds of the rhythmic splatter and trickling water.  Rain in the forest – a peaceful and beautiful sound.

After leaving the level ridgeline and heading down the mountain, Mother Nature dropped another maliciously timed deluge on me.  This time, my gear finally broke down.  Mother had won.  I was soaked, but with a smile on my face, glad that I had the guts today to set out in such unusual hiking conditions.

Wildcat may lack the big attention-getters that other, more-popular preserves possess.  There are no waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, or exposed outcrops here.  It’s a place of understated beauty that takes time or holistic views to appreciate.  Now that I’m a regular at Wildcat, I’ve gained a deep fondness for its special, though inconspicuous, beauty.

Like the several small stream crossings encountered along the way.

Or the enormous rotting log that hides a geocache I pass shortly after reaching the ridgeline.

Or the rock garden near the middle of the circuit – a quiet place to rest and simply listen.

Or the broad ravine in which I had my most challenging trail clearing experience so far at Wildcat.

Places that stir excitement each time I come to this preserve, regardless of how Mother Nature intends for me to experience them.



Location: Marshall, VA, USA

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