April 26 Cat Stairs

As everyone arrived in Greenbrier, the heavens opened and lightening bolts from the darkened sky menacingly dared us to climb the Cat Stairs today. As we began up the manway near Bird Branch it was still spitting rain. Due to the wetness I did not take but one photo today (above). The photo below was taken in 2007 on a previous visit.

A well worn but unmaintained and unnamed trail led to the homesite of John Barnes and his family. Our leader, noted author and historian, Ken Wise described John as odd and a loner. The small graveyard just down from the cabin site spoke volumes of how hard life was just 100 years ago. Three daughters aged 1 to seven are found in their final resting spot. One born on Christmas and another died on another Christmas.

Beyond the Barnes' homesite, the trail continues in much better condition than my 2007 visit. We reach the spot where the ridge, known as Greenbrier Lead, begins us on a real off trail experience. There is a manway through here. Perhaps several manways is a more aptly put description. Steepness increases until you reach what I refer to as the stairs. Here it is a almost vertical climb. We are tested in the wet conditions. Some of us manage quite well in this terrain and others need assistance. In the photo above, we have to use a large hiking staff to pull folks up the slick gully.  

Lunch is enjoyed in a beautiful setting between two vertical climbs. Here is the view as it looked in 2007. While we eat, clouds move in and I become apprehensive about the possibility of climbing in a downpour. That does not happen. The hail started after we reached the top. We were pelted with mini marshmallow sized hail with a few approaching regular marshmallow size. Fortunately, we are in a rhododendron tunnel most of the time which shields us somewhat. Still, a few did sting me. 

Several of us decide to hurry on down the mountain (Greenbrier Pinnacle) and retrieve some cars to shortened the hike for the others. It is still about 5 miles to go. What a great hike and great company.