Look who is turning 58
Back in 1961, on this day, Jan 12, the legislation creating the Uwharrie National Forest was signed into law. We assume Dwight Eisenhower, president at that time, signed it, just days before President Kennedy was sworn in.
We had an excellent turnout, almost 50 members joined in today for a short hike, annual meeting and a chili lunch. Today's event takes place in the tiny community of Ophir NC. The community building is only 2 miles from Jumping Off Rock trailhead. Once the shuttle has everyone there, Don and Crystal lead us on a tour of property recently acquired by Three Rivers Land Trust. Someday, this will transfer to the forest service. There are a few places we are visiting - Liquor Spring, Outlaw Cave and Blood Rock. Liquor Spring is our first stop. It is a tiny spring located off trail. Obviously named such as it once served as the water source for a moonshine still.
Next on our tour was a walk to the top of Dark Mountain. Apparently, Dark Mountain has two peaks, separated by a saddle. This peak is on the new property and has more rock outcroppings. No one has been able to locate Outlaw Cave. So, it is onto Blood Rock. Some Confederate deserters were killed here and their blood is on the rock. If you scrape it off, it reappears the next day or so the rural legend goes.
Finally, it is back to the cars and a short ride to Ophir. We're set up for lunch. David reviews our 2018 accomplishments and introduces our steering committee, trail champions and Mike and Darren from the forest service. Then it is meal time. Birthday cake came next. I have a video of us singing Happy Birthday to the Uwharrie National Forest but I will spare you that.
Signs ready to guide hikers.
Don (red gaiters) tells us about Liquor Spring
A Hedgehog mushroom
Karen, not paying attention to Mike
Its lunch time
Great crowd
Our Trail Champions
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