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A Cold Trek to McAfee’s

Another cold day, but predicted to be not as cold as the ensuing two, which as of this writing on January 11 has turned out to be the ensuing 10 at least – some of the coldest weather in Roanoke in a decade.

A Walk in Record Snow

From home in Southwest Roanoke to the Roanoke City Market area and back. About 6 miles.

A Hike and – Gasp – an INDOOR Lunch

Sharp Top/Harkening Hill/Johnson Farm at the Peaks of Otter at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 7 miles.

Campfires in the Snow: Dryer Lint is Overrated

Appalachian Trail from Va. 614 north to Bryant Ridge Shelter and back. 6.4 miles.

The Graffiti at Hay Rock

Appalachian Trail from U.S. 220 south to Hay Rock and back. 8 miles.

Current Issue

Left: The view of Catawba Valley. right: Gail and Cookie at McAfee Knob, on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.

A Cold Trek to McAfee’s

Another cold day, but predicted to be not as cold as the ensuing two, which as of this writing on January 11 has turned out to be the ensuing 10 at least – some of the coldest weather in Roanoke in a decade.
Left: Snow blankets the war memorial and old post office in downtown Roanoke. Right: Neighbor Kurt Navratil.

A Walk in Record Snow

From home in Southwest Roanoke to the Roanoke City Market area and back. About 6 miles.
Gail Rheinheimer looks out over the view from Sharp Top.

A Hike and – Gasp – an INDOOR Lunch

Sharp Top/Harkening Hill/Johnson Farm at the Peaks of Otter at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 7 miles.
Left: Kurt and Cookie on the trail. Right: The struggling campfire.

Campfires in the Snow: Dryer Lint is Overrated

Appalachian Trail from Va. 614 north to Bryant Ridge Shelter and back. 6.4 miles.
Kurt and Gail Rheinheimer

The Graffiti at Hay Rock

Appalachian Trail from U.S. 220 south to Hay Rock and back. 8 miles.
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Departments

At Coopers Rock State Forest, new Stargazer cabins invite guests to look up through skylights and telescopes.
Country Roads

Even Closer to Almost Heaven

New Stargazer cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest offer a skyward escape in the mountains of West Virginia.

June 29, 2026
©Duncan Seaman
Country Roads

A Mountain Tradition Turns 90 

Visitors flock to Galax, Virginia, each summer for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention, a days-long celebration of Appalachian music.

June 29, 2026
Synchronous Fireflies
Creature Feature

The Light Fantastic

Fireflies are struggling with the effects of artificial light.

June 29, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS