Johnson Farm Hike

Saturday, September 17, 2011
Peaks of Otters, Old Dominion, United States
Our first full day was spent at Peaks of Otters. Prior to our departure, we checked the weather forecast for all of our destinations. Predictions were for some rain on our trip down, clearing skies on day 1 and clear skies the remainder of the week. A cold front was in the forecast, so we packed plenty of blankets and warm clothes. Good thing. It got really cold during the first night. The propane furnace was turned down low since the fan could only run for 2 hours on a full battery charge. This appears to be the number one design fault of the "boondocking" experience. As I later learned, the fan going off and on all night as required to keep the RV warm did not drain the battery. However, in really, really cold weather, the battery might not last the night.

We began our day with a two mile long morning hike to the Johnson Farm in a light mist with the threat of rain by lunchtime . Johnson Farm was started in 1852 and is now a living history destination that has been restored and preserved. After the hike we went to the lodge, attempted to drink some terrible coffee and I introduced Casey to Chinese checkers – making up the rules and we went along. Needless to say, I won.

We then hiked over and checked out their very nice visitor's center and sparse gift shop. The staff were friendly and helpful. Next, a short walk over to the nature center which also had knowledgeable and friendly staff along with some live and stuffed creatures. You can hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain from this site or for a fee take a bus to the top and back down or hike one way.

The threat of rain sent us back to the RV for a relaxing afternoon listening to music, reading and not watching the many movies I had brought. I had gone to the library and selected a variety of movies to play on my 18 inch screen blue-ray laptop computer whose power cord was resting comfortably back at home. We watched some of the home movies I converted from VHS and 8mm to MP3 format and then the battery died. 

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