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Outdoors

  • Park hosts programs July 1-2

    MOUTH OF WILSON — Grayson Highlands State Park plans activities for July 1-2.
    A welcome campfire is at 8 p.m. Friday at the campground amphitheater.
    A slideshow will highlight the park’s popular attractions, such as wild ponies.
    A “river rocks, wet socks” canoe trip on the New River begins at 9 a.m. Saturday from the park office. Guides will lead on a six-mile stretch of the New River. Cost is $25 for adults, $15 for ages 12 and younger. Pre-registration required. Park provides canoes, paddles and life jackets.

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  • Creeper Trail accessible from Whitetop to Abingdon

    The Virginia Creeper Trail is now accessible from Whitetop to Abingdon.
    The Town of Abingdon announced that the trail section trestle seven is now open and the trail is fully accessible.
    A crushed rock trail has been built to temporarily replace the trestle, which was destroyed by a tornado April 28.
    Trail users should be respectful and responsible regarding private landowners’ property rights along the trail. Close all crossing gates, do not climb over fences and do not trespass upon private property along the trail.

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  • Two Grayson baseball players are selected to Group A team

    Two Grayson County Blue Devil players were selected as members of the VHSCA Group A baseball team announced last week.
    Jared Salts was selected to the second team as a pitcher. He was also the Player of the Year in the Mountain Empire District. He had an outstanding season, posting an 11-2 record on the mound.
    Outfielder Dustin Leonard was selected honorable mention.
     

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  • Bear spotted in Baywood

    A wildlife blogger for The Declaration and The Gazette in Galax, Bill Dunson of Baywood usually has to go out looking for his nature photos, but this week the wild came to him.
    “While working at the computer at about 8:45 a.m., I happened to glance down towards our front gate and noticed a large black animal there.” Dunson said. “I squinted a bit to be certain what this might be, since the neighbors have some black cows and one of them might be loose.

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  • Nice day for a hike

    A hike to view blooming rhododendron, mountain laurel and the flame azalea will begin at 9:30 a.m. June 4.The event is co-sponsored by Blue Ridge Discovery Center and the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club. Hike leaders are Anne Maio, president of the trail club, and Carol Broderson, a Discover Center guide. Expect a moderately strenuous hike of up to five miles on the Appalachian Trail.  For more information, including where to meet, contact Carol Broderson at carol@ls.net or (276) 773-3513 before 7 p.m. Early morning phone calls are accepted.

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  • Grayson Highlands State Park activities for May 27-29

    Friday, May 27, 8-9 p.m.   75th Anniversary Welcome Campfire 
Location: Campground Amphitheater 
Have questions about the park? Want to visit with your fellow campers? Join us at the Amphitheater for a warm campfire and a slideshow that highlights our most popular attractions such as the Wild Ponies. 


    Saturday, May 28, 8-10 p.m.   Stories and Songs from the Mountain 
Location: Park Amphitheater 
Ellie and Rould Kirby will play, sing and tell stories of old from the good ole days. Enjoy a great evening for the whole family. 


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  • Bringing home that gobbler safely

    The Commonwealth is home to a strong population of wild turkeys and many enthusiastic turkey hunters. Spring Gobbler Season runs through May 14 this year in Virginia.
    The sharp eyesight and acute hearing of wild turkeys make them challenging game for hunters to pursue. Taking one of these wily birds requires patience, accurate shooting and lots of turkey know-how. Part of the lure of turkey hunting is the strategy hunters must use to outwit them. Before heading into the woods turkey hunters need to take extra preparation time to improve their chances of taking a gobbler.

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  • Tubing trip planned

    GALAX -- A winter snow tubing trip is set for Saturday, Feb. 26 to Winterplace Ski Resort, W.Va.
    The trip leaves the Galax Recreation Center at 7 a.m. and will return at approximately 3:30 p.m.
    The trip is open to ages 11-14 and limited to the first 10 participants to sign up and pay their fee of $30, which includes tube rental and lift, and transportation.
    Deadline is Feb. 4.  
     

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  • Boating safety class

    GALAX -- A boating safety and education certification course will be held Saturday, Feb. 19 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Galax Recreation Center.
    The course is required by the new Virginia boating education law and the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries to operate any boat or personal watercraft.
    Registration deadline is Feb. 14.
    Participants must attend entire session and pass exam to satisfy the new Virginia Boating Education Law.
    Cost is $5, non-refundable, to cover class expense.
    For more information call 236-3218.

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  • Winter Wonderland

    Despite the heavy snowfall, the Independence Christmas parade was held last Saturday afternoon along Main Street. Few people actually stood outside to watch the parade but several stayed inside their cars. Santa Claus made an appearance, along with six miniature ponies. Independence Town Officer Ron Houk found a special hat to wear while he directed traffic.

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