Ten bundled-up folks from Washington's Adventuring Club, including a handsome newcomer from across the pond, braved the brisk weather for several leaf-free views of gay Paris (VA). The wild animals kept themselves warm and out of sight, though abundant winter food in the form of many kinds of berries was visible throughout the hike.

The group climbed up to the recently opened Ovoka Farm ridgetop via the Piedmont Overlook and the new Ambassador Whitehouse Trails.

We enjoyed an early lunch at the aptly-named Paris View. The exposed area left us open to the wind, however, so we ate quickly, took a few photos, and resumed our trip.

We hiked through the old farm meadows to the intersection with the Appalachian Trail, newly moved to the ridgetop.

We followed the new AT southward until it joined the old AT, where we then headed back north, noting the old, rocky, roller-coaster track.

We rejoined the new AT track and retraced our steps a bit to get back to Sky Meadows Park and the old road through the woods that is now the South Ridge Trail.

The beautiful pastoral views of the Crooked Run valley greeted us as we came down off the Blue Ridge, as well as another view of Paris, from the south this time.

After a salute to the old Snowden Manor ruins, we strolled over the park road back to historic Bleak House, and warmed ourselves inside for a few minutes while enjoying the holiday decor (all for sale at half price).

For some photos of the hike, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimski/sets/1509594/show/.

For more info on Washington's Adventuring club, visit their website at:  http://www.adventuring.org/cgi-bin/main.idc