By Allen Hamrick
I understand it is hot, and for the most part, too hot to do anything but get to an air conditioned environment. The media is constantly warning of over exposure and heat exhaustion. Our bodies tell us to find a cool place and take a break, but at the same time, it is a perfect time to follow a river or stream, hike up the cool hollows of WV and cool off naturally. The outdoors offers plenty of opportunities out of the sun, whether it is on bikes, kayaks, fishing or hiking. People are finding ways to beat the heat and boredom of just taking it easy. Lots of people hit the Elk River during the heat wave and also bike the trail during the coolest hours and fish for trout and bass.
Biking is a physically demanding sport, and a great way to get fit if you want to lose a few pounds. In this heat, you need a few water breaks, but the ride is worth it. The Elk River provides many opportunities for kayaking as exhilarating as any other waterway in the state and is home to some of the best small mouth bass fishing. In this heat, most of the fish are deeper, so if you’re going for a lunker bite, break out the kayak. Buffalo Creek is a way to beat the heat as many have found out already by fishing or just general stretching out in the water this past weekend. There is plenty of hiking to do, not only in Clay but in the surrounding counties as well, and many people are taking to the mountains on ATVs. This is not a time for just sitting at home unless that is your preference or the heat is too much; it truly is for some, and there is no need to push your luck. For those that can do so, get out and enjoy it. For those that have to work in it, make sure to drink a lot of water and take a break when you need it. Depending on the way you look at things, this heat wave can make or break a person so it is important to do only what you can. Don’t let the heat wave control you, just use good sense, stay safe and do what we have to do.
One particular hike, if you’re feeling adventurous, is the hike from Cressmont to Dundon or vice versa, roughly a 12 mile hike through some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see. The old railroad bed that now sports the new rail excursion bikes takes you through one of the more, if not the most scenic creeks in the state – Buffalo Creek. The new and improved rail has a hiking trail that follows the rail bed and sometimes joins it. So, if you decide to hike, use caution as you may encounter the rail bikes. It is breath taking, to say the least; not just the creek but being in nature itself away from all noises of the everyday hustle. About a mile and a half into the hike, you no longer hear the cars and it is just you and nature. The hike will take you through two old towns that nature has taken back, Adair and Avoca. There is nothing left except for memories and a cemetery located in Adair, but as you go through them you can almost hear the sounds of a once bustling railroad community and smell the sweet smell of creosote and coal smoke. A person can also mountain bike the trail, but keep in mind that it can be moderately vigorous. Fish are biting and the trails are waiting; get out and enjoy and don’t forget the bait or your camera.
