A good day! A darn good walk!

Well, my follow up at the Dr.'s office went well this morning. I was given clearance to return to work next week and to start exercises including weights. I have agreed to get physical therapy for the knee if there is no further improvement in 2 weeks time. I was also given the OK to start hiking, though obviously at a reduced level.
We decided to head over to Purcellville and try one of the walks in a book we have called "Darn good walks in Loudoun County". We got the book last year from John and Doris whom have enjoyed it. We chose a 3 miler in a small village south of Purcellville, called Lincoln. The road was packed dirt and gravel most of the way, with some areas of paved road where the never ending boom of developments have changed the landscape. The weather was wonderful with temps in the 70's under sunny skies. The roads were, for the most part, very quiet. For not being on the trail, the walk provided some wonderful scenery and a fair amount of wild life. A herd of deer ran out in front of us at one point and was a thrill for all, especially the kids. We also saw some horses, cows, and a curious little fellow along one of the banks that was very intent on watching us. We have already had to print the picture of our groundhog friend for Mason. The first couple of hills were a bit tough on the knee, but we all were enjoying the day. Spring was evident in the the tree buds and the presence of Daffodils,Crocus, and other small flowers showing their colors. A number of buildings were old Quaker homes and beautifully constructed of stone. It was sad to see how much construction had occurred since to publishing of the description of the hike. None-the-less, the hike provided a nice glimpse at old Virginia. The streams were beautiful and clear. Crooked Run seemed to flow under the road quite a few times. The barns were also pretty to look at. One barn had massive beams as the flooring supports. It could probably hold a great deal despite it's age.

At the top of one rise, we were able to catch a view of Hog Back Mountain off in the distance. It was nice to think of getting back on a ridge line in the near future. The boys managed the hike quite well, and I was proud that they were pretty enthusiastic about the trip for the whole time. We passed a site of an old railroad cut. There seems to have been a controversy here in 1857 between the Irish railroad workers and the quaker women. The women were opposed to the railroad which was to tunnel through Hogback Mountain. Their opposition was apparently significant, as the militia was called out at one point to quell a disturbance caused by the "Quaker maidens". The militia was led by Richard Ashby, brother of Turner Ashby, who was a famous cavalry commander serving under Stonewall Jackson. The brothers are buried together in Winchester. Both lost their lives during the Civil War. Mosby also engaged a company of Pennsylvania Cavalry here. The engagement is known as the Battle of Katie's Hollow. No markers point out the history, but the railroad cut is still there, overgrown and with a new house straddling it on one side. The hike ended, as it started, on a pretty little road. We passed a beautiful house with a lovely barn in front. The barn had been used to move escaped slaves along the underground railroad. We finally ended back at a little school house. The boys were very curious as to how all the children were able to go to school there with just one room. We explained that they are in the process of building more schools now. :)
I felt pretty good afterwards. I have, though, felt better after a 6 miler with good elevation gain. All in good time. We celebrated the walk with fruit smoothies in Purcellville later. Nice end to the day. So that was our walk. Sorry for the format of this post. Again, I am learning as I go.