And the Living is Easy. We have been bombarded with the news of high oil prices as it impacts our summer plans. There are so many wonderful things to do right here in Central Virginia-won’t take much gas to get the “fam”there and back.
Our family likes to hike Old Rag Mountain in Madison County, Virginia. Parking is off of Rt. 600 near Nethers, Virginia. It is a challenging hike but worth it when you see the views from the top. Another route is to approach from the Berry Hollow Parking Area near Whiteoak Canyon. Take 231 South past the turn for Nethers then South to Route 670 near Banco. Turn right at Syria then left on 600. The hike is along the Barry Hollow Fire Trail and then goes up to the top; you can avoid a “rock scramble” by going this way.
Where do you like to hike? Let me know.
This past weekend I attended a meeting of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society at the Alberene Soapstone Company in Schuyler. I found it to be a fascinating experience and enjoyed seeing this facility which has remained virtually unchanged for over 75 years. Some of the vintage equipment that is still in use for moving and cutting the stone is truly remarkable.
Central Virginia is home to the largest soapstone deposit in the world, which runs from Alberene, near North Garden, south to Amherst County. Alberene Soapstone Co. has been mining the deposit since the 1880s. They have 19 different quarries on 4 sites in Central VA. In its heyday, the Company had over 90 sites, all of which were connected by a private railroad network for transporting the stone from quarry site to processing plant. Distinctive characteristics of the stone such as spotting, veining, and hue vary depending on the location of the quarry and the depth that it is found underground.
In addition to commercial and industrial applications, soapstone is gaining popularity for residential use as countertops, backsplashes, sinks, floors, hearths, patios, etc… It is non-porous and anti-bacterial, very durable, aesthetically pleasing and requires minimal long-term care.
With the current focus on “Green” construction, what could be more environmentally sound than a natural, inert substance that is quarried and processed without explosives and chemicals, right here in our own backyard?
