A Valentines hike nearly eight years ago resulted in a passion for one Roanoke couple for walking in the woods, along streams, and up mountains.
Kurt and Gail Rheinheimer discovered hiking is a key to their happiness. On a cool early October Saturday morning they hike the Cascades trail along Little Stoney Creek in Giles County. This is a routine they’ve followed weekend, after weekend, after weekend, for 7 and a half years. Kurt says, “One every weekend, though sometimes we’ve done one every day for a week, so I guess if you take everyday times seven, times 52; it’s probably 400 hikes and probably approaching 3500 miles in total.”
What began as one straightforward day hike now defines, or as Kurt puts it, “frames” his and Gail’s every weekend. Married for 21 years now, they most often hike as a couple. They’ve invited others, but usually it’s just them enjoying lively conversation or quiet time on the infinite variety of trails our region offers.
They both cherish their trail time together. Gail says, “It’s wonderful. I love being with Kurt.” And Kurt responds, “There’s nobody I’d rather be with and when I’m out here with her on the trail I get to be with her all by myself and have her all to myself, which is a wonderful thing and she’s just a wonderful hiker, it’s great to have the challenge of having to keep up with her, so it’s a great thing and get to have a nice lunch together at a high point. It’s lovey dovey.”
The Cascades of Giles County happens to be a fine place for lovers. The calming sounds of Little Stoney Creek and the spectacular waterfalls spread a mist of romance all around. It reminds Gail of just how beautiful the world is; “I’m always asked about what’s my favorite hike, this is one of them.” After so many hikes in so many places you might think Gail and Kurt have become jaded; missing the forest for the trees?
To avoid that Gail began studying and learning to identify wildflowers along the trails. This hiking couple is dazzled by the great variety of hikes right in Roanoke’s backyard, and believes our close proximity to the Appalachian Trail is lost on many. Each Saturday dawns a new day, with a new hike. Another chance to spend quality time together, to breathe in fresh air and beautiful scenery and to keep their romance alive. The Reinheimers estimate they’ve missed about 14 weekend hikes in the past 7 and a half years; those were mostly due to Kurt having Achilles tendon surgery or knee problems.
For more information on the Cascades Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest at Pembroke you can call 540-552-4641 or visit http://gilescounty.org/cascades.html. The 4 mile-round trip hike to Cascade Falls is one of the most popular in southwest Virginia and on busy summer days the trail and falls can be extremely busy. All hikers are reminded to pack out everything they pack in, including cigarette butts which have begun to litter the trails, creek, and pools.
