This geocache is placed with permission of the Assistant Park Manager of Fairy Stone State Park. It is one of the six original Virginia State Parks opening June 15, 1936. With 4,741 acres and 168 acre lake adjoining the Philpott Reservoir, Fairy Stone State Park is a great location for swimming, fishing, hiking, picnics, camping and wildlife viewing. Fairy Stone State Park is located at 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, Virginia. There is a fee for park entry. Trail maps are availble at the Park Office or you can print one from the VSP Fairy Stone State Park home page.
This geocache is placed to recognize and honor the twenty-one years of dedicated service given by Charlene Goad, Park Ranger, Fairy Stone State Park. She worked as a crew leader for approximately three years prior to becoming a Park Ranger. Charlene said it well with "I think memories are made when you have friends to make them with, because the people you meet become your friends. I am truly blessed with my memories at the park. You know they say there is a special thing about the park and I truly believe that because people keep coming back." Charlene loves to talk about the moving legend behind the fairy stones and appeared on "Good Luck Virginia: Fairy Stone State Park", which you can watch on YouTube. It is as relevant today as it was when produced. We thank Charlene for her devotion to Fairy Stone State Park, the friendship she has with other park staff and to each of us as park visitors. We are blessed to call her our friend. You're the best!
A bench with a view...a place to sit and breathe in the sweet smells of air on Little Mountain Falls Trail. A place to sit and gaze out onto one of the most spectacular views of the entire park...the Blue Ridge Mountains. From this vantage point, you are standing above the tree tops of Fairy Stone State Park to gaze out on the picturesque landscape below with the Blue Ridge Mountains forming the background. The view will vary from season to season with either snow, brilliant fall foliage, spring colors that dot the landscape or the bold green colors. This is an invigorating hike, depending on the direction you decide to approach the bench. Regardless, you'll be grateful for this bench to rest and catch your breath.
You will be looking for a green bison tube and it can be spotted in it's hiding spot not too far from the bench itself, just a bit up the trail. Please replace as found to ensure a dry log. You will need to bring your own writing instrument with you. Only thing I ask is please post a photo of the view...you don't have to be in the photo unless you want to be. That view never gets old.
CONGRATULATIONS TO NIGHT-HAWK FOR BEING FTF 3-13-22.