Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 27, 1993 TAG: 9311290179
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By VIRGINIA JORDAN SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
On one recent day, John Risi and some fellow hikers were on a typical Crane outing, polishing their rock climbing at Dragons Tooth, a popular Appalachian Trail rock outcropping that overlooks the Catawba Valley.
With a rope threaded through an anchor at the top of the cliff, the climbers were working their way along the cliff face.
``Can't think of a better place to be,'' Risi said, ``especially on a clear day.''
If water sports are more your thing, Crane will take you on a canoe trip on the New River. Not just any piece of water, a scenic stretch between Eggleston and Ripplemead is Crane's choice. There lunch is on a beach where the sandstone cliffs tower along both sides of the river.
For those who like climbing down, rather than up, the ultimate in exploration is descent into a cave.
This other world of strange sights is offered to beginners. A new program will begin Jan. 6.
Crane, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees in recreation from Radford University, supervises no fewer than 20 outdoor projects for the town's fall and early winter recreation program alone.
Interested in watching beavers?
How about stargazing?
Crane's program also co-sponsors outings with the Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department, such as a mountain biking weekend at Snowshoe Ski Resort in West Virginia, which includes an overnight stay and a spaghetti dinner.
From all of this, you might say that adventure is alive and well in the New River Valley.
``What I like best,'' said Crane, ``is the variety. Something different every day. And the chance to be outdoors.''
Crane's job also brings him indoors. Last year, he visited over 5,000 children in the Montgomery County schools to talk about nature, from snakes to Native American lore.
School groups and adults have enjoyed another of Crane's projects - the Ellett Valley Nature Trail. The trail winds from the junction of Cedar Run Road and Jennelle Road in Blacksburg along the ridges overlooking the Ellett Valley. This is a quiet place of natural beauty where the rustle of leaves is often the only sound.
The trail winds by a spring that once was Blacksburg's water supply. Two large tanks still are in place at the bottom of the valley. At the spring, a sign explains how the water was piped to a nearby residence, now gone. The trail is well-supplied with signs that tell the hiker the secrets of the forest.
``Something different every step of the way,'' Crane said.
You might say the same thing about Crane's job - just another day in an adventurous life.
For times, fees and reservations for Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department outings, call 961-1135.
by CNB