ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, February 3, 1997 TAG: 9702040005
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
8 - Eyeing an eagle at Hightown
A favorite spot of the the Roanoke Valley Bird Club for viewing an eagle is the Hightown section of Highland County. Even if you don't see a bald or golden eagle - and you likely will - you've savored one of the most scenic spots in Virginia. If you go at this time of year, and the club has a trip planned Saturday, you'd better dress warmly. ``Weather-wise, we really never know what to expect when we get there - but it is always cold,'' said Tad Finnell, the club's field-trip coordinator.
The trip begins 6:45 a.m. at the Daleville Western Sizzlin', where car-pooling will be organized. Participants will stop at a popular bird-feeding station in Monterey, where there is a chance to view evening grosbeaks and other species Roanoke Valley birders aren't likely to see around their feeders. Then onto Hightown, where the rough-legged hawk will be a bold-letter-bird target in addition to eagles. Bring a lunch.
9 - Hiking to a winter waterfall
Hikes to waterfalls most often are taken on hot, steamy days when the muggy air is cooled by water cascading over rocks. But there is another season for waterfall watching - wintertime. That's when stream flows likely will be full, adding drama to a falls that might be little more than a trickle in the summertime.
The Roanoke Chapter of the Appalachian Trail Club has scheduled a hike Sunday to Apple Orchard Falls, nestled in a remote section between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Arcadia. The outing gets under way at 8:30 a.m. and is eight miles in length. The leaders are Jill Rosekrans, 776-0895, and Jim Gawne, 986-2050.
The trail club doesn't slow for winter weather. Check ``Outdoors You Go'' on this page for weekend hikes. If there is too much snow for hiking, club members go cross-country skiing.
17 - It is Cupid day for archers
While Cupid is shooting at hearts, members and guests of Sherwood Archers will be firing at more conventional targets during a Valentine's Shoot on Feb.17. The match begins at 2 p.m. at the club's indoor range near Hanging Rock. This is a fun affair, so the whole family is invited. Information is available from Jimmy Brugh, 254-2490. Other indoor shoots are scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Feb.22.
21 - Ski club heads for the hills
How is this for a great skiing deal? Two nights of lodging in a cozy condo, two days of lift tickets and a guaranteed good time, all for $135. That's what the Roanoke Ski Club's trip to Timberline promises Feb.21-23. Lodging will be at Deerfield Village. The trip leader is Martha Lacy, 345-3414. Space is limited. Car-pooling is encouraged.
Other outings scheduled by the club include a Masanutten bus trip March 1. A $30 fee covers the ride, lift tickets, breakfast and beverages. The leader is Marcia Currie, 776-6371. The club is at Snowshoe/Silver Creek from March 14-16, with lodging at the Summit Condos. The two nights' lodging and two days of lift tickets are $128. Wendy Kelley, 772-8187, is the leader. This is a car-pooling affair, too. All trips are run on a first-deposit, first-reserved basis.
22 - Roosevelt at Elk Banquet
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation keeps coming up with ideas to make its annual benefit banquet the biggest of its kind in the region. This time the affair will feature Teddy Roosevelt in the person of Steve Stark, a Roosevelt impersonator and talk-show host from Fargo, N.D. The tribute is deserved because Roosevelt had much to say about hunting and the conservation of elk.
This is the sixth year of the banquet, which has set records in its fund-raising efforts on behalf of elk habitat. The event is 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Holiday Inn-Tanglewood. Tickets are $50 each, $80 for couples. It is expected to be a sellout, so reservations should be made quickly. Call 772-1414.
28 - Time to float the boat show
The annual Southwest Virginia Boat Show will be moored at the Roanoke Civic Center Feb. 28 through March 2. The show will be a warehouse of what's new afloat for the 1997 season. It offers consumers the opportunity for comparison shopping all under one roof. Well, not exactly. There will be so many boats that dealers can't get them all inside. Scores of craft will be displayed in the parking lot.
Look for bigger jet boats, more powerful personal watercraft, even longer bass boats and a new generation of outboard engines. Also, look for dealers willing to make deals, because business last season wasn't all that great.
LENGTH: Medium: 88 linesby CNB