Adventure the 11th

A Jedi temple in the Virginia mountains-an excursion review

Ahch-To: A remote planet in the Unknown Regions in a galaxy far, far away. Home to the ancient Jedi texts. Secret hideout of Luke Skywalker. The location of my datapad messages which I check every 7 and 1/2 months. And yet, perhaps a galaxy far, far away is closer than expected.

A trip to western Virginia led to exploration of an area of trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A collection of mountains dubbed Peaks of Otter (affectionately abbreviated as “POO” according to the gift shop merchandise) includes several hikes like Sharp Top and Flat Top. The hikes, labeled “strenuous and challenging”, are extremely rewarding for the views at nearly 4,000 ft up. After some consideration, the 3 mile Sharp Top hike was selected and the 1,300 ft ascent began.

Now, as a Kowakian monkey lizard, I am accustomed to climbing. But a mile and a half up the rugged terrain was rather taxing, even for me. The girl graciously toted me the whole way in her backpack (near horizontal as she was practically crawling towards the end). But with multiple breaks and encouragement from me, my tenacious little human did make it up. Once she caught her breath, I emerged to find that the top of the mountain with its stone steps and outcroppings looked remarkably similar to some areas of Ahch-To! (minus the surrounding ocean…) The 360 degree view was one of the best I have thus seen in these mountains and I was extremely proud of my girl for making it all the way up and back despite being rather tempted to take the shuttle. (Side note: the shuttle runs seasonally and costs $10-$15 per person).

While the girl rested, I took some time to explore the stone crevices, admire the views, and contemplate my existence within the Force and the universe. A number of Virginia porgs circled round at eye level and came to land on a pile of nearby rocks. A brisk breeze helped blow away the swarms of little gnats orbiting my face (what draws them that high up, I cannot fathom) and cooled the sweat running down my back. Large, white, puffy clouds rolled by making shapes like meiloorun fruit and wampa heads. Few humans were about and at times, it seemed it was our own personal mountain top retreat. It was extremely peaceful and satisfying and well worth the effort it took to get there.

For anyone considering paying homage to the Virginia Jedi Temple, go prepared. Though not the double suns of Tatooine, your sun is still strong, there are no bathroom facilities, and the service connections for your datapads may be limited. Take water, take a friend, take sunscreen and take your time. Your Jedi training will be put to the test.

If such an arduous climb is not appealing to you, fear not for there are many other hikes and trails around of less intensity. Peaks of Otter is also within easy driving distance to other galactic outposts and attractions if you find yourself craving more hustle and bustle. The town of Bedford lies about 20 klicks away via passenger shuttles (about 10 miles via your landspeeders). It was there, we celebrated our successful hike at the Clam Diggers Seafood Restaurant with a very tasty basket of fish n’ chips with hushpuppies accompanied by live music in the adjoining room.

So, then, in closing, and I do not mean this unkindly: go take a hike! Or not. It is ever your choice. But whatever you do, go have an adventure and May The Crumb Be With You!

Written 8/30/26