The Great Channels Of Virginia
The Great Channels Of Virginia; or also known as The Channels is a maze of rocks located within The Channels State forest. The name derived from the maze-like system of sandstone crevices and boulders that occur near the summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain.
The Channels were more likely formed while the high-elevation sandstone cap was under the influence of permafrost and ice wedging during the last ice age here on Earth. These forces shattered and enlarged joints in the sandstone caprock.
The Pie Sisters were spending the night at the Fields' double wide trailer that was located in a hollow on Clinch Mountain road.
It was nighttime and they decided to go hiking in the channels early in the morning. Ashley and her family befriended the residents of Equestria.
There was a rift between two worlds creating portals near the Fields' home and near the towns around it. They couldn't figure out what's causing this phenomenon. But both the ponies and their humans friends didn't care, as they are happy with each other and their company.
When Pinkie heard about The Channels from the family, she didn't miss the opportunity to invite her rock loving sisters. Pinkie exclaimed Maud is the most excited, even though she doesn't showed it.
Ashley's dad and Limestone Pie became closer due to both of their grouchy personalities, even though Limestone is more grouchier of the two. Unlike the purplish gray mare, Charlie loves a good dad joke or two.
They all sat in the living room watching a scary movie before going to bed. Ashley was talking to the Pie sisters, going over the hiking trip with them. They seem to have a special liking to the brown haired autistic twenty two year old girl. "Remember to watch for black bears. They're not as friendly as the ones in Equestria and not afraid to have you guys as appetizers." She warned.
Her family nodded in agreement. Limestone scowled. "You don't have to worry about us," She muttered. "We farmed rocks with our bare hooves. We can handle a bear." Marble nodded in agreement. "um-hum."
Ashley shook her head. "I wouldn't want to risk it." The grouchy earth pony sighed. "Fine. But if a bear try to attack any of you, we'll be there to protect you." She put on a rare smile and gave her a noogie. "Besides, that's what friends are for."
Pinkie Pie hopped up and down. "Well said Limestone." Ashley laughed as warmth build up in her. Her second cousin twice remove; Brittany Hernandez decided to come along with them. She was surprise about the ponies, but immediately became best friends with the speedy Pegasus Rainbow Dash. Both of their fascination and tomboyish attitude made them the perfect friends.
"Besides, we never ran into a bear everytime we hike there we'll be fine." Brittany pointed out. Ashley's dad nodded in agreement.
After the movie they all went to bed. The Pie sisters decided to sleep in the bed with Ashley. She smiled at her pony friends. "Goodnight everypony." She whispered. She still thinks it's weird to use that version of the word. But it made her friends happy.
"Goodnight, Ashley." They whispered back together.
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"Ashley! Wake up!" Screamed an energetic voice. Ashley opened one eye and groan. "Just five more minutes." A pink hoof poked her nose. "You can't silly goose. The others are already up and getting ready to that rock maze you,'ve been talking about.
"Alright, alright, I'm getting up." She said as she sat up and stretch her arms, yawning. She shook the sandman away and got up. She headed to her dresser and pulled out a pair of soft brown shorts and her black Stranger Things shirt. She walk to the bathroom and pulled them on.
She went out and observed the people in the living room and kitchen. They were stuffing their backpack/saddlebags with snacks and water. She went to the shoe closet and got out her New Balance tennis shoes and slipped them on.
Ashley jumped as she heard a knock on the door. She opened it and suprised to see Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash standing there. They both got saddlebags as well. "What are you guys doing here?" Ashley said.
"We decided to go with you. I was curious about The Channels and can't pass on the opportunity see what it's all about." The purple alicorn explain as Ashley let them in. "And I want to do some awesome hiking!" Added Rainbow.
"Twilight! Dashie!" A pink blur knocked over the two. "You guys are coming with us?!" She asked flabbergasted. They knodded, to the pink party pony's excitement. Ashley look uncertain. "I don't think there's enough room in both vehicles for all six of you plus seven of my family members." She said nervously.
Twilight flapped her wings for empathise. "Don't worry, Ashley. Rainbow and I have wings rememer? We can fly above them." Ashley sighed with relief and nodded. "Do you got everything you need?" She asked as they walk towards living room.
Twilight nodded. "We packed plenty of water, snacks, and other stuff. I even brought a first aid kit just in case one of us gets hurt." Ashley smiled with approval.
"Rainbow!" Exclaimed Brittany as she walk towards her. Rainbow hovered over her. "Guess what Britt? Were coming on this hiking trip with you!" Brittany smiled and gave her a hoofbump. "Awesome."
As soon as both humans and poines are ready, they head out to load up the SUVs. The Pie family were riding in the red three seat one with Ashley's father, while the rest of the humans ride in the black three row one. They then head along the row with both Twilight and Rainbow hovering above them.
They then reached the parking spot and parked. They hopped out while the two flyers landed beside them. The ponies look at the driveway with anticipation. "Is this the first part?" Asked Pinkie Pie. "That's right!" Said Lisa, Ashley's stepmom.
"Remember, Dash. Stay on the ground, otherwise you are cheating." Said Twilight. "Alright, miss princess." Said Rainbow as she rolled her eyes and folded her wings back on her side. The human family and the Pie sisters snickered in amusement.
They then set forward and went around a rusty gate. After about two hours they made it to the first rest stop which is a billbord with a map and some notes. On the top was a sign saying, "Beware Of Bears!" With a picture of a bear.
Beside it was a small bench, which Ashley's eighteen year old sister who is also named Brittney and her boyfriend, Brandon. They all got out a water bottle and took a couple of drinks. Maud was eyeing the gravel beneath her gray hoofs with a slight intress.
They then carried on and continued to walk along the trail. After a another few hours, they made it to a fork in the trail. On one trail is a sign saying "Hidden Valley Lake: 4.4 miles." Twilight looked at it. "There's a lake up here?" She asked in wonder.
Ashley nodded. "It's a man made reservior and it takes a day to get there. You have to bring camping supplies with you." Twilight nodded. Rainbow Dash stared at the trail. "Pfft, a day? I bet I can get to there in ten minutes flat!" She boasted. Limestone stared at the pegasus. "You are one egotistical mare I've ever seen." She commented.
"No I'm not!" Rainbow snapped at her. The rock farm pony smirked. "It's true. Your ego is bigger than Holder's Bolder back at the rock farm." The cyan mare growled. "Take that back, Rocky!"
Limestone faced her almost touching noses. "Try me, Skittles!" She sneered. Twilight intervene with her magic pulling the two arguing mares apart. "Cut it out you two or you're gonna loose your energy for the rest of this hike!" She scolded. She look at the human family with concern who is looking nervous. "Now apologize to them and each other."
They sighed and gazed at the family with guilt. "We're sorry." They said in unison. The human family smiled. "It's okay. Thanks for breaking that up Twilight." Said Ashley. Both mares then apologized to each other. Twilight smiled with approval. "Good. Now lets finish this hike."
They continued and Maud noticed Ashley's ten year old sister, Megan being a tired out. She step towards her. "Hey Megan, you look tired. Wanna ride on my back for a while?" Megan smiled and nodded. Maud Pie lowered herself on to the ground to let girl get on.
"Thanks Maud!" Megan said thankfully. "No problem." She said back. After a few minutes they made there way towards a clearing.
The ponies eyes widened in disbelief as to what they gaze in front of them. Up ahead was large sandstone rocks. On one coner was a tore up log cabin and up ahead a tall fire tower. Surrounding it was a bunch of huckleberry bushes loaded with berries.
Charlie smiled and went towards one of the bushes straight away and start picking the berries. The rest move forward until they were under the large tower. Pinkie look up at it. "Can we climb up it? She asked hopefully. Ashley shook her head. "It's too rotted and unstable. Besides hikers are not allowed." She answered.
Pinkie look disappointed as her mane deflated a little. She quickly shook away the disappointment and got off her saddle bags. They rest for a while, eating their snacks and drinking some water.
Limestone gazed into the woods in front of them. "Is that were The Channels is?" She asked in anticipation. Brittnay nodded. "It sure is."
They pack up there stuff and head towards it. "Watch your step." Charlie warned as they made it to a small slop. He hold onto a skinny tree beside him to help him lowered down. The rast follow suit.
The ponies and humans gaze in awe at the sandstone maze around them. Even though Ashley been here plenty of times, she still can't help feeling of wonder as she visit it with her family. "Hey Maud do you know what kind of rock these are?" Asked Megan curiously. "These are sandstone. Easy to erode, that's why it's like this." She explained.
They continued to explore the cool maze, enjoying the different types of giant rocks around them.
The End.
They then
Author's Note
I hope you love this short story. My family and I love hiking to The Channels! Question: Have any of you visit this place before?
