On Friday June 23, 2017 we began our annual journey to experience our great land one park at a time. We gathered at Smokemont Campground in The Great Smokey Mountains National Park.  This year’s adventure included myself, Mom, my stepsister Donna, nephew Tyler and Craig and Abby with canine mascot Zoey. We divied up people and gear between our vehicles and rolled to the Campground where Donna’s then fiancée Robert met us for a send off. Our goal for the next couple of days was to drive the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 469 mile scenic parkway that wends its way through North Carolina and Virginia giving one an opportunity to roll unhurriedly through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Smokemont Campground is near the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee North Carolina. We arrived at the Campground and set up our tents. Abby left Zoey with her Dad and we did the Smokemont Nature Trail, a nice little welcome to the woods, walk. We got back to camp to discover that Zoey had escaped and disappeared into the forest. A panicked search ensued. The small dog was eventually recovered on the horse trail above the campsite. No one wanted to start our 2 week sojourn on such a sad note.

Still recovering from the trauma of losing my 28 year position at the Eastman, I didn’t immediately catch up on the happenings at the Big E with my friend Craig. He tells me folks ask how I am all the time and that I am missed. I tell him I am Ok what else can I be? The sales job I found wasn’t really working out for me, I am no salesman. But I tried even though I wasn’t really ever comfortable with the position. The nicest thing the folks I worked for there did for me was let me go a couple weeks after this awesome trip. I was anxious about my job, feeling insecure about it. I had believed that Eastman was secure and I had been proved wrong. For me this break was much needed.

While we were out looking for the dog, eating the food prepared and trying to get our camp in order, rains rolled in. My little tent proved waterproof enough for this rain. I had looked at the Parkway and figured we could make it to Otter Creek in a day. I was wrong. I learned a lot about the Parkway as we drove along its length. It is within easy driving distance from home and the hiking trails promise future adventures galore.

The rains left the mountains shrouded in heavy fog, the first miles of our journey we were slowed below the 40mph speed limit by a lack of visibility. We did no hiking on this part of our trip just a lot of driving.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a formidable, majestic drive, Mountains and rolling vistas stretching out in all directions as far as the eye can see. We drove in and out of the clouds as the fog hung on the mountain tops and dipped into the valleys. We stopped in Waynesville for breakfast, then took a photo op at the highest elevation sign.

We stopped at Mt Pisgah Country Store and at the Asheville Visitor Center. We drove steadily slowly eating up the miles as our eyes drank in the sights. The terrain changed from 6000+ Ft craggy  peaks to 3000-4000 ft rolling mountains we stopped at The viaduct and checked distance and fatigue levels and decided to stop at mile 241 at Doughton Park Campground giving up the reservation at Otter Creek.

Doughton Park was a nice quiet little campground and we set up camp and Donna fixed supper. The sun set on our first day and a cool wind blew through the night. The sound of the wind was soothing in the quiet of the campground. It was a wee bit chilly as we broke camp to continue our drive the next morning.

The rolling hills were a nice contrast to the higher peaks in North Carolina. We ate breakfast at a Marathon Station off the Parkway and we stopped at Mabry Mill at Meadow of Dan, and wandered the exhibit. We stopped at Norfolk Trail Overlook for photos and again at the James River Visitor Center.

Adventures are adventures because they are not planned out. Every plan is a good one until it is executed and then it’s flaws become evident. What I took, in my ignorance, to be an easy day drive took us from 9:30 am Saturday morning to 5:30 Saturday evening and from 8:45 to 5:45 Sunday a total of over 17 hours driving with stops and side trips.

For future reference, I will take more time to stop and enjoy different areas of this wonderful Parkway. Hiking trails are abundant and the campgrounds are nice. There are enough places to stop and hike and enjoy the mountains that the Parkway could be the sole destination for a wonderful vacation experience.

It has been a month since I have been on a hike. Today, Saturday September 1, 2018,  I met my friend Rhonda at the Wal Mart parking lot and we loaded up the Jeep and headed for the mountains. On the two lane stretch of highway between White Pine and Newport, as we motored along chatting and listening to music, I looked in my rear view mirror to see the bubble top of a Smart Car so close to my bumper I could not see the front of the car. Next thing I know it whipped out across the centerline and sped past me. In shock I looked over at Rhonda who was starting to giggle, “Whatever you do!” I implored. “Please don’t tell anyone I was just passed by a Smart Car!” As The tiny two seater sped away, we laughed so hard we cried. Rhonda said… “ I did’t know they could go that fast!” And so our day began.

If you like a steep, rocky, rooted challenge with a spectacular payoff at the end of a 4 mile grueling climb Ramsey Cascades Trail is the trail for you. It has it all. This was my third trip to the tallest waterfall in the Smokies. The trail is labeled as strenuous and it is not a mislabel. Ramsey Cascades tumbles 100 FT along Ramsey Prong which forms the slopes of Greenbriar Pinnacle and Mt Guyot the park’s second highest peak. To get to this beautiful, spectacular waterfall one begins at the parking area for this Trailhead, located in the Greenbriar section of the Smokies.

The paved, gravel road leading into this section of the Park is a rough ride, with pot holes, narrow sections, and pavement to gravel interchanges. The River is a popular swimming, tubing, kayaking and fishing attraction with many pull offs to stop and enjoy the water.

We got to the trail head at 9:15 and it was fairly empty, a good sign that a body just might get to enjoy the Falls without having to share the space with too many others. On previous trips the parking area had been full. There was a slight chill to the air with the temperature hovering around 69 degrees.

Ramsey Cascades is a 4 mile long trail so the total distance we hiked was 8 miles round trip. We started out at 2165’ elevation and maxed out at 4256’ gaining a little over 2100’ over 4 miles. The trail starts off gently enough as we crossed a nice wooden bridge then it starts up a gentle but steady incline. Rhonda asked me once as we climbed if this was really the easy part of the trail. It is all about perspective. Heart rates climbing and brows sweating, we felt the effects of climbing. We were just getting started.

A mile and a half in the ‘easy’ part of the trail ended and we began the climb in earnest. There is nothing easy about the terrain or elevation gain. Uneven, rocky, and rugged it climbs. Accompanied by the sound of running water for most of the hike, one can bask in one of the most relaxing sounds in nature even as one pushes one’s body beyond everyday exertion.

About 2+/- miles in we crossed the ‘new’ log bridge. Ramsey Cascades Trail was closed for many months in 2016, 2017 due to a bridge being knocked out by a fallen tree. The trail was reopened in 2017 and I hiked it solo in June of last year. This trip was not so hot and muggy as that June adventure. Sharing this trail, it’s unique beauty and its physical challenge, is worth the return.

We passed a couple different groups of hikers on the way up. We were passed by a couple groups on their way down. When we arrived at the Falls we lucked out and had them to ourselves for a little while. I sat on a rock, the chilly spray cooling the air and my overheated body. I ate my snack and just soaked in the splendor. We took photos and others began to show up.

Returning down the rocks climbed on the way up became the new challenge of the day. Carefully, picking my way down, over, and around the rocks I had to step aside as the multitudes made their pilgrimage towards the Falls. Couples, groups, families and solo hikers of all ages, shapes and sizes were determinedly trudging up as we made our way down. Knowing how challenging I found the hike I could only respect those on their way up.

At the end of the hike We rewarded ourselves by soaking sore feet in the cold mountain water. Ramsey Cascades is well worth the workout takes to get there.

Our week at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky began with our arrival at Mammoth Cave Campground on July 24, 2018. The campsite was large and comfortable with convenient access to the main attraction, Mammoth Cave, the largest cave system in the world,and  a world heritage site. We did Cave tours every day.

In between Cave tours we managed to explore the trails in close vicinity to the Campground and visitor center. The longest trail is the 11 mile Mammoth Cave RR, Bike and Hike Trail adjacent to the Campground. It is a well developed smooth, graveled trail,  heavily used by joggers, bikers and walkers. We watched folks go by whenever we were at our campsite. Craig jogged down it a couple of times and I walked a couple miles down and back with my lovely daughter-in-law Ashley as we searched for our canine companion. Zoey makes at least one break for freedom on our vacations, always when Abby is absent too long. The trail is a nice easy walk. Luckily, Zoey circled back to the campsite and let Mom “catch” her so we didn’t have to explain how we lost her.

One evening I walked out from our campsite to walk down Whites Cave Trail to the Sinkhole trail. I met a very nice family from Cave City out enjoying the National Park in their backyard. As we talked the husband said he was going to the Smokies to Hike the Boulevard Trail to Le Conte, a Trail I did with my step sister and nephew last year. We talked trails and the blessing of having a national treasure close enough to enjoy whenever the notion strikes. As we chatted away we heard the unmistakable sound of an agitated rattle snake. 🐍 There is no other sound like it. It brought us up short, and I felt my blood run cold and the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. We came to an instant stop and watched as the snake slithered from the side of the trail into the path.

We stood quietly taking pictures and whispering our options. The snake, finally satisfied it had made its point, slithered on across the trail. We watched it progress into the woods before we continued. We parted ways and I checked out a portion of Echo River Spring Trail. From Echo River Spring Trail I climbed up to Sunset point then made my way back to the campsite.

The next day Craig and I retraced my steps adding the full length of Echo River Springs trail and checking out The River Styx Spring Trail. Both Echo River and River Styx flow from Mammoth Cave to meet the Green River and one gets to check out where these waters leave the cave.

We also did the Green River Bluffs Trail, a nice strenuous little climb from the Green River up to the tops of the bluffs. There are some places where one can see the river valley below. In the winter when the canopy is gone, I bet the views are fantastic. We met a couple of ladies walking their dogs. One pup was a female schnauzer who could have been Maximus long lost twin. We talked dogs then finished out the loop by walking past the picnin area. It was a nice challenging little hike.

Echo River trail has been upgraded to an accessible trail with nature panels explaining different ecological and geographical features of a unique environment.

The River Styx trail begins just below the Natural entrance to Mammoth Cave. I took Shane and Ashley by the Natural Entrance and down to the Green River then back up by Sunset Point. A nice little walk. The trails are all well developed and maintained. There are trail signs to assist navigation.

On Wednesday July 25, we had a sit down breakfast buffet at the Grille next to the Mammoth Cave Hotel. Our campsite at Mammoth Cave Campground was well situated and within walking distance of the hotel and visitor center. Having scored a single ticket for The Grand Avenue Cave tour for Thursday morning  on Tuesday we decided to check out the visitor center and we discovered that the Grand Avenue Cave tour had available openings at 11:00 due to some cancellations.

Upon our arrival at the Park we had been bummed out to discover that the more popular Cave tours were sold out days even weeks in advance. The Grand Avenue Tour was one such tour. I had felt lucky to score a single for Thursday now there were several tickets available. We jumped on the opportunity and got 3. Craig, Abby, and I took Mom, who did not want to go on the strenuous 4 hour walking Cave tour, and Zoey, who could not go as canines were not allowed in the cave, back to our campsite.

We hustled back to meet the tour bus. The Ranger team for this tour gave us the spiel on how strenuous the tour was and gave folks the opportunity to second guess their decision to go, telling tales of medical mishaps and reminding us we would be underground and far from easy aid. After listening to their cautionary advice, I wondered what I had gotten myself into.

We boarded the bus and headed to the Carmichael entrance one of several manmade entrances to this vast magical landscape. Thus began our 4 hour 4 mile race walk through the longest cave system in the world. We hustled along Cleveland Avenue, a large tunnel formed of natural arching ceilings. This portion of the tour ended at the Snowball Room, where a food service area used to be. We took bathroom breaks and learned about the history of the cafeteria. It had shut down several years ago when the elevator that serviced this area had broke down. A tour for special needs folks uses the elevator now to give folks who otherwise could not experience the cave an opportunity to descend 267 ft below the surface and learn about the cave. There is a nice sidewalk paved trail that goes some distance from the elevator entrance.

We left the wide open tunnels and entered a different realm. It was my favorite part of the tour and the main reason I decided to repeat the experience using the single ticket I had gotten Tuesday. We entered a series of slot canyons that twisted and turned and led us ever forward in a single file hustle. The speed of this walking tour along with the terrain is one reason it is considered strenuous. We paused for breaks and to hear the Rangers tell interesting geological or historical facts. When we were moving, however, we were moving on. The canyons were strategically lit and the tall walls stretched overhead into darkness. The developed trails were well made and well maintained. The CCC work force spent many man hours developing the underground and top side trail system inside Mammoth Cave National Park during the Great Depression.

From the slot canyons we began the ups and downs that we were warned about top side, climbing a high “hill” called Mt. McKinley where we got another rest and bathroom break. From here we descended and climbed and descended and climbed. It was a workout. We learned about the Kentucky Cave Wars and George Morrison, who opened at least two man made entrances to the vast cave system, earning his fortunes as a cave developer while extending the known length of Mammoth Cave.

Each Ranger is given the freedom to develop their program as they lead tours so my second adventure had a different narrative and I was able to enjoy the tour seeing things I missed first time through.

I would recommend advance reservations for this wonderful tour. It was not as physically strenuous as I feared it would be hearing the Rangers description. I think they make it sound a little worse than it is to discourage those folks who are on the fence about it.

This tour exits the cave through the Frozen Niagara entrance. We were bussed back to the Hotel and sent on our way.

 

This year’s National Park adventure was by default close to home. Mammoth Cave National Park is a 4.5 hour drive from the house. Lacking paid vacation this year due to my job change, I decided to take a week despite the hit my finances would take. The past 4 years we have gone on extended pilgrimages to National Parks around this great country and a year off is a year we won’t get back. Mom’s health is good and her spirit for adventure is thriving at 73; but life keeps proving that one can take nothing for granted. What one puts off may be something lost. Too much can happen in a year’s time.

We met our traveling companions at the farm on Monday,  July 23, and loaded up Craig’s F150 with our camping gear. We had reserved site 6 on Loop A at Mammoth Cave Campground. The drive to the Park was uneventful and we set up our campsite as the day wound down.

Mammoth Cave Campground is well placed for many park adventures. Within easy walking distance to the campstore, which is housed in a small complex complete with a post office, laundry and shower house, and the Visitor Center it provides an excellent launching spot. The bathrooms are nice and clean, our campsite was roomy with plenty of space for our tents and camp chairs. We used the fire ring nightly to cook dinner and relax around as darkness fell.

We discovered much to our dismay that the more popular cave tours are sold out in advance. We purchased tickets for our whole group to do the short Frozen Niagara tour and we got 2 tickets for the last Historic tour of the day.

Mom went on the popular Frozen Niagara tour which was rated easy for folks with limited physical abilities and or limited desire to spend hours underground. A bus picked us up at a designated shelter to take us over to The Frozen Niagara entrance.  The Ranger led tour offered commentary about the cave and its most popular formation including the cave crickets, and the man made entrance to the formation rich area of an otherwise dry cave system. The tour was fairly short. An optional side trip down 49 steps to a small chamber under the Frozen Niagara formation, was part of the short cave adventure.

The second tour we did later in the day was the 2+hour Historic Cave tour that left from the Visitor Center. A short walk down the hill to the Historic Entrance started our tour. I did this tour twice while we were on vacation here. My son and his wife drove up for a night and I got tickets to a couple of tours in advance. Each volunteer or Interpretive Park Ranger gets to choreograph their presentation so one gets to hear about different aspects of the history or geology of this great cave during their tour if they luck out and get different guides which I did.

The Historic Tour consists of a nice loop that takes one by artifacts from the war of 1812 when the cave was mined for saltpeter. When the mining interest became unviable economically tourism began in earnest and exploration became a driver to expand the accessibility and increase the distance for available touring options. We were told about the most famous of the tour guides and explorers and the evolution of the system to its current acknowledged dominance as The Longest Cave System in the World.

This tour is cited as strenuous due to the Fat Man’s Misery and the Tower inside the Mammoth Dome. The number of stair steps makes the tour difficult for folks with physical limitations or respiratory issues. The cave is at a constant 54 degrees year round making it a cool way to spend a couple of hours on a hot muggy July afternoon.

These tours were a good introduction to Mammoth Cave and seem to be reasonably available without advance reservations.

 

We drove from Glacier National Park in Montana to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. It was a marathon drive. We got to the Park in the wee hours and set up camp as quietly as we could and passed out from sheer exhaustion.

After resting up for a few, and suffering the effects of severe sleep deprivation, we loaded up and headed out. We ate at the famous Walls Drug Store and then backtracked to Mt. Rushmore to get our pictures made with the presidents

We did a little tourist stuff and headed back to our campsite. I was so exhausted I was swimmy headed. The temperature at the Badlands was in the 90’s and it was dry. I noticed mom’s cough she had been struggling with in the cold damp of Glacier faded over the 3 days we spent in South Dakota. We were excited that there was a shower house next to the campsite until we got in it and discovered it was cold water only. Talk about quick showers we set records.

The Badlands is traversed by a nice road with many scenic stops and overlooks. We had numerous wildlife encounters. I found a Spaghetti Western Recording on my Apple Music app and played it as we drove around the park checking out the varied geological formations from prairie to Mesa to canyons. It was fascinating. We stopped and watched the prairie dogs pop up and down from their holes like little Jack in the Boxes. We saw buffalo in the wild and encountered a huge Rattlesnake just a little ways past a beware of rattlesnakes sign.

We did the short Fossil Trail and read the exhibits. Badlands is a fossil rich environment. We listened as a Park Ranger did one of their educational talks. We ventured off the boardwalk to see out into the Badlands. We also did the Door trail and the Window trail both easily accessible by boardwalks. Mom walked these short ventures with us. When she had had enough we took her back to camp so she could rest and we did the slightly longer and more strenuous Notch trail. We climbed a ladder and hiked to a notch in the wall from which you could see White River Valley then we did the Cliff Shelf a .5 mile nature walk. Being out on these trails  experiencing the environment, allows a body to appreciate the land. There is beauty in apparent desolation. I read that the Badlands got their name from French Fur traders who spoke of the harsh unforgiving terrain telling others that there was some bad lands to cross. Hiking the defined trails, looking around, feeling the heat from an unrelenting sun, it is easy to imagine what it must have been like to be alone in this place with nothing but skill and wits and experience to guide one through.

Sleeping in a tent one is closer to the natural conditions early adventurers faced. The temperature which hit high 90’s during the day fell into the 50’s overnight. I usually set up my one man backpacking tent like a little nest. I crawl into it and snuggle down for the night. The wind blew constantly and the sides of my little tent rustled and flapped. Preparing mentally for the long drive home, I relished the experiences of this momentous trip. Until next time!

On July 10, 2016, our last full day in Glacier National Park, we decided to explore the Two Medicine Area. We drove to the Boat Landing on the Southern Shore of Two Medicine Lake where the Trailhead for Cobalt Lake is located. It was a glorious day if a little cool for my southern blood. At 48 degrees on this fine July day I sported extra layers for this hike to the alpine lake.

The hike begins with a walk through a forest above which tower magestic peaks. We passed beaver ponds and saw a Moose in the distance. At 1.1 miles we took the side trail to check out Aster Falls. I rarely miss a chance to check out waterfalls. The sight and sound of water falling is mesmerizing and peaceful. The pretty little falls were worth the side trip.

At a little past 2 miles we crossed a suspension bridge that was an adventure all by itself. Who needs amusement park rides when swinging bridges in the back of nowhere await. We made a left turn and hiked to Rockwell Falls. The Falls were larger than Aster Falls. After enjoying the sight we began the serious section of the Hike.

We began a series of steep switchbacks. It was an intense climb and the layers had to go after a while. I had to stop and take a break and drop a layer of clothes. This hike was a challenge for me. I tired as I climbed. The switchbacks were relentless as we wound upward.

We topped out of the switchbacks and began to follow the creek to the Lake. It was a beautiful lake with snow patches like exclamations on the far shore and we explored the shores locating a back country campsite. Resting, we made friends with some chipmunks. They were bold little creatures attempting to raid our backpacks for food.

The views from the trail were stunning in places with Cobalt Lake the jewel at the terminus. Sometimes one has to just stop and breath in the clean air and allow the eyes to feast on sights not available close to home. The realization that we were leaving Montana gave the hike significance the rest of our hikes lacked.

The return to the vehicle down the steep switch backs took its toll on my joints. I was gassed when we reached the Lake, the round trip on this hike complete with the side trip was over 12 miles. It was a bit further than our other hikes and fatigue became an added challenge going down. I eventually found myself in that one foot in front of the other zone. At the trail head my fatigue released into exhaustion and I shuffled to our ride.

We only touched on points around this beautiful park. The options for back country adventures are seemingly endless. Having driven across the country to spend a week here, we tried to experience different areas of the park.

The damp, cold air had taken a toll on my sweet, adventure loving Mother. She had developed a bit of a cough over the past few days and even though we hated to leave, it was time to go. Next stop…The Badlands National Park in South Dakota!

On July 9, 2016 Abby, Amber, Craig and I continued our exploration of Glacier National Park with 2 short hikes originating from Going to the Sun Road. On our walk around Trail of the Cedars we had marked the Avalanche Lake Trailhead as a must see. On this day we drove back to the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead to make our way to Avalanche Lake.

The forecast called for showers, maybe even thunderstorms. This helped us narrow our options to the two shorter trails instead of a longer jaunt into the back country. Once again we had to luck out for parking at this very popular trail head. We backtracked up Trail of the Cedars to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead and it was like a pilgrimage to Mecca as throngs of people pushed their way towards the Lake. This popular trail reminds me of the more popular waterfall hikes in my beloved Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Parking was at a premium and the tourists moved in a steady stream of prepared hikers and wide eyed tourists towards the natural shrine.

The trail was particularly crowded up around the gorge carved by the Glacier runoff. The churning waters coursed through the narrow gorge the sound of the water crashing over the Falls attesting to the power of the water. We followed Avalanche Creek towards the Lake.

The trail twisted up into the forest away from the creek and we made our way up some fairly steep stretches. The trees seemed to reach up towards the heavens, the canopy cover preventing sunlight from nourishing verdant undergrowth leaving the forest floor clean and open between the trunks.

We could see the Mountains rising up around us in breaks in the canopy and I snapped pictures wherever I could. We climbed then walked some fairly even terrain before we dipped back towards the Lake itself.

Avalanche Lake is stunning! Huge waterfalls fed by the Sperry Glacier pour down the mountain into the Lake itself. There were people scattered around the Lake. A Park Ranger was giving nature talks and answering questions. We spoke to her and took lots of pictures that didn’t quite capture what we saw. The sheer size and magesty of the landscape alone defy a snapshot. It is a living landscape and in the blink of an eye one’s attention is captured by something new.

The promised rains held off as we made our way back to our ride and we decided to do another short hike. We picked John’s Lake Loop as our next little adventure.

The 1.8 mile loop hike goes through old growth forest by John’s Lake. The view of John’s Lake is Hidden by the thick forest except for little peeks through the trees. There is a side path that takes one to the shore but the shore is muddy and the trees grow up to lakeside. It struck me when I saw the lake for the first time that it reminded me more of a large Farm pond complete with lily pads than an alpine lake. The surrounding mountain peaks and dense old growth hemlocks stripped the Farm pond analogy quickly from the mind. The hike to Johns Lake was not nearly as popular as Avalanche Lake.

We headed around the loop to cross Going to the Sun Road and follow Upper Lake McDonald Creek. We crossed a nice bridge and followed the well defined trail. There were benches to sit upon and admire the landscape. The waterfalls were spectacular. We admired them and recorded short videos and soaked in the natural beauty. Then it began to rain.

We hustled back to the car happy we had been able to enjoy our short hikes before the weather changed.

On Friday, July 8 2016 I headed back into Glacier National Park with Mom, Abby, Amber and Craig. We decided to check out the lay of the land around iconic Lake McDonald at the Western Entrance of this American Jewel.

We picked this trail because it was rated easy and it would allow Mom and Abby and Amber an opportunity to experience the beauty of this place from more than the car windows, gift shops, and The Visitor Centers. The Trail Head is located near Fish Creek Campground off North Fork Road, a gravel road.

We skirted the Campground stopping once to make use of the facilities. It had rained earlier and the air was damp and chill. The rains held off despite the overcast skies. The mosquitoes were abundant and they found my southern blood a tasty treat as they mercilessly treated me as a walking buffet.

Rocky Point trail winds through the woods to cross Fish Creek then climbs toward Rocky Point. We included a bit of the Lake McDonald trail on our wandering adventure beside Lake McDonald. The climbs up and down wore Mom out and we took our time enjoying the magnificent views. I walked down to the edge of the lake, the waters are crystal clear and cold. The multicolored rocks on the bed of the lake draw the eye.  Then we took Mom to eat so she could recharge and we could continue our exploration of the Park.

On the advice of friends we headed up Going to the Sun Road to check out Trail of the Cedars. Trail of the Cedars is wheel chair accessible. It is a 1 mile loop hike 5.5 miles east of Lake McDonald. It is an extremely popular trail so the trail head parking is a premium. We had to do a drive by and come back before we lucked out and found parking.

The trail itself is a raised boardwalk passing through a grove of western hemlocks and red Cedars. There are conviently located benches along the boardwalk and the trail is heavily travelled. We wove in and out of the throng of folks enjoying this scenic walk.

A footbridge crosses Avalanche Creek. The view of Lower Avalanche Gorge is pause worthy. The boardwalk turns into pavement as one heads back towards the parking area. A side trail leads to Avalanche Lake, which we marked for later exploration. Mom really liked this little trail. We saw a couple of deer off the side of the trail.

Make memories with family and friends. Life is so unpredictable. Embrace adventure and share life’s joy.

 

Saturday June 23, 2018, my friend Tammy and I, in the good company of my mom, headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway to tackle the trail up to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. We took 2 vehicles from home base and rolled over 26 toward Asheville, exiting to hit the Parkway via Burnsville, North Carolina.

Mt Mitchell State Park is a beautiful little park at the top of the world. We exited our vehicles on this muggy, hot June day to be hit by a blast of cold air. The temperature was near 50 and the wind was blowing a steady breeze that chilled exposed skin and drove us towards the gift shop.

After scoping out the gift shop we walked up the paved path to the observation tower at the summit. The climb got the blood pumping and warmed us up. We took advantage of photo ops then did the .6 mile Balsam Nature Trail. It was a challenge for Mom and the perfect length to let her experience the unique eco system that exists at this altitude.

 

Mom then shuttled us down the mountain to Black Mountain Campground along the Toe River. We gathered our backpacks, water and walking poles then stepped out into June, the heat and humidity reminding us Summer has indeed begun.

We crossed the bridge and skirted the Campground following signs and blue blazes to the Trailhead. It wasted no time becoming vertical. The climb starts at the Trailhead and ends at the Summit. Blue blazes mark the well traveled trail. Mt. Mitchell Trail climbs through hardwood forest teeming with plant life. We were passed again and again by hikers returning from the summit having done the in and out version of our one way hike. Hikers of all age and persuasion passed us. We got a relatively late start due to the time we spent exploring with Mom.

Being only a day or so past the summer solstice daylight was not an issue. We started our climb at 1:22 PM. As we climbed we noted the changes in terrain and vegetation. This trail is rocky, rooted, and inclined. Footing can be treacherous with rocks slipping underfoot and roots seeming to shift underfoot to trap an unwary toe. Hiking poles and my beloved Iron Wood walking stick were ankle savers as extra points of contact helped balance. The Hike is a total body workout as trekking poles or walking sticks help stabilize, balance and pull one up uneven terrain. Many times I set my stick lifted my leg set my foot then pushed and pulled my body up and over obstacles.

At the trail intersection with Higgens Bald we stopped and considered our route forward. A fellow hiker familiar with the trails recommended we stay on Mt. Mitchell for our first ascension. It has been my experience that fellow hikers are generous kind souls willing to share everything from experiences to supplies if they perceive a need.

 

The trail began to show us differences in flora and fauna and the temperature became cooler. We stopped and rested at a campsite and the sweat on our backs chilled us as we sat with backpacks at our sides letting us know we were gaining altitude. On the trail again we passed couples, family groups and youth groups on our climb. We traded are we close yet jokes with those descending as we traversed the half way point. Averaging a little less than a mile an hour, it was slow going.

 

Tammy lamented the lack of signs or mile markers as we rested in one of the cleared power line right of ways we climbed through. These openings provided views of the distant valleys and far away peaks. Not long after our break, we came to a confluence of trails and there was our sign. We were still 1.6 miles from our goal. With a deep breath and determination we began the last leg of our climb entering the highlands dominated by evergreens. When the wind blew just right the sweet smell of the balsam pines wafted through and brought smiles with it. The pines are dying from acid rain and infestation. Dead trees seem to outnumber the living. The trail had some of its steepest inclines in this section and there’s sections of rocks where rock climbing is the next step up in difficulty.

I felt strong climbing, my legs conditioned from working out and hiking often. My wind was good the whole trip. And when we topped out finally, 6 hours after we started the endorphins from exertion and success were popping. This hike was a challenge and a beautiful exhibition of the variety of terrain and vegetation in this area I call home. Summer is here, this was a wonderful hike to kick off the season!