Utah, 2008

And if that weren't enough, the last week of Sept, first week of Oct, I went to Utah with my neighbors. We visited Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, as well as a few state parks. I went on crazy hikes while they did other things. All-in-all, we had a great time.

My favorite (and scariest) hike was Angel's Landing in Zion. The trail isn't long (2 miles), but is steep. The part that turns many folk back, though, is the narrow section with long drop-offs on both sides. It had me thinking about it long and hard - but my curiosity and adventurous nature won the day and I had a great time hiking it!

Here's a link to my photos: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcOWzNk2ZtmF

Switzerland, 2008

Guess I haven't been here for awhile. I've been outside, hiking, and busy. Anyway, let's catch up... The last week of August, first week of Sept, I spent in Switzerland. It was a tour I joined: http://www.swisshiking.com/ and they do a fantastic job! The first week was spent in Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn. We hike each day, then come back to the same hotel which provides us daily breakfast and dinner. Our final day we climbed the Matterhorn - or as far as one can go without technical climbing equipment. Truly a highlight in my life! But I must say, each hike in Switzerland is glorious. Wow, is that country steep! The mountains aren't exceptionally tall - maybe 10-12,000 ft, but the towns in the valleys are about 2,000 ft, making each hike very healthy indeed!
The second week was spent in Grindelwald near The Eiger. One day's hike took us along its base. To begin many hikes, we go up the cable cars. These rides go for a long way up the sides of these mountains. One ride was about 30 minutes. It's fun because they "turn corners" by going through these little stations. If one were skiing, they could get out there, but if not, you just ride the car in and then it slowly turns to a different direction, and then you're out and going up again.
Switzerland is known, of course, for cheese and its cows. But this trip I found I fell in love with their sheep, too. They're adorable creatures with twisted horns and black faces, and the woolliest wool I've ever seen.
Check out my pictures. Here's the link: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcOWzNk2ZtmFu

Ramsey Cascade

The flowers are out along the Ramsey Cascade trail. Although I didn't make it to the falls this trip, I have before, and they're wonderful. Here are photos, though, of this trip:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcOWzNk2Ztn5g&emid=sharshar&linkid=link4

Florida Panhandle, Eastern Florida

Ben and I just returned from a trip to the Destin and Panama Beach area on the Gulf - then spent a day at Epcot - then came up the eastern coast of Florida. If you'd like to see my photos of the trip, here's a link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcOWzNk2Ztn1Q&emid=sharshar&linkid=link4

Cumberland Island and South Carolina Coast

Recently I took a week and visited Cumberland Island National Seashore, then worked my way up the South Carolina coast visiting Tybee Island (Georgia), and Cypress Gardens (SC). Here is a link to enjoy my photos:
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Slate Rock Creek Trail

Slate Rock Creek Trail
Pisgah National Forest
How long to get there from West Asheville: 1 hour
Trailhead at Slate Rock Creek
Distance: 5.2 miles to Yellow Gap Road, then car shuttle, or 2 mile hike along road to return to trailhead, or hike in reverse

Description:
Initially the trail has a gentle ascent next to Slate Rock Creek for about the first mile. It’s an easy trail to follow with many spots to take photos of the creek, or go down to the creek and get your feet wet. Several wonderful campsites are along here, and this area is very popular in the summer. The creek stays beside the trail most of the way offering cascades and small waterfalls all along the way.
For the second mile or so, the trail levels out and is surrounded by ridge tops on all sides as it wanders up the valley. Finally, the trail takes a sharp left turn across the creek. There’s also a trail here which continues straight, though it’s not on the forest service map. Be careful. If one were to take the trail going straight (not crossing the creek), it would lead them to the top of the ridge and an intersection with the Laurel Mountain Trail. As any loop this might create is far longer than a normal dayhiker might want to attempt, be sure to cross the creek when the Slate Rock Creek Trail takes that abrupt left back at the bottom. At this creek crossing, there is a double blue blaze on a tree on this side, small logs forming a precarious bridge, and a blue blaze on a tree on the opposite side.
The Slate Rock Creek Trail then climbs up to the intersection with Pilot Rock Loop Trail at about mile three. Pilot Rock itself is off to the left (south) and provides a great overview of the valley below. Families enjoy this area, but the drop-offs are steep, so be careful of children and pets. Watch for large birds (peregrine falcons, ravens, owls, vultures) flying through the valley.
Less than 2 miles will have you back down to the road, but it’s another 2 miles along that road back to the car (or one could shuttle). I prefer to simply turn around and go back the way I came, except I take the other side of that Pilot Rock Loop Trail, making this a 10.4 mile day hike. Besides, things always look different when seen from the other direction. I manage to take about as many photos on the way back out as I did on the way in.
The Loop goes back down to the creek, and passes through many rhododendron and mountain laurel sections. Once down, the loop heads northeast for mostly a gentle climb through the valley. Eventually the trail becomes rather steep for the final push back up to join with the Slate Rock Creek Trail.

Directions:
Take I-26 East to the Airport Exit, Hwy 191. Follow this to State Road 1206 (maybe 5 miles). Look for a brown state sign on the right indicating this is the turn for North Mills River Recreational Area. (Across the street on the left is the first gas station along Hwy 191.) Turn right and follow about five miles all the way through the North Mills River Recreational Area at the end of the pavement and continue straight until the road turns into gravel - this is Yellow Gap Road and still State Road 1206. Follow approximately 5.3 miles until reaching the Slate Rock Creek/Pilot Cove Trailhead. Limited parking.

Looking Glass Trail

Looking Glass Rock Trail
Pisgah National Forest
How long to get there from West Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Looking Glass Rock Trail
Distance: 3.0 miles, one-way

Description: Being a deep lover of the alpine tundra in the Rockies out West and those wide open spaces, this trail reminds me of such expansive views at the top. This rock can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and that only adds to the "cool" factor in my book.
In my head, I’ve divided this 3 mile, one-way trail into three separate one-mile sections, though I’m not sure each section is one mile. Still, the trail lends itself to three divisions.
The trail climbs from the very beginning, though not seriously so, and doesn’t stop until the very top. The mid-section is the hardest, but those who get past that get to relax out in the open at the top.
The first section is through a wide-open forest. At the very beginning there is a stream, but that doesn’t last long. Be sure to have enough water on this trip for any pets because the trail quickly moves away from that stream and begins its climb. This first section has long switchbacks through expansive cirque areas. In spring, the area awakens with wildflowers and ferns.
Next the switchbacks get closer together and rhododendrons rule the day. This part is probably the steepest. Please do not make (or take) shortcuts. The erosion and damage that causes is obvious along here.
The final section I call the "rock garden" because the trail begins to cross large, flat boulders. In fact, climbers also like this area, and near where they begin their climbs is a helicopter landing site in case of emergencies. Go out and explore that rock. Nothing much there....I just personally find it cool.
There’s one spot a little beyond here where it’s possible to get lost on the way back down. While heading up, just after crossing a large, flat boulder, the trail turns abruptly left. On the right is a pine tree, and a faint trail can be seen going in there. On the way back down it looks more like a trail. Anyone not paying close attention could easily just keep walking straight and go in there; however, if one does go in there, it leads to another large, flat rock, and then pretty much peters out. It’s simple to return to that pine tree and get back on the main trail. The main trail is well loved by many hikers. If the hiker simply remembers that and doesn’t take any trails that are less than obvious, they should do fine.
At the very top of the mountains are blueberry bushes, and a nice campsite. Almost there! Just continue straight through this and begin a short descent. It’s obvious when the trail ends - it’s on a large, open rock-face cliff. Note where you came out from the woods, and then explore the rock - but carefully. It’s not hard to get around, but those afraid of heights might think twice about venturing far. Otherwise, find a comfy spot, get some sun and enjoy! Several times here I’ve observed peregrine falcons flying as they have nests nearby. Also, it’s often windy and cooler here than anywhere else along this trail. That jacket that didn’t seem necessary back at the car could be welcome here.
To get back to the car, simply go down as you came up.

Directions: From Asheville, take I-26 East to the Airport exit, Exit 40. Take the Airport exit to the right (or west), past the Airport, and headed to Brevard. Just shy of Brevard, Highway 276 crosses at a large, stoplighted intersection. There’s a Wal-Mart here and several fast food spots. At this intersection, go to the right on Hwy 276 into Pisgah National Forest. Watch for a turn-off to the left headed to the Fish Hatchery. Take this left turn. If you see Looking Glass Falls (right on Hwy 276), you’ve gone too far. Turn around and take the first right, not far ahead. Follow the Fish Hatchery road only a couple of turns to a parking area on the right. On a busy day, this parking lot will have 2 rows of cars; please park so no one is blocked in.

Big Creek Trail (Great Smoky Mtn Natl Pk)

Big Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

How long to get there from West Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Big Creek
Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles to bridge; 5 miles to Walnut Bottoms

More photos: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcOWzNk2Ztnog

Description:
This is one of my favorite trails. The trail is wide, relatively smooth, and has a gentle incline the entire way. It is also a frequently used horse trail, so expect to see riders along the way. Yet, despite that, the trail is in very good condition for hikers.
As the trail begins, the creek is far downhill to the left, yet fear not - soon enough the creek will be right beside the trail. It remains so the entire length of the trail all the way to Walnut Bottoms.
Big Creek is a good-sized creek with every section offering beautiful views of water pouring over the mossy rocks. In fact, it’s sizeable enough that in springtime’s high water, I have watched kayaks enjoy running a section. Currently, however, we're in a historic drought, so it's not so dramatic.
Feel free to stop only 1.5 miles in at Midnight Pool. This little beach offers a cool, deep pool which is perfect for relaxing, lunch, swimming or whatever. This small waterfall and pool are beautiful and a great destination in themselves, or only a pit stop along the way.
Two miles in is Mouse Creek Falls. This lovely waterfall originates on the opposite side as it falls into the main creek. Again, this can be a turnaround spot, lunch spot, or only a photo op. There is a hitching post here for horses.
At 2.5 miles, there is a very sturdy bridge across Big Creek. Yet another opportunity to turn around, have lunch, play in the pool, take photos, or take a nap by the lullaby of the creek.
The next 2.5 miles continue alongside the creek still offering beautiful photos of mossy rocks and small, but wide, cascades. In springtime, this area is alive with wildflowers.
Walnut Bottoms is a campsite reached across another sturdy bridge which crosses Big Creek. This is often my turnaround point, and I thoroughly love having lunch on the beach here. If I come at the right weekend in spring, the campsite area is blanketed with wildflowers making it stunningly beautiful.

Directions: From North Carolina take I-40 West across the Tennessee State Line. Take the first exit, Waterville exit. At the stop sign, go left to the bottom of the hill. Then turn left across the bridge and continue following the main road alongside the creek past the power plant and the small community until the road reaches a stop sign. Go straight at the 4-way intersection and enter the Great Smoky National Park. Follow the gravel road to its terminus (about 2 miles in) at a picnic area. Park and walk slightly back up the road to the signed trailhead on the left.

Double Gap on Cataloochee Divide Trail

Hemphill Bald via Cataloochee Divide

Directions:
Take I-40 to Exit 20 (Maggie Valley). Almost immediately upon exiting, take a right hand turn onto Cove Creek Road. Follow this winding, curvy road to the very top at Cove Creek Gap. Near the top, the road becomes very narrow and gravel and remains so across the Gap down into Cataloochee Valley. If possible, please take a car rather than a truck, van or SUV as passing on this section can be scary in the limited space. A passenger car will have no trouble on the gravel road. At the top is a sign indicting entrance to Great Smoky Mountain Park. Parking is very limited here. The trailhead is signed and begins on the west side of the road.

How long to get there from Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Cove Creek Gap
Distance: 6.4 miles to Double Gap
Elevation beginning: Approximately 4100'
Elevation at Double Gap: Approximately 5100'

Description:
This trail is a lovely bounce along the ridge dividing Cataloochee Valley from Maggie Valley and Jonathan’s Creek. It follows the southeastern boundary of the park, which means most of the trail is accompanied by a split-rail wooden fence. Opposite this fence is all private land. Fortunately for the hiker, when the balds come along, so far the private owners of those areas allow the park hikers to enjoy the views on their side of the fence. Please treat their generosity with respect so this privilege can remain.
As the trail follows the ridge line, there is still some up and down as it bounces over the mountain tops, but nothing excessive. In fact, the total elevation gain between the trailhead and Double Gap at the beginning of the Hemphill Bald trail is right at 1,000 ft, but it’s taken 6.4 miles to get there.
Approximately 2.5 miles in is Taylor’s Turnaround, also affectionately known as "the bus stop." There’s a small shelter here resembling a bus stop and wonderful views of the beautiful valley below known as Jonathan’s Creek. Better hurry, though. A developer is trying to buy this land intending to build an obnoxious resort.
Going another 2.5 miles brings one to The Swag, a mountain vacation lodge. http://www.theswag.com/ Prior to actually reaching the lodge, The Swag owns a wonderful bald called Gooseberry Knob or Roger’s Hideaway. This large grassy area complete with picnic tables and lounge chairs can be a destination in itself. It’s certainly a wonderful spot for lunch. The Swag has made this bald a very comfortable location.
Half a mile beyond the lodge is the Double Gap trail intersection, or 6.4 miles from the trailhead at Cove Creek Gap. Hemphill Bald itself is another half mile further (along Hemphill Bald Trail) with a 400 ft climb. But once reached, lunch can be enjoyed at a large stone table under a lone shade tree as provided by the owners of this property. The views are incredible to the south, east and west, and a map located on the stone table will help identify the peaks observed. The Cataloochee Ski area is right in front, and on a clear day, Mt. Mitchell to the east and Pisgah Mountain to the south can be seen, among many others.
Horses also use this trail and a couple of sections can get muddy. However, wooden planks have been provided for hikers making even muddy spots on this trail a pleasant obstacle.

Fall photos-2

More fall photos from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It had just snowed up at the top!