Drove over to Brevard to hike. It had been raining for a few days here. When we passed the spot on freeway where the tanker caught on fire last week, it was still blocked off and lots of damage. Driving through Brevard I recognized some of the location from when my brother and I got off the canoe and walked into town after tipping it and soaking all the gear
And the one from 3 years ago
Amy and I hiked up to Looking Glass Rock. Glad we got up early for this hike as it was jam packed as we headed down.
We got back to the car and drove the scenic byway a bit at stopped for another short hike at Moore Cove
Downtown Brevard
A nice place when all the Pro-Trumpers go back into the woodwork or get a better grip on reality.
The next day I headed out solo to do a little bike/hike trip. I drove out to Dupont State Forest. Saw the clouds rolling over the hill as I made my way along the Interstate around 9am
I followed a 5 mile loop, visiting a number of huge falls.
Came across a covered bridge. I thought Vermont had the market cornered on these, but I guess the word got out.
I drove a mile down the road and grabbed the Mountain Bike for a spin on the Ridgeline Trail. I had to ride uphill a ways to get to this famous downhill stretch.
Here is a video of someone riding it as I don’t carry a GoPro but thought you might like the full effect.
Sat in the parking lot tuning up the bike a bit, realizing I need to tone it down. The ER in NC is the last place I want to be right now. I was driving back, but the day was so nice I decided on another 5 mile hike up to the top of Stone Mtn. I was the only one out there, now that is my ideal hike.
I sat at the top and just watched the hawks circle up through the thermals. Someone eventually joined me at the top and I left to give them the same solitude I was afforded. Came across a couple wild animals on the way down
Near the end of the trail I crossed paths with a guy riding a mountain bike up the…well mountain. These people are crazy. Nothing about that seemed fun.
Exhausted, got home in time for a fire and a drink
Rain for the next few days prevented us from getting out. A hurricane from the gulf was coming through. By the time it passed, it had knocked down tons of trees. I mean all over the roads they were down and even uprooted. We would be seeing this everywhere for the remained of our time here.
We headed back into Asheville for a day. Stopped along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A very cool road, would be cool to ride from DC all the way to the Smokies on a motorcycle, camping along the way. Kind of a throwback feel. The Folk Art Museum. Talked to a guy about wood carving. Thinking about getting into this in my free time. Maybe pick up the tools when I get back to Michigan. I nice patient guy, happy to talk.
We stopped for lunch back at the White Duck. The river was crazy high/fast due to all the rain we got.
We walked downtown and followed this Urban Trail. Basically they had all these bronze sculptures set up around the city and you walk from one to the next while listening to a story about the markers’ significance
More towns should do this, but it was a little hard to focus as you were listening to headphones, while trying to work a paper map, also avoiding cars and trying to stay clear of COVID petri dish dishes (NC residents).
We were itching to get back on the Trails. We drove an hour North to Linville Gorge. A quick first stop at the falls
Next was Hawksbill Mtn. Short but phenomenal views at the top. The Grand Canyon of the East
Our final hike of the day was Table Rock Loop.
This was a challenge. A lot of steep uphill. One of us complained almost the whole time. When we got to the top we heard/saw fighter jets screaming by actually below us! They must be on training runs from the base by the shore.
On the way home we always drive by the KFC. Never fail, there is a line snaking around the building and out the street.
They sure love their fried chicken down here. And their Trump. And their Heart Attacks.
40 degrees this morning. I drove down to SC to do some mtn biking. A nice 7 mile loop.
Came back at watched the birds outside our place then went for a bike ride on the Purple Martin Trail.
It was only a couple miles long, but they have plans to expand over the coming years
It was Halloween, but no Trick or Treaters. I am glad as I didn’t buy any candy, knowing I would have ate most of it. We lost power for a couple days. Pretty depressing sitting here in the dark for 2 days with nothing to do since pouring outside.
Until Tomorrow,
Darren
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