A Lackluster Finish For My Beach Time...

Well, after hiking around Shackleford Banks, you knew it was going to be downhill...and it was for the Hiking Machine. 

On Wednesday, I did get some hiking in, including around the Bouge Inlet Pier. Then, on Thursday, it was a beach hike, but that damn Turkey Day got in the way. Oh, the Lummox didn't even fix me any carrots...ASS! Finally, on Friday, it was back to Tennessee, so the Lummox can take care of that mutt Lester.

Well, I know that wasn't exciting, so I'm out...BITCHES!

Shackleford Banks Is Hiking Machine Land Now

No, this isn't another old fairytale of the Lummox but some new s**t from the Hiking Machine. See, there are good days, and then others are like Tuesday...Hiking Machine worthy ones. That was a trip out to Shackleford Banks to do some island hiking.

I guess I should mention that on Monday, I owned the beach at Emerald Isle and that I got to do some camping.

That's why I was rested and ready to go Tuesday morning. We had to drive to some podunk town named Beaufort. But, we got on a boat to ride to "the Banks." We started to shred some sand, and I was in the zone. It was isolated (not many humans), and since it was Park Service (Cape Lookout National Seashore) territory that meant NO DRONE...SWEET!

Still, the Lummox wanted to see some stupid wild horses, and we soon ran into them. Because they got in the way of my crushing trail, I violated the 50-foot rule and sent them packing! Anyway, because of events out of my control, I didn't get to camp or even spend enough time. However, I am heading back some time because this place is Hiking Machine approved. Well, that's all folks, and I'm out...BITCHES!

Tideland Trail Helps Smooth Over My Ruffled Fur!

Excuse me while I interrupt Lummox's delusional review of hikes from the past month or so to bring you actual topical hikes.

I would have written yesterday, but I was pissed that the Lummox didn't hike the Pilot Knob Trail. He said we didn't have time because we had over five hours still to drive to the beach. I think it was more about the "lack of sack" than anything else. So, I was still hot when we arrived in Emerald Isle. 

However, the next morning, we did get up and go for a hike up the beach. I scared off Seagulls and some Sharks. Still, that wasn't the highlight of the day that was hiking on the Cedar Point Tideland Trail. While not really Hiking Machine worthy, it was a trail...HELL YEAH! While not the mountains, it was a trail. Well, I will have more in the next few days, until then I'm out...BITCHES!

On Camp Creek Bald... Hiking Machine Style!

Oh, yeah Daddy, what a day! The Hiking Machine, Pete, here and today the Lummox got it right as we headed up to Jones Meadow for our first hike of 2021. 

Because of clouds on the mountain there was a point that the Lummox wanted to go to Tanyard Gap. But I said no...I mean HELL NO! We were going to Jones Meadow and we did! This was a good thing because we were passed by a Jeep on the way up the road (the old AT) to Camp Creek Bald. It was some cool guys, Dennis and Wade, from the Greeneville Radio Club (actually the Andrew Johnson Amateur Radio Club). Let me just say I even thought it was a great view! That wasn't all up top there was still snow and I got to hike on the AT (Appalachian Trail). 

We also went to the Camp Creek Bluffs, out to Big Firescald Knob, Blackstack and finally White Rock Cliffs. Did I mention there was still snow! Anyway, this was my kind of day. The Lummox will have more later, but as for me I am out...BITCHES!

I Would Rather Hike The Barn Watch!

Yeah, you guessed it the Hiking Machine, Pete, is here DADDY and I am up on Buckner Ridge!

We had to come over to the Cabin and watch while people dangle 30 feet in the air working on the second barn. So, I got the Lummox off his ass and up the ridge. He agreed because he needed to test some Walkie Talkies or something. Anyway, I got out and I am loving it, even though the snow is all but gone.

Well, that's all DADDY, so I am out...BITCHES!

When I'm Not On The Trail Snow Will Do At Petemas!

Well, chumps Pete here daddy and I just wanted to share Seasons Greetings with everyone. HA HA not really as I don't give two flying sh**s about this holiday or any other (especially Easter). The only thing that matters to a Hiking Machine is the trail, but if I can't be in the mountains then tracking through the snow will work. So, that is what I have done these last two days on Xmas and Boxing Day. 

Yeah, it wasn't challenging, but it was snow and it was cold which I like. The two negatives...I had to go out with the Lummox and that slobbering dog Bax. What did I do to deserve this Hell? So, that is all I am out...BITCHES!

I Didn't Finish The Bullen Hollow Trail Because Of A Wet Diaper!

Peter here and if you have read my part of this blog there are times when I blister the Lummox and a few where I praise him. Today won't be one of them...WHAT A WUSS!

Today was supposed to be a trip up the Bullen Hollow Trail. There was plenty of snow and I was plowing up the trail, but the Lummox didn't like all of the rhododendron bending over because of snow. The Little Baby was wet and cold. More like he wet his diaper...what a putz! I don't know, daddy, why I keep hiking with him, stay in the Kiddy Lane Lummox!

After turning around we decided to make the best of it and went back up to Margarette Falls. There was plenty of snow so that was a plus. Well, that is all from the Hiking Machine daddy, I am out...BITCHES!

The Tusculum Trail Was Better Than Setting At Home...Just

Well, Pete here and on this Sunday I went hiking on a trail not close to being a challenge to the Hiking Machine...daddy! But I did get out and the Lummox didn't whine too much and he will have more late. Oh, the outing was on the Tusculum Trail...I am out BITCHES!

The Lummox Gets It Right With Snowy Trip To The Roans...

Well, daddy, today was my kind of day out...YEAH! I give the Lummox hell a lot, but today he made up for that cluster*** on Sunday with a trip to the Roans...in the snow.

Yeah, he wussed outgoing on to the balds in the morning. I mean it was just in the 20s with 30 mph winds...just how I like it. But we went up to the Roan High Knob and the highest shelter on the AT (Appalachian Trail). 

So it was all good. Later we went out on the Roan Highlands to Round and Jane Balds. I wanted to go out, but the Lummox was over the wind, so I cut him a break. I mean it was over six miles, in the snow, on the AT...now that is just too sweeeeet! So, I just have one more thing to I am out...BITCHES!

The Lummox's Hiking Clusterf***

Pete here and what can I say about this day out except...the Lummox!

We were supposed to go to Old Forge, again, for a hike around the Old Forge Loop. I wanted to go up to the Camp (Creek Bald), but he was afraid that there would be too much ice on the road up. So, we went to Old Forge. However, I knew this hike might not go forward when he saw Old Forge Falls and the consequences of snowmelt. So, where we usually rock hop the creek was underwater. I wanted to wade through, daddy, but he didn't want to get his feet wet. It was only 32 degrees out...what a wuss!

Then he decided to go up to the Camp but halfway up there was ice on the road. I wanted to hike the four miles up, but he wanted to turn around. Then he decided to go to Margarette Falls. The water was nice and at least the Lummox was scarred to cross at Charlie's Hole like most people were. Hell, I would have pushed him in if he had! 

Well, that is all from the Hiking Machine, daddy, I am out BITCHES!

Sometimes You Have To Hike Uphill Out Of The Rabbit Hole

Pete here and I have to say today's hike up the Sarvis Cove Trail was worthy of the hiking machine... that's right daddy!

After shaking the lazy Lummox awake we broke down and headed to the Horse Creek Trailhead and up the road/trail that we take to my falls (Pete's Branch). When we got to the junction we went right, on the Poplar Cove Trail, and this is when the hike really begins. 

After the Poplar Cove Trail, it was time for the main event, up the Sarvis Cove Trail. It is about two-and-a-half miles...all uphill just how I like it. While steep all the way it gets really steep the last mile, and it switchbacks...nice! The last bit up I had to push the Lummox and carry him the rest of the way because he wanted to quit...wuss!

Up on the mountain I got to pound out some AT (Appalachian Trail) time...nice! On the way back I have pissed about one thing. I wanted to head over to my waterfall again, but the Lummox was tired and didn't want to, good grief! Anyway, for me, it was a great day for a Hiking Machine, so I am out...BITCHES!

The Rabbit Hole Leads To Old Forge Campground

That's right daddy, the Hiking Machine is sitting outside, with fire and camping at Old Forge...right now! This is to make up for a couple of weeks back. Tomorrow, the Lummox and I are going hiking for the annual Thanksgiving Weekend Hike. Well, I am going to relax and sign off...BITCHES!

I Finally got Out Of The Rabbit Hole & Back On The Trail

That's right daddy...Pete, the Hiking Machine here, and I kicked the Lummox in the ass and on to the trail. We went to Laurel Run Park.

I don't know why we don't go there more often...oh I do the word starts with the letter P. Anyway, his little baby ear was feeling better so we hit the trail. We first did my kind of climb, steep, up to the Canebreak Mountain Overlook Besides all of the waterfalls (six including Laurel Run Falls)  they had put in a new footbridge. He liked it, but I would rather rock hope or wade across. We finished the day with a trip past Bays Mountain Falls.

Oh, one other thing while I was languishing at Target getting molested by little rugrats the Lummox was in Switzerland! Oh, HELL NO! We better be winning the lottery or something! Well, instead of my usual goodbye I will quote the immortal words of Ron Simmons..."DAMM!"

The Lummox Dumb A** No More (Well At Least For Today)...

Well, Pete here and after my last blog where I ripped the Lummox a new one for being clumsy on Sunday and not getting to hike or camp. I have to give the devil his due as the Lummox came through with hiking and camping at Rock Creek yesterday and today.

I could say some derogatory stuff like a blind squirrel gets a nut sometimes or a broken clock is right twice a day. No, I wouldn't say anything like that. He sucked it up and got us out on Tuesday morning. Because he wanted to see fall colors the Lummox and I decided to first go up Cliff Ridge at Chesota. Now it meant not going up to Unaka Mountain, but almost four miles on the AT (Appalachian Trail) beats two so I won't complain. Then it was to Pleasant Garden. His search for some old trail meant more hiking for me. After it was more AT time, including Beauty Spot. We finished the day the best way possible, camping at Rock Creek Recreation Area...now that IS good shit! 

Then on Wednesday, after his teeth cleaning, he ignored the threat of rain and we did more hiking at Buffalo Mountain. That the Hiking Machine liked...BITCHES!

Special Dumb A** Edition Of Down The Rabbit Hole

Here is a special report from Pete...today I was supposed to be camping today & hiking tomorrow, but trust the Lummox to live up to his name. The dumb ass slipped taking stuff to the car and hurt his back and said ass. I mean how hard is it to navigate stairs. I know he will say that it had rained and they get slick, but is that really an excuse. I have never slipped on them, but I am a Hiking Machine and not a Lummox. So, as he sits and rests his skinned up back and bruised ass I am just here twiddling my paws. Oh, what is a Hiking Machine to do. Well, I am out...you know the rest!

Not here camping...

...or here at Beauty Spot

...or Unaka Mountain!

Out Hiking In Southwest Virginia

Pete the Hiking Machine here, just wanted to stop by as I am out hiking in the Southwest Virginia woods.

It is a nice brisk morning that started in the 30s with some frost. Now that is some good shit! I will let the Lummox provide more details as I am back to the trail. I am out...BITCHES!

Camping & Crushing Miles Just The Usually Down The Rabbit Hole

Pete here and if I am doing a blog that means I was crushing trail miles and carrying the Lummox. We went up to Camp Creek Bald for a campout.

The Lummox was there to watch Sunrise at Camp Creek Bluffs and then to White Rock Cliffs for Sunrise today. He will tell you more about that soon.

 As for me, I was there to crush AT (Appalachian Trail)... Hiking Machine Style! I did hurt my back when I carried 200 pounds of whining dead weight, I mean the Lummox up from Baxter Cliffs, a personal favorite of mine. Because of this, we didn't go to Big Firescald Knob, but overall it was still good shit. Well, I am out...BITCHES!

The Channels Make For A Happy Hiking Machine...

Pete, the Hiking Machine here, and I literally went  Down the Rabbit Hole at the Great Channels of Virginia today. I carried the Lummox here in 2015 and nothing was any different on this Fall Day. You know since I got to enjoy some great views and some underground fun, I am going to cut the Lummox a break today. The Channels is some good shit and with that, I am out...BITCHES!

Cold, Wind Or The Frost Of Night Doesn't Slow Down THE Hiking Machine!

Pete the Hiking Machine here and I just got back from a backpack to Coldsprings Mountain...HELL YEAH!
We hiked from Jones Meadow up and over the views of Big Firescald Knob and to Jerry's Cabin Shelter (my favorite place to stay). Here we got water which I hauled up carrying the Lummox.
After setting up camp we watched the Sun go down and when it did it got cold, just how I like it. Not the Lummox he whined about being cold and windy all night.

In the morning it was brisk and there was a little frost. But by the way, the Lummox will tell it later it was a foot of snow. It was now that he informed me that we weren't staying another night because it was going to be cold and he was sore. This is why I am the Hiking Machine and he is the Hiking Lightweight...wuss! Still, I got to visit Blackstack and White Rock Cliffs. All-in it was some good shit and with that, I am out...BITCHES!