Too Long Away From The Cabin & Southwest Virginia

If it seems like a while since I had been to the Cabin, you would be right like early November right. But, that all changed Tuesday as Dad and I headed over to check on things.

While it felt more like Spring than Winter I got to do a little hiking and bow hunting (why I got the cross-bow) and I even saw evidence that Bernie the Bear is still out and about. Overall it was a good trip to Southwest Virginia, so here are a few pictures.

Old AT Is Hiking Machine Approved!

I know all of you Peteoholics are jonesing for your fix well, I was too. However, mine is getting out on the trail! What better place to get back out than the AT (Appalachian Trail). But not just the regular AT, but part of the abandoned trail above Watauga Lake. I will let the Lummox tell you all the brainy sh*t  but I will just tell you the old AT is the way it still should be... straight up and down, just the way the Hiking Machine loves!

 

Oh, since it is an old trail there are some off-trail style spots, hell yeah. The only problem was on the way back the Lummox got turned around and I had to show him the way. Anyway, it was a great day, and that was carrying the Lummox. Well, with that said I am out...BITCHES!

Great Views Highlight Back In Shape Hike On Tusculum Trail

It is December and with Dog Sitting duties over, for now, it is time to get back on the trail. So, that is what I did Sunday on a four-mile stretch the legs hike on the backside of the Tusculum Trail. While Pete wasn't happy it was a good warm-up and the views were excellent. Here are a few photos ...

A December of First's in 2021

Well, today is a day of first. It is the first day of December, the first day of Meteorological Winter, and the first day of Yule. 

I will say it didn't feel too much like the beginning of winter as it was in the mid-50s and is supposed to be in the 60s tomorrow. This is unlike last year as the first of December had a dusting of snow. Oh well, it is still the Yule Season.

First of December 2020

While all of December is part of Yule the most important dates are the start of Hanukkah, which was early this year and started Sunday, the Winter Solstice (Dec. 21), Festivus (Dec. 23), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas (Dec. 25) and on December 26 Boxing Day and Kwanzaa. Then finally New Year on January 1st. 

So, with that said Happy Holidays and a joyful Yuletide!

Hiking Not The Only Highlight Of The 9th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Outing...Also Coffee!

It is Thanksgiving Weekend and for almost a decade it has meant one thing...hiking. Sometimes it is a long one or two days (like last year) and then there are some shorter ones, like this year in Hot Springs. For the ninth annual Thanksgiving Weekend outing, it was up the Appalachian Trail (AT) to Lovers Leap and then back the trail of the same name. It had been a while since I had been up there four years in fact.

I have done this hike a number of times and have documented it in this blog including a has part of a half-section and AT Section blogs. As always I started the hike in Hot Springs as the trail goes right through town. The first part of the hike is a road walk across the bridge over the French Broad River. Once the AT heads down away from the road it is pretty flat past the NOC Center and down by the river. Along the way passing Lovers Leap Rock and the French Broad Rapids before heading up Lovers Leap Ridge. 

New overnight kiosk

The sign has been knocked down

There are a number of outcrops with the best being the sketchiest, the one with the lone pine tree. But the views were great, and included a new feature across the river, on these and this includes "the Narrow" which is past the Lovers Leap Trail junction. At the junction were new trail signs installed by the Carolina Mountain Club (CMC). This wouldn't be the last new addition I would pass. 

Solar Panels

The Narrow

Old signs left & new on the right

As I headed down the Lovers Leap Trail I passed a new footbridge and more new signage courtesy of the CMC. This last hike of fall was all for the day. After spending a little time in Hot Springs on my way out I stopped at the other reason I came to Hot Springs. What is this reason? 

New footbridge...

...& sign

Well, I was stopping into one of my favorite places...the Laurel River Store, which has reopened! I talked about this after my overnight at Rich Mountain and looked forward to them reopening. Well, that happened in June, but this was the first opportunity to stop in. I must say I wasn't disappointed as the coffee was great as ever and I had a taste of pumpkin muffin to boot. A great end to a great day in Hot Springs.

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