So we decided to do my first real backpacking trip this weekend and it was a blast. I've spend plenty of time in the woods day hiking, car camping, short walk-in camping and even carried a HUGE backpack around Europe for a month, but never had I done the full-on carry all your stuff on your back and purify your own water deal.
This trip was in Avery County, NC in the Brown Mountain area and stretched over 3 days. (Hunt fish falls & Gragg Prong to be specific.) I highly recommend it. I think we did 10-12 miles round trip with one KILLER uphill part.
Here's some photo outtakes. The first of Marc filtering water & the second of me with my relatively small backpack on. Everyone else's was much bigger I hate to admit! But hey, Marc bought it for me.
And one great thing that happened was late the first night we encountered a millipede on a rock right near us. I've always had an irrational fear of these guys (& centipedes) and have never seen one in real life, but you know what? He wasn't that scary. Pretty cool actually, and moves really slow.
Is it the centipedes that can move fast? If so, I'm still scared of them.
So here is a last photo of one of our campsites. I'm sorta hoping that this outdoor experience helps us kick our butts into gear with working on the kitchen renovation. Because it is sad when cooking outdoors over a fire with only nonperishables you can carry on your back resembles your home cooking situation a little too closely. :(
That trip begged for a couple of fly rods and some butter, if you know what I mean. ;)
ReplyDeletePretty country. We love it down there. I'm jealous. We framed on the 4th until 9:30 and just managed errands yesterday. Three stops to find the proper nails for the Senco framing nailer. I'd much rather have been hiking, or fishing, or cooking over a fire.
BTW, that turtle was probably an alligator snapper (it's hard to tell at this range). I've seen them 4' long from front of the shell to back. Don't mess with them in deep water. :O
Mark
Oh Bunny - it looks so fun! That is my old stomping grounds, I lived in Roan Mtn, and Hampton (TN)as a kid. The house looks great, I enjoy watching your progress!
ReplyDeleteShannon (Cran05 - nestie)
Ps that Snapping turtle could have removed your hand in .3 seconds
ReplyDelete