#9 of my 40 things post, I talk about investing in a quality pair of hiking boots. This one is hard because I’ve struggled for a few years with finding comfortable shoes. I plan to write a post soon about recent revelations surrounding my feet, … Continue reading Let’s Talk Hiking Boots
As I’ve been working on my 40 things list, I have found that I really enjoy hiking. The smell and feel of nature and the freedom of being able to take it all in. It also gives me time for my brain to just rest. … Continue reading Joy
I turned 40 last month!!!
In my 40 things post, #16 outlines how I want to go on more camping trips with my husband, sans our three kids. This trip was the first of what I hope is many.
We had a rough start on this trip due to our Suburban not wanting to take the camper up the mountain but once we finally made it and parked, we decided to make the most of this trip and not stress over things we cannot control.
We arrived on a Thursday evening and due to the stress of the travel, I immediately booked an appointment for us to try out the mineral springs hot tubs at the resort. I’ll post more about that experience in a later post.
On Thursday, once we parked the Suburban, we did not drive it again until we left, mid morning on Sunday. Hot Springs, NC is not a very big town and Hot Springs Resort and Spa is close to everything we needed, so we walked. EVERYWHERE!
The Appalachian trail runs through the small town of Hot Springs, NC and it was really inspiring to see all the hikers and the way the town supports the thru hikers by leaving supplies for them to pick through and congregating to talk with many of them. I am nowhere near ready to do anything that extensive but maybe one day.
The campground was nearly deserted when we arrived on Thursday but by Saturday morning it was bustling with people and pets. I can’t say enough about how beautiful the grounds at Hot Springs Resort and Spa is. The campground butts up to the French Broad River and the sounds of the river put us to sleep each night. There are a few small beaches and picnic areas along the River and we enjoyed taking our dogs for a walk on these little sandy pieces of heaven. The grounds were clean and we were happy to see a lot of grass and areas for our dogs to play.
There was a small issue with the septic at the bathhouses on Friday and Saturday but the campground staff were quick to resolve the issue.
We spent our days parusing the town. Even though the town is small, there was plenty for us to do. We enjoyed checking out all the local art at Artisun Gallery and Cafe. I had to try their dirty chai latte and it did not disappoint. I may have went back another day for a salted caramel ice cream but we don’t have to talk about how delicious that way. We also picked up the best hard kombucha at Vaste Riviere Provisions. This Bodega also served food but we did not indulge on this trip. We plan to visit this little town again and lunch at Vaste Riviere is on the list of things for the next trip. I picked up the coolest stickers and patches from Bluff Mountain Outfitters. This outdoor store is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast or hiker.
I’ll talk about the food we ate in another post but I was not disappointed.
On Saturday, my birthday, we decided to try hiking Lover’s Leap Hiking Trail. Our campsite was very close to the parking lot most people drive to for this hike. We crossed the bridge over the French Broad River and continued down under the bridge to the trail entry. As you can see from above, Matt and I took our time and took a lot of silly photos. Even though this hike is a moderate hike and only about 2 miles, in a loop, we spent the day walking around before and after our hike and clocked over 12 miles for the day. We loved every minute of it. We spoke to other hikers, we saw a few very cool VW camper vans, we enjoyed pizza after our long day and we sat and enjoyed many a beautiful views. Overall, this was a great birthday. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my 40s.
Morrow Mountain State Park
Albemarle, NC
I added another hike to #17 on my list of 40 things.
Last weekend, we traveled a little over an hour from home to a place I hadn’t heard of until the week before. I had planned on taking the boys for a hike at Lake Norman. Upon doing a little research to map out a trail, I discovered that the trails were currently closed. We were excited about the prospect of hiking and my youngest had already invited his girlfriend, so AJ and I started searching for an alternative.
Morrow Mountain State Park is located in Stanly County about 50 miles northeast of Charlotte. This park offers over a dozen hiking and horse riding trails. You will also find camping sites and cabins as well as areas for swimming, fishing, boating and paddling.
I took 3 teenagers on this adventure. We mapped out a 5.2 mile (out and back) hike. We each carried packs for our lunches, waters and snacks. I carried the first aid kit, extra water and the cameras. I also decided to strap the Go-Pro onto my pack. Much to my disappointment, I had grabbed the wrong SD card and only managed to get about 7 minutes of video. Side note, I am learning so much with each hike.
The first mile of the hike was straight down the mountain. During this stretch, I realized we would have to travel up this part at the end of our hike and wasn’t exactly looking forward to it.
At the first fork we took some time to study the map. AJ noticed that a horse trail would lead us to the lake. He asked if we could change our plans and head that way instead. I took another look at the map and noticed this would add about 2 miles to our already hefty hike. The kids discussed it and decided it was worth it. I figured we should be able to get to the lake around lunch time. The weather was ideal for a February hike. It was sunny and the majority of our hike was under the cover of trees. The horse trail provided us with lots of opportunities to dodge piles of horse poo but we also got to see about 8 beautiful horses and met some very nice people.
We made it to the end of the lake trail by lunch time and found 2 large fallen trees to rest on while we ate our lunch. Unfortunately the last 100 yards or so to the lake was blocked by thick brush and I didn’t see any reason to try to maneuver it. We savored our lunch overlooking an area near the lake and enjoyed nice conversation. The short relaxation time was welcoming.
After cleaning up our lunch trash, we headed back to finish the loop on the horse trail. The bottom of the loop was an easy trek. We crossed a small creek. We ended up shedding our outer layers after walking in full sun for about 30 minutes.
As we came up to the last fork we had a decision to make. We could take a longer, less steep trail or we could take a short very steep trail. I think the kids were ready to be done because they all voted the short trail.
The last bit back up the mountain was torture for me. I could not catch my breath and I kept telling the kids to go ahead and not worry about me. They didn’t want to leave me behind but I also think they were having just as much trouble putting one foot in front of the other as I was. When we finally crested the top of the mountain and saw the parking lot we all sighed a heaving sigh of relief. We were exhausted. We finished the day with 8.4 miles hiked. It was quite an accomplishment considering this was their first hike of the year. I was so proud of them and happy to be at a rest area with a bathroom.
We finished the day with ice cream from a local general store. Half the car fell asleep on the return drive home. I would say it was a successful day.
Number 17 on my 40 Things List is to hike 25 locations in NC this year. This weekend, I completed hike #1.
A little over an hour from my house is Hanging Rock State Park. This beautiful destination is located in Stokes County, North Carolina, 30 miles north of Winston Salem. Hanging Rock State Park is full of breathtaking views and lots to do. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and horse trails. Swimming and boating is available on the lake in season. Fishing is available year round on the lake and Dan River. You will also find over 70 camping sites and cabins inside the park.
Since it was pretty cold (30 degrees F) when I woke on Saturday morning, I took my time making my way to the park. I arrived around 11am and set off on the Hanging Rock Trail. The trail entrance is at the visitor’s center parking lot and is approximately 2.6 miles out and back.
I completed this hike solo but there were dozens of people (and dogs) on the trails. This trail starts off slow with plenty of hills but ends with steps and a steep rocky climb that will leave you huffing. The pay off is definitely worth it. I am terrified of heights but I got close enough to get some cool shots. A young couple was nice enough to snap a picture of me. Even though the sign says the trail is 2.6 miles, when I completed the hike, my phone said I had hiked 4.36 miles.
I am extremely out of shape and this was a tough first hike but I am so happy I pushed through. This is a hike I will undoubtedly do again. I would also like to check out the falls trails at this park and maybe even plan a camping trip for a few days during warmer weather.
Tea with a Taurus 