Last Night's Pizza

Portabello mushrooms, hard salami, spinach, onion and garlic.

Rock Castle Gorge Hike

This trail is within the Rocky Knob Recreation Area, part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, located off Rt 8 between Woolwine and Floyd, Virginia. Beginning the hike at the bottom of the gorge at the lowest point, you head up to the BRP on a very steep 1800 foot climb, leveling out somewhat as you near the top. After coming within sight of the BRP, the trail enters open meadows with tremendous views, still climbing. After passing through a cattle gate, it is a short walk to an old stone shelter. The shelter was built in the 1930's when this was part of the Appalachian Trail. When the BRP was built, the AT was moved to another route to the west. For the next 3 miles the trails rises and falls along a ridgeline, in and out of meadows bordering the BRP. Finally, at Grassy Knoll, the trail heads down and makes left turn to head down toward Rock Castle Creek. Nearing the creek, the trail passes through a jumble of large rocks known as Bear Rocks. Just after this point the trail hooks up with Rock Castle Creek and heads several miles back to where you began. Along the way, a well maintained but vacant home still stands beside the creek and trail. The home was built in 1916 and is still privately owned and appears to be still in habitable condition. From here to the end the trail is a 2 track. Just before reaching the end, a primitive campground appears on the left in an area once a CCC camp. Finally, on the last crossing of the creek and you've completed the 10.5 mile hike. Thanks to Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club and hike leader Jim Pritchett for organizing this hike.

Uwharrie River Cruise

Four inches of rain during the week put the Uwharrie River in near perfect shape for these 3 old guys. I floated with two paddling (floating) buddies from Low Water Bridge at Ophir to Rt 109 bridge.

We were not the only ones out enjoying this day. While stopped at our favorite lunch stop, a beautifully sculpted ridge of blue slate blocking half the river's width, we were joined by 2 other parties in kayaks.

Once beyond this point, the river's declivity increases and the scenery becomes more rugged. The rapids are gentle and forgiving except when one tries to pass over rocks sideways.

I think we pushed a Belted Kingfisher downriver into another's territory. For about a minute or two there ensued a entertaining Kingfisher standoff, with lots of screeching and zipping around. I guess they got things squared away and are back in their respective stake claims now.

What a way to spend a great day.

Hike up Heartbreak Ridge

Just outside Old Fort, NC, at the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, in the heart of Pisgah Gamelands a trail rises up from the valley to the top of Pinnacle. The climb is steadily up for 6 miles, then rises at a much steeper rate for the final push to the top. Ouch. However, it is hard to beat the view from the top. It is wilderness in every direction. Mt Mitchell and Black Mountain dominate to the west and a sizeable gulf crowds the southwest.

We were not the only ones on the mountain this day. Plenty of bear hunters and their Plott Hounds were out too. I did not see any scat of other bear sign so I don't know how many bears inhabit this area but I suppose there won't be so many bear hunters if there weren't any bears.

I did see an owl silently make its way through a thick spruce forest. Once on top, it was a joy to see the ravens playing in the thermals. I watched one repeatedly drop something red, swoop down and snag it midair.

Thanks to Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club and David Memory for organizing and leading this memorable day in the mountains.

Biking Pine Creek Trail

When I first read of this trail, it was described as one of the most scenic in the East. I'd never heard of Pine Creek but soon learned it is also referred to as "the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania". It follows Pine Creek in a stunning valley from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore just west of Williamsport.

I accessed the trail north of Jersey Shore and rode to Waterville and back, about 25 miles. The trail is the widest rail trail I have ridden. Wonderfully graded and gated and fenced too. For much of my short ride, I followed a somewhat busy road which did detract from the experience. However, the views are stunning. The "creek" is a river by most standards. It looked like a wonderful canoe float too.

When I arrived in Waterville, I noted a lodge and a tavern in addition to a convenience store with a snack bar. This would make a great overnight stop. The trail continues on over 60 miles to Wellsboro which is a quaint tourist stop.

This trail is definitely on my short list of trails to ride. I can't wait to get back on this one.

Biking on the Airline Trail

In 1873 a railroad route between Boston and New York City was constructed. It was the shortest most direct route possible, like a line in the air. There is no other reason such a railroad would link Putnam, Willimantic and East Hampton Connecticut. Most rail trails have a coordinating entity, like a state park or land conservancy, this one does it. It appears to be built and maintained by the towns it travels through. Hence, there is always someone in the middle who doesn't follow along. I found this out after biking 23 miles from East Hampton to the Willimantic River where there was no passable bridge. So I turned around and rode back. Original plans were to continue on to Thompson and spend the night. As a result, I didn't travel beyond the Willimantic River and no idea what that portion of the trail is like.

It was a colorful ride. Foliage was a bit past prime but still very nice. The trail had some unique infrastructure. The two original 1000+ foot trestles were replaced long ago by filling them in with stone and dirt. They are called viaducts but resemble earthen dams (without a lake).

Not many folks were out in the rain so I had the trail to myself most of the time. I sure was hungry by mid-afternoon. I had planned to eat in Willimantic but never got there and there were no other services along the trail.

Someday I'll finish riding this trail and perhaps the spur to Colchester as well.

More Photos of this ride