?

About a year ago, I noticed this tent set up off trail in the Birkhead Wilderness. A few weeks later I saw it again and wondered who would be staying out in the woods for that length of time. In May I again ran into it and walked over to see that it appeared abandoned. Fast Forward to this weekend and it is still there. I unzipped it and peeked inside this time. It looks as if someone just got out of bed. The mattress was still inflated, sleeping bag in place and a stack of pillows at the head of the bed. There was also a bunch of Deer Park gallon water jugs with condensation droplets. No sign of anyone and no sign around the campsite that anyone was using it. No paths, no leaves beaten down, nothing on the clothesline and no fire remains. So, it is a mystery.

Raven's Rock

It is the day after Christmas and it is still very wet from all the rain and sleet and snow. So we took a little walk around Raven Rock State Park. In the process we ran into some friends. I got to test out my new thermos full of hot water for tea. I don't think I walked enough to counter the calories consumed recently but it was a nice walk nonetheless.

Originally, Patterson's Rock, now Raven Rock, supposed due to some nesting ravens long ago. It overlooks the Cape Fear River now far from the confluence of the Haw and Deep. And it was moving along at a good clip today.

Wednesday Night Pizzas

Almost perfect pizza with 1/2 whole wheat flour. We made the crust extra thin, trying to stretch the dough over two pans. We added 1/2 pound of Wal-Mart pepperoni, some venison salami, a few mushrooms and added garlic spinach for the final touch.

Off Trail in Morrow Mountain SP

It was a perfect day for hiking. The temperature was cold, the air was still and in Morrow Mountain the place was empty. After parking at the horse trailer parking area, I walked up Morrow Mountain and through the quarry debris field. Then down the MM trail, off onto the outer loop bridle trail, off trail to the park headquarters for lunch.

After my lunch I headed up to a concrete water tank on Hattaway Mountain near the swimming pool. Just above the tank is a old road which rises close to the top of the mountain and then gently down the reverse side. Near the bottom is a small impoundment of less than a acre and the outer bridle loop. I followed this back to the park entrance and parking lot. I believe this to be the original entrance to the park as there is a stone gate and what looks like an old stone sign.

A walk around Stone Mountain SP

Stone Mountain State Park (of North Carolina) is one of the gems in the state park system. Considered part of the foothills, it borders the Blue Ridge Parkway and Doughton Park, nice neighbors to have. The namesake is a monolithic, 600 foot, granite dome. You wonder why the park is called such as you enter and drive around. It is not very visible from any of the roads. However, it is quite impressive when you do encounter it. Besides the dome, there are rushing streams, incredible waterfalls and water slides. It is hard to walk anywhere in the vicinity of Stone Mountain and not be awed by something.

Today's hike was roughly 10-12 miles with a little off trail side excursion to better view a waterfall. There was lots of up and down, all over and around Wolf Rock.

Sunday Night Pizza

This one had a bit too much whole wheat in the dough. Venison salami and mushroom in the sauce.

Another Long Doughton Hike

Just four days after hiking the 16.3 mile loop around Doughton Park, we did it again. This time it was a bit warmer, with less snow and limited ice. The sky was not quite as clear, but still a spectacular hike. This hike has 3 distinct parts, up, along the blue ridge and then down. The 3 trails combined are Flat Rock Ridge, Bluff Mountain and Cedar Ridge. Together, they, roughly, form the boundary of the park.

Lunch was once again at the shelter along Bluff Mountain Trail. It is very near the high point of the entire hike at 3796 feet. However, the best view is just to the west of the shelter at an open rock outcropping.

Doughton Park Hike

Sunday's hike to Doughton Park was a memorable one. The loop up Flat Rock Ridge Trail connecting with Bluff Mountain Trail and finally down Cedar Ridge Trail is a bit over 16 miles. The weather was brick, perhaps in the low 40's most of the day. The previous day's snow left about 3 inches on the higher elevations. The small group of 6 of us really enjoyed this hike through the snow. In the open area on top, beside the Blue Ridge Parkway, we spotted several groups of deer. Coming down we saw bear tracks in the snow and what appeared to be a large bobcat's tracks. The pileated woodpeckers were making a racket but I was only able to spot one briefly.

After hike dinner was at the ever popular Speedy Chef in Elkin. I think I'll get the fried oysters again.

Friday night's pizza

Whole wheat pizza dough, sun dried tomatoes, olives, capers and venison salami.