Oct 16 2010 Rock Castle Gorge

The meadows were in motion with a strong wind blowing from the west. It was difficult to walk at times in these conditions.

One more beautiful day in the mountains.

Oct 9 2010 McAfee Knob

One of my favorite walks is up to this view of the Roanoke Valley. Part of the trail is on the AT, complete with a popular shelter/camping area and great views.

Another stunning day in the mountains.

The Roanoke airport and the city itself can be seen here,

Oct 7 2010 White Top Hike

Today, we scouted this hike along the AT hoping to add it to our schedule soon.

It was a short but steep hike to the open side of Whitetop. We did not attempt to climb to actual top, as it was getting late and it appeared the towers on top detracted from it's appearance.

This was a great seat for lunch. A bit on the windy side though.

Hang onto that hat.

Oct 2 2010 Pinnacle Hike

Here we are gathered for another hike up heartbreak Ridge to the top of Pinnacle. It is a lovely autumn day without a cloud.

The Old Toll Road we hike on for short distance, was open to vehicles this Saturday. It is the only day of the year the road is open. Traffic, consisting of 4 wheel drive cars and trucks, travel in one direction along the road. Originally the road was the only option to get to Mt Mitchell.

Lunch is on the rocks of Pinnacle. Views are just spectacular here. Every seat was the best seat in the house.

This is the view toward Mt Mitchell. The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders nearby too.

Sept 30 2010 Moore's Knob Loop

Finally, after a couple months of relative inactivity, I'm back on the trail albeit a step or two slower. I wanted to get in a good workout prior to this weekend's Pinnacle hike and to break in a new pair of boots. So far I love my Zamberlins.

I think these nasty creatures are earwigs. They were all over the observation tower on Moore's Knob. None landed on me but they were buzzing all around causing me to make a hasty retreat from the tower and knob.

The view from hanging Rock was quite nice today. All 3 of the triad cities were visible. There were a few ravens calling in the distance and a broadwing hawk overhead.

Sept 12 Biking the Delaware River canals

I had a bit of rain today but still a wonderful ride. From New Hope I headed north on the PA side for only 3 miles and then crossed over the NJ and rode the rail trail north. There is no canal on the NJ side at this point. The town of Frenchtown is a neat spot, very touristy. I followed the rail trail north of here toward Milford. After a couple miles, the trail got very faint and rough. I continued following it but gave up when I had an opportunity to walk across a field toward the road. Here I met someone walking her dog and she told me I'd have to ride the road into Milford since the railtrail was blocked at the old paper mill.

Milford is a bit less touristy than New Hope, Lambertville and Frenchtown. However, it does have a brewpub which is where I ate lunch.

I crossed over to PA and rode south toward New Hope. There is about a 4 mile section along here where the trail surface is larger gravel. This slows you down. It seemed worse in the 1/2 mile just south of the Black Bass Inn.

Finally, the trail improved and I was able to ride along at a better clip. Three miles from New Hope, I crossed over to NJ and rode the rail trail into Lambertville. I learned later, I should have followed the canal towpath as it was in better shape.

More photos of this ride