Oct. 27, 2019

I finally made a start (and finish) in the 2019 North Carolina Cyclocross season.

After a lot of overnight rain, the course in Boone was muddy again!

I had fun, didn’t race well, fell a couple of times, but it was great to be back on the start line this weekend!

After the race, I explored for fall colors

The light wasn’t great, so I went for a hike

Goshen Creek is a pretty little waterway

not much color on the trees

but fun to rock hop

a just enjoy the silence

then I tried another HDR of the sunset

 

Oct. 7, 2019

A foggy start to my ride.

The BRP Linn Cove viaduct was even worse. It was an awesome morning on the bike!

Then it was time to explore… a Forest Service Road I heard about….

pictures never do it justice and I quit taking photos as my stress raised and the obstacles became tougher… this was no joke; several washouts, ravens and wheel lifting later we were halfway through. Each time I walked a route, I was looking not to make sure I could get through it, could I get back up it if the road was blocked a or a closed gate.

An awesome camping spot for a lunch break. My truck is the minimum I would have wanted to take, 33 inch tires, 2.5 inch lift, armored with bumpers, sliders and skid plates… anything less would have resulted in damage!

A good day!

 

Oct. 6, 2019

A weekend that changes. Instead of elk, we ended up in Boone again, since I hadn’t planned anything, we searched for a waterfall I had not been to, this is Laurel Creek Falls (I think) but we rock hopped up the creek for a long ways looking for more. Either way this is an awesome swimming hole.

A corn dog and loaded fries with a gose beer at The Cardinal in Boone! Yum!!!

No sunset tonight, only fog!

June 5, 2019

A busy day, up early for a run at Bass Lake, then time to explore, driving foreat service and dirt roads

a couple of short hikes

the view of Grandfather Mountain from Grandmother Mountain.

Ended the day at USAT summer singles league, I won my match 6-1, 6-3

June 4, 2019

Back on the road, Kodak must see everything.

the threat of rain made a change of plans, so I jumped on the bike as soon as we got to Blowing Rock

All the climbing is worth it with these views, and the screaming descent. (although today the descent had a headwind and I was only able to hit 43mph)

after dinner at the Coyote Kitchen, we headed to our favorite hill top for the sunset. I had figured out how to download Netflix on the iPad for a trip that didn’t happen, so now I can binge watch shows like Sabrina.

Kodak kept an eye on the wildlife

until they got too close.

 

good cow!

May 27, 2019

Sunrise from Flat Top Tower. I had wanted to hike to it for lat night’s sunset but was exhausted from my ride for the 5 mile hike. So I got up before the sun and ran to the tower… I missed the very beginning since I didn’t take in the fact the first 2.5 miles was “uphill” and my running pace was slower. Still a gorgeous sunrise and a great run.

Aug. 12, 2018

If you start early, you get the Blue Ridge Parkway to yourself. In teh first hour I was passed by 1 car!

After eating too much yesterday, I got an hour + ride, run with 7:53 mile and an hour hike to Rough Ridge of the parkway. A good fitness day!

Sam go do something epic for my photo ; )

Aug. 11, 2018

Linn Cove Viaduct and clouds. It was time to go back to the mountains for a HOA meeting, bike rides and hanging out with family.

Deer in the yard.

June 14, 2018

An early morning bike ride, a new route to stretch the distance.

But still across the Linn Cove Viaduct and it’s freshly paved surface.

Then time to hike…. my original planned trail is closed, so we started up Rough Ridge Trail

it’s very rocky….

then over the top to the Wilson Creek Trail to make a loop.

A great day along the Blue Ridge Parkway!

June 5, 2018

After a bike ride, it was time to hike, I chose MacRae Peak because I love the ladders…

and the views….

the actual peak.

waiting for a sun set!