I was camping with friends and family members this past weekend at Jordan Price Lake near Blowing Rock when I had a chance to relive the past. While everyone else was taking breaks or just goofing off, I decided to take the 5 mile hike near the campground.
Continue reading “Boone Fork Trail, Blowing Rock”
Just outside Asheboro North Carolina is the Uwharrie National Forest. Part of the forest includes the Morrow Mountain State Park which has many trails and great views at the top of Morrow Mountain. 
Continue reading “Morrow Mountain State Park”
I was up near Table Rock a few weeks ago and decided to get out early and walk some dirt roads near the mountain. After putting on a light jacket, my hiking boots getting a hot mug of coffee, I was on my way. 
I had a chance to visit my brother this past weekend and unexpectedly was able to go hiking with friends Table Rock State Park. The park is just outside of Morganton with easy access to I-40. Table Rock is in the Pisgah National Forest which is a big hiking and recreation area for Western NC. 
It was 80 degrees when I started my trip early Friday morning. The 2 1/2 hour leisurely drive to Chimney Rock Campground was easy and there was little traffic. I knew that it was going to be hot though, the weather forecast was mid 90’s and a chance of thunderstorms. 
When I arrived and set up camp, it was obvious that it was too late in the day to travel the additional distance to the Dupont National Forest. Continue reading “Dupont National Forest, NC”
Traveling in the mountains of NC is a joy, winding roads, cool breeze and beautiful scenery. This past weekend, I decided to take some family members to Chimney Rock State Park, just outside of Morganton NC. A short 20 minute ride from the main interstate puts you smack in the middle of great recreation. 
The Broad River winds through the area creating many pportunities to kayak, tube and fish. Continue reading “Chimney Rock State Park NC”
Just inside Utah, above the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful parks in America. The Zion National Park is literally as awe inspiring as the Canyon. 
The park is very busy, it is visited by millions of people per year. You have to go regardless. 
As you start to get closer to the park the rock formations begin to take on a different hue, the lines of millions of years of erosion begin to show clearly from miles away. Continue reading “Zion National Park-Breathtaking!”
Pick a place, any place and start your hike. Go as far as you like. Go up, down, stay on the flat areas. Look for woods, views, streams and lakes. The Blue Ridge Parkway has it all. I have hiked a good portion of the Parkway in North Carolina and parts of Virginia and it never gets old. The park service does a great job of keeping the trails clear and accessible. 
The overlooks are nice and there are plenty of rest stops and camping areas. Continue reading “Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway”
A few weeks ago, I was in Phoenix for some awesome training with the US Marshall Service. I took some additional time off and traveled through the state with my brother Randy. We started in Phoenix and went up towards Sedona. Our first stop was in Prescott. Continue reading “Arizona, too little time, too much to see.”
Since Pilot Mountain is so close to my home, it is a favorite destination when I am just needing to get away, even during the week. I can hook up the trailer in a few minutes and be at the campsite in less than an hour. Continue reading “Pilot Mountain, NC trip”