BUT...I'm headed that way this weekend with my hiking buddy Kelli. Brad's friend was originally scheduled to come to town for a golf weekend but it got canceled so he'll be staying home with The Budster.
So...giving that we have an entire weekend in the mountains I've been getting my 'plan' on. I love planning mountain trips but it always comes down to decisions. Decisions on where to stay, where to hike, how far we want to hike, etc..etc.
What makes it easier this time is that I don't have to factor the dog into the equation. That means unfriendly pet hotels, and water hikes(it's hard to hike with the dog when it's slippery).
So, here's what I have come up with so far.
We'll be staying here. Not a fancy place but the views are SPECTACULAR! See this picture below? It's where you eat breakfast. I've stayed here once before and really enjoyed it. Brad would NEVER consider it because...WAIT FOR IT...no TV!
Another great thing about the Alpine Inn is that it's only one mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway! That means cool(probably a fleece will be needed)and close to a lot of hikes! Awesome considering it's 98-degrees here everyday.
I think Friday after we arrive we'll hike the top of Craggy Gardens and look out. Isn't this view nice? It's only a mile and half round-trip.
Then on Saturday we'll wake up do one of the trails at Mount Mitchell. This is where I get caught up on making a decision.
We know we can't do all of Mount Mitchell in and out in a day because it's 12-miles, yet do we want to do the other trail(Mt. Craig) that is 6-miles? We generally like to go with 4 or 5-mile hikes especially if they're straight up.
This is a picture from Mt. Craig. I'll let you know what we decide and take lots of pictures.
Another factor that plays in my decision making is wildflowers. Right now the rhododendron is peak up along parkway trails. I just love hiking among wildflowers. Also, a waterfall..we might hit the Crabtree Falls Loop(2.5 miles) on Sunday before heading home.
I originally thought our big hike on Saturday would be Douglas Falls which is 6-miles until I read this review where 2 different guys said they hiked there recently and saw black bears on the trail 1/2 mile from the campground!!! OMG! seriously?? My heart dropped.
I always know it's a possibility but holy cow! I'm seriously thinking of buying some bear spray and bringing it in my backpack. What do you think?!!
Well, Happy HumpDay!
Sounds like fun - can't wait to see the pics. I don't think Mr. ESPN would stay anywhere without a tv. Think about all of the calories you would burn if you did the 12 mile hike!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm jealous that you have places like this to hike! That's what I think.
ReplyDeleteHave fun! And be careful!!!
Absolutely gorgeous. I'm so anxious to live near the mountains again!
ReplyDeleteNo TV? I'm down!
I saw your a LSU fan, I am from Baton Rouge and of course I am a LSU fan too =)
ReplyDeleteWell anyways I am a new follower...........have a great week
www.kellysavenue.com
How beautiful! Sounds like a great weekend. Have so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sara. Nothing that beautiful here! Have a great time! No TV sounds perfect to me...and I think I've converted my hubby too!
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ReplyDeletegorgeous views!!! LOVE IT!!But seriously stay away from the hikes w/ bears!!! Aren't you suppose to bang sticks together or something?
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous!! Sounds like so much fun!!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful! Enjoy your weekend, and get that bear spray! Just in case!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have every spend much time in the mountains. Tend to head east to the beaches!
ReplyDeleteI would give anything to be in the mountains of Tennessee right now overlooking the River, during fall crisp mornings full of fresh deep breaths, and the changing color of the leaves.
ReplyDeleteIt's some of my favorite times of my life there. We will have to try your little spot out one day.