Our first stop of the day was at Gander Mountain, because Holly didn't have any spare socks. We've never been to Gander before and despite wanting to make this a quick in-n-out, the store was pretty neat and we did spend a couple of minutes looking at a Eureka Solitaire 1 Man Bivy Tent. As we grabbed a couple of pair of smartwools and set back on the road, discussions ensued of having 4 - 1 man tents all lined up together vs a larger 6 man tent for our planned summer back country trip in the smokies.
We set back out on I40 West until we hit Winston Salem and took 8 north all the way to the park. Upon arrival to the State Park, we had some initial trouble finding our first trailhead, as the web data we had was a little misleading. We found our destination rather quickly after turning around at the "private property" sign. Horses were present at the parking lot, as there were many trailers there, as there is a horse trail that starts out nearby our hiking trail head as well. Despite what I considered a seasonal steal of a good day, being in the 70's, Holly insisted on rolling up the windows of the van, because she saw a bee.
Destination - Tory's Den. .4mi r/t.
Windows up, we set out on our first of 3 trails of the day. Tory's den had some historical revolutionary war significance, as read in a sign at the trail head. It was a down hike, through some fairly dense woods with blue circle blazes, to a couple of points of interest. Toward the end of the trail, it opened up a bit and split for a choice of Tory's Falls or Tory's Den. We chose the falls first. The falls were a good 80 yards in the distance. Unless you wanted to traverse the gorge to get to the base, which even in the winter nakedness, the terrain seemed too steep and dangerous to even consider. We snapped of a few pictures and did a little exploration around the viewing area. There were some other rock formations that we explored to allow viewing of the below river fed by the falls. Mason and Emily were very willing to make their way down off the trail a bit with me. Holly, was a little more reluctant. I think it was her boots(more later).
We doubled back a short bit up the trail and took the Tory's Den trail to where history states that Tory's Den was a location where "Torries"(Brittish Loyalists) took up shelter after a raid of the home of a local patriot, John Martin, lighting a fire in the den, which was their demise, as the glow could be seen from afar, which gave away their location and were quickly found and killed without a single loss of any of John Martin's militia troops. Despite the presence of graffiti, where so and so were there 10.16.2010 on the rock facing, it really did have the feeling of age to it. The ceiling marred with soot gave it a very dirty feel. We did the park a favor and picked up someone's partially drank Dr. Pepper bottle to tote out with us.
We doubled back a short bit up the trail and took the Tory's Den trail to where history states that Tory's Den was a location where "Torries"(Brittish Loyalists) took up shelter after a raid of the home of a local patriot, John Martin, lighting a fire in the den, which was their demise, as the glow could be seen from afar, which gave away their location and were quickly found and killed without a single loss of any of John Martin's militia troops. Despite the presence of graffiti, where so and so were there 10.16.2010 on the rock facing, it really did have the feeling of age to it. The ceiling marred with soot gave it a very dirty feel. We did the park a favor and picked up someone's partially drank Dr. Pepper bottle to tote out with us.
The hike back to the trail head was the first sign that hiking isn't always easy. By the time we all got back to the vehicle, we were winded and ready for some water. I also was hungry and ate the only thing I packed for myself(note for next time...bring food!). Overall, the short hike was a good one. Not too many people on the trails. It's a pretty steep ascent at times.
Destination - Lower Cascades Falls. .8mi r/t.
After a quick shuttle to the next trail head, we set out to view the Lower Cascades Falls. This one building on the previous trail, a bit longer and challenging. Finally found a critter-proof trash container at the trail head, where we deposited the Dr.Pepper and some sandwich bags. The hike was through a sparsely wooded terrain, lined with no blazes, but still easy to follow the trail. This was a very gradual up hill hike UNTIL, you got to an overlook observation deck with fairly obstructed views of the drop offs below. You could hear the falls at this point, and the trail turned to stone steps that you followed pretty much to the bottom, where the falls come into view and there are some good areas to sit and enjoy the view. There was a couple already there as we arrived. The bottom of the falls were accessible if you wanted to cross the tiny mild rapids to the right of where the falls water pooled up, that trickled below to a higher volume series of rapids as the river made it's way further down the gorge and out of sight. Mason and I were the first to make it over. Holly was again, a little reluctant, but after some coaxing made her way while Emily stayed back to take pictures of us. We then crossed back over to Emily who wanted to go across, but didn't want to get her tennis shoes wet. Holly pulled off her boots to let Emily use to get to the falls and have her picture taken with Mason and I. This time, Mason decided to eliminate the task of careful navigation of the rock hopping path across. Instead he went knee deep into the pool of cold water welled up from the falls just prior to it start of the rapids, and he waded across, losing his balance at one point to get water midway up his body.
It truly was a pretty location to hang out for a while. Emily and Mason continued to play, while Holly and I simply sat and soaked in some nature. Mason and I both decided to zip out of our pant legs and convert to shorts, as it was getting warm out.(the thermometer of the van later indicated 74 degrees). Other groups of people, some with dogs started to arrive on the scene, so we elected to head back. The climb back up was a wake up to our thighs. We took a couple of quick breaks along the way, just to evade the burn for a minute, collect our breath and drink some water. We encountered even more people along the way. We timed our visit well, as I'm sure it was going to be crowded down there now. Once at the top of the steps, the return trip to the trail head was a piece of cake. (I wish I had some cake.. I'm hungry again) The most noteworthy element of the return was the new sound in the forest.... squish, squish, squish.... Masons wet boots(I wouldn't call them hiking boots, but they look like them) were making music with each step he took. When we got back to the van, I peeled out of my boots and checked feet. All good. This one was a better hike. The destination, although not historic was definitely more pleasing to us all. It would be a good spot to go and have a pick nick lunch. I imagine in the spring it will be even better. Notably, there wasn't a single flower. We started to discuss this and nobody could recall seeing any on either hike.
Destination - Hanging Rock. 2.6mi r/t.
We pulled into the Visitor Center parking lot, and went inside to inquire on camping and the Junior Ranger program, which they had an event at 2pm(1hr ago) at Tory's Den.. bummer. After a quick bio break, we set back out through the parking lot, grabbed the pack, refilled our water supply and made our way on foot to the trail head for the park's flagship destination... Hanging Rock. Initially, I was put off by the trail being paved, but that only lasted for an eighth or quarter of a mile, then turned to gravel, which still was not what I consider "natural" in a leave no trace sense. As we continued to look about for any signs of flowers, the trail began to climb and benches were periodically available for those needing a rest. Half way to the destination, the trail sort of levels out again, and the gravel was no longer as the trail turned to a "trail" :-) There were a good number of people sharing the trails both up and down, as to be expected, but not overly crowded. Still no signs of spring, just barren trees(except for the frequent evergreen) and a ground cover of leaves everywhere. The all too familiar burn continued to set in on us during the steeper portions of the climb. At one point I inquired on how Mason was doing, referring to him as "squishy feet". That seemed to be a potentially good trail name to go with for now. Prior to the next ascent, we could view the summit through the tree canopy, which wouldn't be viewable in another month I'm sure.
Right before we started the final climb, we encountered a park ranger, who was working with a crew of volunteers on some apparent trail maintenance at the base of the summit. We took a minute to talk to the ranger, who told Mason his favorite part of being a ranger was working outdoors most of the time. He and his 4 fellow rangers did a variety of different things from one day to the next and all pretty much took turns with different jobs around the park. The trail to the top was again steep and we took a rest or two for some water and air. There were some neat rock formations and cave like features along the walls for what would seemingly make good places for wildlife to take refuge. There was also more announcements of "who was there" in the past on the rocks here and there. We were in agreement that it was disappointing that people have such a blatant disregard for others as to deface such beauty. I suppose we'll see more of it as we continue our long journey of hiking. Tragically, that's not something you can really set a good example for. Even Mason knows that's not right. Anyways, once we got to the top, Emily was excited that we made it, only to find that there was still a little more to go, but it wasn't bad. The hard climb was surely behind us. Basically, we made our way across the top of the summit to the actual hanging rock, which is remnants of what part of the mountain didn't fall many years ago. There were quite a number of people tucked away in various spots. We made our way to the edge where there were fewer obstructions. The views were quite nice, even without all of the summer or fall foliage in the trees. I'm guessing you can see better details of the land in the winter and make out small towns and farms along the valleys as you look out for about 180 degree views. Mason and Emily both made their way out towards the far edge with me. Holly hung back again, but eventually came down a little closer, but wanted no part of the edge areas. As we were initially observing, a hawk came gliding by, going against the wind keeping him effortlessly floating as he sailed by at a very slow speed. It was a real treat to see so up close. Usually only something witnessed from way below. Emily and I took turns with the camera, then as other people started to come in, we departed, to give them some space and opportunity to get to the edges as well.
There were other rock formations along the top that Mason spent time playing around on for a bit. Eventually we started our return, as it was getting late in the day and we still had to hike back and drive home and work on dinner, which we were already hungry for. On the way back, we had to establish rules of the buddy system, as Mason and Holly wanted to trek ahead. I tried using my iPod, but found it a distraction and would rather enjoy conversation. Emily and I eventually caught them and we jokingly challenged each other as to who would make it back to the vehicle first. It was a bit back and forth, as we occasionally met up for water(I had the pack this time) and Emily and Mason decided to change the teams and would then break ahead again, leaving Holly and I striding out ourselves, talking about the concept of a month long or even longer hikes that people attempt on the Appalachian Trail. Holly clearly indicated that a month of hiking would be too much, but resigned to doing a day hike or overnight back country hike 2 weeks a month, which is more than I anticipate we can pull off even with the best of intentions, but she's the one I was worried about the most, so I was happy she was that enthusiastic of the future as we were winding down our first day of hiking. She was also glad to not have P.E. tomorrow, as her luck was have it the teacher would make her run 20 laps. Once we got back to the parking lot, we could see Mason and Emily desperately trying to find the van. Mason found it and beckoned Emily to the van "just" before Team Holly and Daddy made it. Tell them what they won, Holly.... "A free lifetime supply of...AIR!!!". Mason thought that was funny, cuz now Holly would suffocate with him having all of the air.
Getting back to the van, Holly had a small blister on her upper foot near the big toe, but didn't bother her at all. We were both glad to be out of our boots and socks.
We took a drive through the campgrounds, before heading out, noting that campground 44 and 45 looked ok if you wanted to camp with friends. I actually preferred the campsite at the end #72 for a bit more seclusion. The drive back was longer, as we too 66 back to 40, which was littered with lighted intersections. Next time, we'll stick to 8 to make good time.
Takeaways:
- Excellent first day on the trail for us. Everyone had a good time. Beat the heck out of the alternative of staying home.
- No flowers at all. We've had unseasonably warm weather the past month or so and plenty of rain. I was surprised by this.
- We have a ways to go to get to where we will be comfortable going on some walk-in's with full gear this summer.
- Bring more food- Trail Mix; bars; fruit
- Mason and Emily's boots are a priority. Especially for Squishy Feet.
- Pretty nice park. We left numerous other trails un-explored that could really account for a good 3 days of hiking in total. Camp reservations can be made 6 months out and hardly any were reserved for 2 weeks from now, according to the volunteer at the visitor center.
- need to get thinner socks for the summer.
- repellent - while we didn't have any skeeters, I did find a tick later that evening.
- Cooler hat - My bears cap was too hot. need something that breathes better.
No comments:
Post a Comment