Just heard about this documentary that was shot on the John Muir Trail. It's #1 on my list of long trails to do and traverses some spectacular scenery in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. The DVD was released in April 2012 and follows a group of students from the Southeast as they walk the 220 mile Trail in the High Sierra of California. But you can watch it here for free ... thanks to PBS and UNC-TV: Watch High Sierra - A Journey on the John Muir Trail on PBS. See … [Read more...]
The Rapids Before The Spider Lilies
May 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Here we are rounding the island across from Landsford Canal State Park and closing in on the shallow rocks just before the spider lilies. With the trip around the island (that sits in the middle of the Catawba River), it was a two hour paddle today. … [Read more...]
Kayaking & Fishing In The Catawba River
May 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We decided that Roger didn't deserve any peace while kayak fishing on the Catawba and nestled right up next to him. … [Read more...]
Landsford Canal State Park – Paddling Through The Spider Lilies
May 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
After seeing other kayakers paddle through the Spider Lilies at Landsford Canal State Park last year, we returned last week to have a run of our own. The floods earlier this month had the lilies down in numbers - but they were still spectacular in spots. … [Read more...]
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Campsite #2
May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Schools out in a week, so we decided to squeeze in one last camping trip with the kids before summer. We had a total of 12 people (5 adults and 7 kids) - so a group site was a necessity. A friend (and fellow Scout leader) recommended Hard Labor Creek State Park and we lucked out with an upgrade to Pioneer Campsite #2 - which was right on the water. Campsite #2 And to make things even easier, we were able to drive in to the site and unload right next to the picnic shelter. Scattered … [Read more...]
Coosa Bald – You Call This A Bald?
April 23, 2013 By 1 Comment
Coosa Bald (4,271 feet) is one of the ten highest peaks in Georgia and it is accessible via the Duncan Ridge Trail which starts near Vogel State Park. The summit hardly qualifies as a bald these days and Mother Nature has mostly taken back this once open area. So if you want some views - go before the leaves bud on the trees, but you'll likely have the place to yourself. Bonus: Here we are at the summit enjoying the views to the South and the sunset to the West. … [Read more...]
A Spring Hike To Coosa Bald (Via The Duncan Ridge Trail)
April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Sixteen years ago, The Ox and I did a winter ascent of Coosa Bald (4,271 feet) via a spur off the Coosa Backcountry Trail. I remembered a few campsites scattered near the summit and decided to return via a much shorter route this time. Coosa Bald is located near (and approachable from) Vogel State Park, and we stopped at Neel's Gap a few miles South of the park. The store was busy on this cool and clear weekend, and The Weasel snapped this photo of hiking boots hanging in the trees … [Read more...]
