Pisgahhhh

We have been living under a moss covered rock in Pisgah National Forest for several days with little contact with the outside world. We hope that the flooding in Eastern NC is subsiding and not as bad as forecast when we returned to the mountains. When the hurricane exited NC it took every scrap of moisure with it. Now we at this end of the state have been enjoying perfect weather, with little threat of rain, although we have been engulfed in clouds and mist at some of the higher elevations.

Amazing morning over the Blue Ridge mountains

An unforgettable heath bald

There is a reason Western NC has been the backdrop for films that want to capture pristine natural beauty. The remote areas we have been hiking through in Pisgah National Forest have been the setting for films such as Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games.

Moss covered rocks on one of the many challenging parts of the trail

And another challenge...

While we are often hiking in a dense tunnel of rhododendron or mountain laurel, we are also rewarded with amazing ridgeline views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. On Friday we successfully navigated the Middle Prong Wilderness Area and completed what is considered the toughest 2 miles on a trail that measures 1175 miles. Just finding level ground to camp has been a daily challenge and the trails have delivered on their promise to be both steep and rugged. Saturday included a visit to Skinny Dip Falls (a bit crowded to actually partake) and views of Looking Glass Rock. 

Skinny Dip Falls

Looking Glass Rock