Boone area sketches

The last week has included waterfalls, fields, pastures, and views of and from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Cone Manor

Hunt Fish Falls

Harper Creek Falls

Lynn Cove Viaduct

Pasture Fence

Stile under Blue Ridge Parkway

Jesse Brown cabin

Stiles and Pastures

For the past three days, we’ve been closely paralleling the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock and Boone on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. I’ve lost count of how many stiles and pastures we’ve crossed so far. (We were even chased by cows in one!) But there’s something very comforting about staying in a “backcountry campsite” while still hearing cars driving the parkway. 

Gear Junkies

A few folks have expressed some interest in our gear, so here is a list of the major pieces with just a bit of editorial:

• Backpacks: Gregory Baltoro 75 w/ integrated Goal Zero solar panel (Jeff); Gregory Deva 70 (Debra)
• Footwear: Merrell Unifly boots or Solomon Speedcross trail running shoes (Jeff); Altra Lone Peak 3.5 trail shoes (Debra)
• Trekking Poles: REI Flash Carbon (Jeff); Leki Makalu Titanium (Debra)
• Sleeping bags: REI Sub-Kilo (+20 Jeff) (+15 Debra)
• Bedrolls: Nemo Tensor R20 (small, light, and super comfy)
• Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba 2
• Water filter: MSR MiniWorks w/ viral stop drops (heavy, but field cleanable with no failures in 15 years)
• Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket (uses isobutane canisters)
• Pot: GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler 1.1L
• Headlamps: Black Diamond
• Lantern: Luci (solar)

Debra uses a titanium spork and for sentimental reasons I carry a pocket knife my grandfather used during WWII that has a fork and spoon built in.

For day hikes and biking we use our adventure race packs: Out There USA MS-1 (Jeff) MS-2 (Debra)

Trail Angel

The next four nights in the woods on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail are going to be so much easier after the last four nights in a comfy bed – and hot tub! We’ve been so spoiled by our trail angel Mary Stewart. She has more than earned her trail name: Angel...

Boulders and Meadows

Segment 5 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail should be called Boulders and Meadows. We went over, under, and through both all day today!

Gorges, Peaks, and Waterfalls

There’s a reason why Segment 4 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is called Gorges, Peaks, and Waterfalls. This is a view of one of the many waterfalls in a gorge from a peak. We crossed this “creek” 10 times today over 13 miles.

Wet and Wonderful

Yesterday we were wet most of the day from rain and today from numerous water crossings. But it has all been beautiful on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. And we’ve picked up an awesome hiking partner for a few days!