bucketlistcamping

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Graveyard Fields Waterfall and Sunrise

While visiting the area on a recent hiking trip, I was able to do something that everyone hopes to do while hiking. Be the first on a trail. After hiking Graveyards field the day before, this early morning found me restless. I woke up early, mainly due to the feeling of being shut in. That came from my camping spot at the Mt. Pisgah Campground…..which was very close to other campers. Usually I…

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Art Loeb Trail and Graveyard Fields.

I had some free time so I thought a quick trip to the High Country would get me out of the scorching heat that is everywhere these days. As I packed up, I was looking forward to some good hiking, some overnight privacy and beautiful views. On this trip I decided to take the both my teardrop trailer and all my overnight camping gear. Sometimes you are not quite sure of how the weather will turn…

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Dismal Swamp and Merchants Millpond

Dismal Swamp and Merchants Millpond

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NC Blue Ridge Parkway

NC Blue Ridge Parkway

On a recent camping trip, I was able to take a side trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. My sister had never seen this part of the parkway and I thought, why not, a great day to see the outdoors. The Trip We began our trip from the Davidson River Campground, traveling just a few miles to hit the parkway entrance. From there we traveled south, which actually will take you to the highest part of the…

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Whitewater Falls, Natahalia National Forest.

Whitewater Falls, Natahalia National Forest.

I planned a camping trip to Davidson River, inside the Pisgah National Park and was able to spend a little time driving outside the park. While searching for things to do, I ran across this waterfall, which is a few miles away from Brevard and not heavily advertised on many travel sites. I was surprised that to get to the falls was just a short parking lot hike to the top of the trailhead, maybe…

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Gorges State Park, a Little Known Paradise

Gorges State Park, a Little Known Paradise

I recently traveled to one of the best hiking areas in North Carolina, Gorges State Park. Located near both the Georgia and South Carolina lines, the park is still yet “undiscovered” by many. I was staying at the Davidson River Campground, another great place to visit and hike from. I left early morning and arrived at the park in just a few minutes. Arriving at the Park: The park entrance sits…

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Yellowstone National Park.....in Smoke Season

Yellowstone National Park…..in Smoke Season

A recent trip took me to Yellowstone and its natural wonders, but the day trip was marred by the amount of smoke that was coming into Wyoming from the western state fires. The locals call it Smoke Season and it lasts a few months or until the first snows began to put all the fires out. It was hard to imagine months of the smoke being there 24 hours a day. Just from my trip from the Northern…

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Hungry Horse Reservoir, Beautiful Ospreys!

Hungry Horse Reservoir, Beautiful Ospreys!

On a recent trip outwest, I was traveling with my brother when we saw a road to the Hungrey Horse Reservoir, just outside Kallispell, Montana. Since both of us were under no pressure to be anywhere, we took the road and proceeded to travel around the massive reservoir. The lake is created by the Hungry Horse Dam and is a great trip. As we were going around the lake, with barely any traffic, we…

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The New Bozeman, Montana

The New Bozeman, Montana

Recently, I took some time off and went out west to see my brother. We met in Bozeman, Montana where he was spending a few weeks. After an uneventful flight to Bozeman, we spent a couple of days seeing the town. Downtown is pretty busy Finding a parking space………pretty hard Since it was my first time in Bozeman, but not my first time visiting the west, I was pretty disappointed in the “New”…

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Falls Creek Falls, TN

Falls Creek Falls, TN

On a recent camping trip to Rock Creek State Park, I had the occasion to take a side trip to Falls Creek State Park. Once there, you could see how this is the jewel of Tennessee State Parks. The tree lined roads were a delight to travel, the attractions were all around you. But since I came to check out the waterfalls, that was how I spent most of my time. The biggest waterfall in the park is…

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Shining Rock Wilderness Hike

Shining Rock Wilderness Hike

Near the end of winter, I took a trip to Mt. Mitchell, just to get out of the house.  It seems that Covid 19 has an effect on everyone and I was definitely not immune.  So a early rise, a quick snack and off I went.  The early morning was overcast, with some sun peeking through.  I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, so I let the roads make the decisions.  As I got closer to Mt. Mitchell, I…

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Hawksbill Mountain.....Beautiful!

Hawksbill Mountain…..Beautiful!

It just takes a little effort, you have to get up, drive a few miles and hike a few miles. But the time spent with friends and beautiful scenery is worth it. I started early in the morning, got a good breakfast at the cabin and off to a local hike. A few miles later, you get to the turn in to Table Rock Rd or to Gingercake Rd. Both end in the same place. Depending on where you start, will…

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Sometimes the cabin fever is too much.  I had to get out and do some hiking.  So on a cold day, warm sun, and a little breeze, I did some hiking at one of my favorite mountains.   When I got to the park, the parking lot was empty.What a great time to hike, empty trails, beautiful days.   So I took the falls trails and took my time, just breathing it all in.  This trail has many of the parks trail picnic sites and reminds me of my youth.

As you continue down the trail, you see the “rock” on your right, always there, always looking at you.  Deer were in the woods, acting like I was the interloper in their area.  Soon the first small falls comes into view and then just as you are catching a drink of water, the second small falls comes up on your right.  A view steps, a lot of rocks and water, always peaceful to hear.

High Rock in the Winter Sometimes the cabin fever is too much.  I had to get out and do some hiking.  So on a cold day, warm sun, and a little breeze, I did some hiking at one of my favorite mountains.  

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Had a chance to visit South Mountain State Park this past week and truly enjoyed the trip.  I arrived in sunny, but cold, weather.  The park was empty except for a few hardy souls that were taking in the clean air and trails.  After I set up camp, I got my pack and started hiking.

Since I wanted to check out the Upper Falls, I first hiked the trail leading to the Upper Falls trail.  This 1 mile trail runs along the river and is a good, easy trail to warm up on.  The river was clear and inviting, but you could tell it was really cold.  The walk was nice to begin my day, but soon led directly to the Upper Falls trail.  The river trail is used to give nature talks and to just enjoy without too much work.

Once on the UP trail, you could see the river on one side and the trail ahead, after going down a set of stairs to get you on the trail, it is a slight upgrade until you get near the falls.

When you start up the trail near the falls you could tell that it was getting colder everytime you stepped into the shade. You can see ice on the railing provided by the park service.

And then you get to the falls, loud, cold and beautiful.  I never get enough of waterfalls, they are truly something to behold. 

and a short video to enjoy!

If you get a chance, visit the park and hike the falls.  Then take in miles of other trials just as good.  Of course, end you days with a fire and good food, good friends and good vibes.

South Mountain State Park, NC Cold and Quiet Had a chance to visit South Mountain State Park this past week and truly enjoyed the trip. 

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River Walk on a not so Warm Day

River Walk on a not so Warm Day

Sometimes the cabin fever is just too much.  You know it is a little wet, a little colder than you want it to be, but you have to go outside.  A few weeks ago, we went on a nice hike at Tanglewood Park, which down the road a bit from my house.  I thought it would be a “boring” walk but it was just perfect.  The River Walk is about 2.5 miles or so through a bird sanctuary and partial bog.  It…

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First Amendment of the US Constitution

First Amendment of the US Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

There it is. One of the greatest individual rights statements in the world.  There is literally no other statement that has…

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Just off the Parkway, a few miles from Carolina Hemlock Recreational Area is the Crabtree Falls campground and recreational area.  I recently visited the Pisgah National Forest to do some hiking and stayed at the campground. It was a great time and the weather was fantastic.  It is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway about 30 miles from Asheville, NC.  This is really in the middle of some of the best king on the east coast.  The Appalachian Trail is not too far away and the Mountain to Sea Trail is just up the road.  For those who like to be outdoors and be entertained at the same time, this is the place.  After setting camp, it was a short trip to the Falls area and because we went on Thursday, there was very few people hiking the trail.   It is not a hard trail, but there are some constant wet spots due to the down hill nature of the trail, small streams are crossing it back and forth as they got toward the falls.

The  2.5 mile hike is downhill for the most part to the falls and uphill the way back.  It can be tough for those not used to hiking downhill for long periods and the return leg has some steep hills.  All in all, it is really an easy hike, take your time and spend some time at the falls.  You might never return.

Dale

  Watch your six

  Crabtree Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway Just off the Parkway, a few miles from Carolina Hemlock Recreational Area is the Crabtree Falls campground and recreational area.