WNCOutdoors.info Blog

I can hardly believe it, but we’re finally on the road! Left Saturday morning and had a long drive to Fort Smith, Arkansas. We had a pleasant lunch on the Caney Fork River in Tennesse followed by dinner at Cracker Barrel with the Kisers in Little Rock. Never a dull moment when dining out with Sandie and Mike! Thanks, guys - we had a great time.

After a night in a Super 8 in Fort Smith, we hit the road again for our first “Real” vacation day of the trip. We stopped at Dyer’s Bar-B-Que for a DELICIOUS lunch in Amarillo, then headed on in to New Mexico and into the beautiful mountains around Santa Fe. We’re staying at a Quality Inn right in town, in a room with a balcony overlooking the pool and mountains far beyond. As I write this a beautiful sunset is wrapping up.

Tomorrow is our 5th wedding anniversary! I’m taking Tasha to one of her favorite authors’ historic ranch near Taos. Not only is the D.H. Lawrence ranch very special for Tasha, it sits below the big mountains at 8000′ and should be great fun for both of us.

I’ll be updating pictures on this online album. And here is a link to a map of the entire trip.

Enjoy!

Check out some of my photos in print! Several were used in WNC Magazine - of Skinny Dip Falls and Whiteside Mountain, on pages 114, 116 and 117. Need photos for your publication? Drop me a line and let me know. You can find the selection in the photo galleries on both hikewnc.info and mtbikewnc.com.

Don’t forget, tomorrow, Saturday, June 7th is National Trails Day and in honor of that the Pisgah chapter of SORBA (Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Association) is holding a huge workday on the Green’s Lick trail in Bent Creek. Raffles, prizes, food, and fun rides are all part of the event so come on out! This is an excellent opportunity to give back to the trails community and help log volunteer hours to report to the Forest Service. Find out more on the PAS website.

The Burnt Mountain trail was renovated in the last 6 months by Trail Dynamics, a local trailbuilding and repair company. The steep drop on the end of the loop was rock-armored, and muddy sections were graveled and drained.

In addition to the contract work by Trail Dyanmics, over 160 volunteer hours were contributed to the project. Thanks to everyone who helped make one of the best trails in Dupont State Forest sustainable and capable of remaining open for future hiking and mountain biking use!

To check it out, try the Eastern Slickrock Best Ride.