Hiking
I grew up in the farming community of Lancaster County Pennsylvania. I moved to Statesville, North Carolina in 1980 when I was eighteen. I knew there were mountains in North Carolina and even drove through some of the tourist type areas many years ago.
In 2010 I met Terry Church and he took me on my first good hike. We started in the early morning by going to the top of Tablerock summit overlooking Linville Gorge. We sat on the edge of Little Tablerock and I was overwhelmed at the vastness and ruggedness of the place. From there we went to the summit where I could see a 360 degree view of where we were. It was a lot to absorb in one visit.
We descended down Tablerock and headed to the Harper Creek area to a trail that lead to North Harper Falls. I got lost in the moment as we walked in a downpour through forest with mossy, fern covered openings. We crossed over a stream, walked some more and then crossed over another stream that was at the top of the beginning of the drop that would lead to the falls. The trail continued down into the valley until we reached the base. North Harper has a healthy flow of water and drops about 40 feet after falling over a long series of slides framed by rugged rock formations. When we were at the top of Tablerock I was awestruck. The hike down into the valley and arriving at the falls put me at total peace.
Terry and I hiked together many more times after that first trip. We did three hikes in the snow and ice, usually finishing the last miles in the dark with headlamps on. Long story short; I fell in love with the place and go every chance I get. The solitude and ruggedness are empowering for the mind and good for the soul. If I need peace, it always meets me there.
|
 |
| Enjoying an orange during a hike through the Chimneys and Shortoff Mountain |
|
|
Kayaking and Canoeing
I decided to get away from things a couple of years ago, so I loaded my canoe and went to Lake Norman State Park. After getting camp set up I went on a hike on the Lakeshore Trail, about three miles. I fixed supper, cleaned up and enjoyed the campfire before turning in.
The next morning I got up around five and had the canoe in the water by six. The lake is a different place in the early morning. The water was glassy smooth and there was a mist floating around. Ospreys were diving down to grab fish out of the water and long legged herons walked the bank until disturbed and then flew away fussing. I paddled back into the marsh area where tree frogs were shrilling and the red winged blackbirds were singing. I spent the rest of the day slowly working my way back to the state park loading ramp by exploring coves and sandy beaches.
I went out several more times in the canoe, sometimes alone and sometimes with company. But the canoe was heavy to handle on my own so I started looking into kayaks. I bought several and ended up claiming the Wilderness Systems Pungo as mine. Now I have my camera tripod rigged in the front and waterproof boxes and bags for my gear and snacks. When I leave out from the boat ramp I have everything I need to stay out for eight or more hours. Now matter how many times I head to the park, it is still amazing how far removed you can be from problems and worries while only twenty minutes from the house. I have a campsite down there that I call my second home. The hike before supper gets your mind slowed down. The supper fills your belly up and watching the flames in the campfire has you ready for bed in no time. The paddling and swimming the next day winds you down so much that I promise you won't want to go home and back to reality.
|
|
