Recently a friend of mine got me fired up about getting out into the woods again. And surprisingly, there are quite a few very good hikes nearby. In this photo, Keith Jewell and Lew Riley are hanging out waiting for me to catch my breath. I often use excuses like taking a photo to rest. Torreya is a wonderful place to hike, and one of the few places nearby that has some elevation and allows backpacking. The park has just opened a new section of trail some 9 miles long. I am looking forward to hiking it sometime this spring. There are no campsites on the new trail, but the trail head is not far from the Rock Creek campsite.
The author stands atop the Hangover in Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area in North Carolina. A grueling hike for me, it was worth every step. Almost 360 degree views can be had and the campsite is not but a few hundred feet away. This is a great place for some quiet introspection, but then, that's why they call them vistas. Contrary to the expression on my face, I was deliriously happy to be there. I'm not sure that I didn't view this photo as the needed proof to indicate that I had actually survived the climb. Perhaps if I cut out a few death cakes from the mart...
Here it is. THE Plaque. I remember seeing a picture of this in a book or magazine when I was in the Boy Scouts and it took on some sort of mystical powers to me. It only took me about 20 years, but I finally made it to Springer Mountain to see it for myself. This plaque marks the southern terminus of the Appalachian trail. The other end of the trail is in Maine at a place called Katahdin Mountain. Perhaps some day...
I'm always looking for company to do a bit of hiking or backpacking (or canoeing, but that's another page). If you've a mind to go, let me know and I'll join you. Or contact me for information; my library is growing rapidly. I have many quads, guide books, and maps of hikes in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Return
to Home Page
Last updated: 14 Jan 98
Send any comments to: pbarber@mailer.fsu.edu