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In the Bahamas

Brian — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:36:56 +0000

Janis worked really hard this past spring and earned a great trip to Atlantis in the Bahamas. We turned it into a 10 day trip thanks to Christine coming down mid-week and letting us stay with some of her family. A good time was had by all! View the Gallery »

Stairs in the Trees

Brian — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:48:30 +0000

After climbing the Shuckstack Fire Tower, you’re above the trees. Note the stark contrast between the aging steel and fresh green leaves, it’s nice.

Shuckstack Fire Tower

Brian — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:42:52 +0000

Fontana Dam, NC - Shortly after Appalachian Trail hikers cross the Fontana Dam, they quickly ascend onto the higher peaks of the Smokey Mountain National Park. On this ascent, one can take a short detour and explore the abandoned Shuckstack Fire Tower. Brave hikers can climb to the top of the tower for an awesome view of the surrounding valleys and Fontana Lake. At a length of 3.3 miles (one-way), this section of the Appalachian Trail ascends around 2120′ and can be finished in around 4 hours (out and back).

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Chestnut Knob Trail

Brian — Tue, 17 May 2011 03:29:47 +0000

Pleasant Grove, NC - The Chestnut Knob Trail is located in South Mountain State Park, just southwest of Hickory. Starting at the Jacob Fork parking area, a short hike past the picnic area and amphitheater on the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail leads to the trailhead. Although it starts out steep, the trail levels off and makes a gentle climb to the top of Chestnut Knob, before heading out to the overlook. At 1.8 miles (one-way), the trail ascends around 918′ and can be finished in around 2 hours (out and back).

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Hattaway Mountain Trail

Brian — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:52:30 +0000

Albemarle, NC - Hattaway Mountain is a modest mountain in central portion of Morrow Mountain State Park. As part of Uwharrie Mountains, it is one of the oldest mountains in North America. Starting at the park’s swimming pool, the trail moves counter-clockwise around the base of the mountain, before heading up to the summit and returning back down to the start . Totaling at almost 2 miles (total), the trail ascends to a point 436′ higher than where you start and can be finished in around 1 hour (total).

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New Years in New Jersey

Brian — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:31:42 +0000

Because it had been a while since our great Northeast Train Trip, Janis and I decided it would be fun to travel up to the New York City area for New Years. We embarked on the morning of the 30th, driving all day to get there, fortunately only hitting moderate traffic around DC. The next day, we set off and did some sight seeing in the town of Red Bank, hiking through the marshes of Sandy Hook, bowling in the largest bowling alley Janis and I have ever seen and watched fireworks in the city of New Brunswick. On Sunday, we closed out our trip in the city, walking through a snowy Central Park and seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center. View the Gallery »

Oh, Christmas Tree

Brian — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:01:03 +0000

One trip to the mountains, four boxes of decorations, five strands of light, one hundred ornaments and three weeks of Christmas shopping later…

Toy Soldiers

Brian — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:33:45 +0000

Taken on a recent trip to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. During the holiday season, they set up a fairly impressive light display within the gardens. For a nominal fee, anyone can walk around and check it out.