cbach8tw said:
Thanks for the great photos and your experiences. We were in the Asheville area for vacation a few years ago, beautiful scenery. Did you get to Grandfather Mountain and the mile high bridge? Great knife to take along too.
I appreciate the compliments. We didn't get to explore as much this time. Despite the photos, most of our time was spent rocking on a porch sipping coffee, or catching lightning bugs in the evening.
prom52 said:
Beautiful shots of an amazing area. You have a knack for taking inspired photos ! As a fellow Florida resident I'm sure you would agree that you just can't beat experiencing the change in topography and the refreshing effect the mountain regions bring to the soul. Thanks for sharing !
Not only the change in topography, but the change in relative humidity, temperature, and altitude were most welcome! It is easy to take a good photo when you have such an amazing subject. These were all done on a cell phone. I usually carry a dedicated camera and tripod, but I couldn't justify the extra weight and gear.
Fiddleback said:
GREAT thread bro. I wish you'd have stopped by the shop during the trip. Would have been nice to meet. I love North Carolina. Also the Smokeys in TN are gorgeous. Great thread. Love the Kephart!
We thought of you guys passing up through GA, but we went the I-95 route through Brunswick which is a bit off your track. I'd like to drive up sometime soon.
RicFlair said:
Thank you for sharing. Brings back childhood memories. Every year my parents took the family to the Smokies for a week to hike. We stayed in motels, but hiked miles everyday. I miss that. When you are standing on those look out ridges, it really puts things into perspective. How small we are.
Your parents had the right idea! Maybe you can make it out this way with friends or family soon.
Zemapeli said:
That is beautiful. Thanks for sharing these pictures with us here. I bet that made you feel human again. Sometimes you really need to get away from the stresses of society and life and take a look at the world for what it really is. Kudos for this thread. What kind of pack and gear do you use, if you don't mind me asking?
I really like the way you phrased this, and you are absolutely correct. We get so caught up that it is easy to forget who we are, where we came from, and the glory of our country just miles away any direction.
Luca917 had the right idea with his Osprey pack, and the brand has been recommended to me before. I carry alot of stuff in BAD bags (Best American Duffel) in the car, and I am still using an old Jansport school backpack, lol. But my kit is very limited. most of forum members here have probably forgotten more than I know about wilderness gear. Check out these Fiddleback blog posts:
http://www.fiddlebackforge.com/index.cfm/fiddleback-news-information/winter-preparedness/
http://www.fiddlebackforge.com/index.cfm/fiddleback-news-information/first-aid-in-the-field/
For something like a day hike that is not meant to be an overnight stay, I still like to have the tools to survive hypothermia if we get off trail, or to treat minor injuries.
My basic kit is as follows:
Knives (usually a mid size and a small knife). If I was camping, i'd add a small hatchet.
Firearm (it is legal to conceal in most of NC, and you very likely won't need it, but that is the way we live)
First aid (to include aspirin in case you have a cardiovascular event, mylar blankets for heat retention/shock, benadryl in case you have an immune response, some type of sanitizer like betadine or chlorhexadine, bandaids, tweezers, tourniquet maybe)
Fire tools (to include the knife, as well as stormproof matches, optional firesteel, or simple lighter. I like to carry an altoid tin filled with vaseline soaked cotton balls to even the playing field)
Signaling (small mirror, PLB (for your worst case scenario), cell phone, waterproof journal and pencil)
Essentials (snacks, water, lifestraw, glucose tablets or candy for anyone in your party who has the potential to be hypoglycemic)
Things I could do better on: a nice pack; appropriate clothing (we were in jeans or cotton, which don't help if you get wet or stranged); map and compass, plant ID guide, walking sticks, everything I am forgetting
Kephart advised carrying cocaine to combat severe exhaustion... but we opted out on this one.
Most importantly, bring a good attitude, common sense, and a helping hand for others on the trail.
There is alot you could carry, without the intent to have the trip focused on gear, and the trick is to maximize survival potential while minimizing weight. I am still working on the right kit and, at the end of the day, you have to choose what is most important and what makes you happy, in the context of your personal needs and the environment.
Comprehensivist said:
Thanks for sharing the crisp clear photos of your adventure. North Carolina has many very beautiful areas to explore. It looks like you had a spectacular trip.
Phil
Thanks for sharing your photos up in NC as well, and for the nice comment!
