Now that the updated and amended minutes from our annual meeting have been mailed out, I wanted to welcome the new viewers to this blog. I will only put weather information up when it's of a serious concern, for travel or otherwise, but we've not had a lot in the 'worrisome' category of late.
The color is getting ready to explode, though we have a couple of days of rain moving in as I type. Above pic is from a Sugar Maple by my house...as with any pics on any blog post, you can click on them to enlarge them. The National Weather Service says we're in store for a milder, less snowy/icy winter...what a novel idea, after two seriously snowy and cold winters in a row with snow totals in the 50-60" range here in ACA (at least above 3500'). With that said, while I have NOT seen overly active bees and yellow jackets as I have in the past, I can honestly say I've NEVER seen the amount of chipmunk and squirrel activity that I've been seeing in ACA...it's borderline 'other worldly'. Since I've not been able to afford even a used 4WD vehicle, I'm oh-so-hoping this winter is kinder.
Early on I posted some suggestions for close-by trips if you have company in town and looking for something unique to do. I have two suggestions that are 'user-friendly' for pets and those that have ambulatory issues. My knees are very bad, but even these two treks were do-able, and they're both pet-friendly (should use a leash, though). Of course, there are scads of neat places to go in our area, but these two are 'up there' on my list, best enjoyed on days and times where crowds are a bit more minimal....oh, and the weather is good!
Max Patch Bald is a big favorite for many...the Appalachian Trail courses there, and the views are phenomenal, and a VERY close hike from closest parking area. Get on I-40 West and get off at Exit 7, Harmon Den. Turn right and go about 7 miles on the gravel road, and at a noticeable intersection turn LEFT. Soon thereafter you will see signs that you are on Max Patch Road. You can't miss the parking area where a trail goes up the bald on the right. About 30 miles from ACA.
The Parkway offers numerous opportunities to sight-see and escape, obviously...and the 'road' at Black Balsam is level (albeit rocky) and offers wonderful views, too, for a lovely hike. Quickest way is to get on the Parkway at Balsam Gap and head north, though you can return on 215 down to Lake Logan and eventually onto 276 and into Waynesville for a beautiful ride in its own right. I'm all for rugged hikes, but my knees yell at me if I attempt them, hence they favored the road/trail at Black Balsam.
There is so much to take advantage of, but I have to admit that being at the dead end of a dead end of a dead end road has me loving right where I am here in ACA. I think Molly sniffed out our bears the other day, and she came sprinting back in short order...made me laugh. My racoons have returned, which makes it a joy (NOT) when the pups want out early in the morning...apologies to my neighbors for any early barking!
Bob Child
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