Hike #2

Continued our fall break getaway, Bill and I tentatively began our second day of hiking from the Old Rag parking lot. Today it was a trek up Nicholson Hollow Trail to Corbin Cabin. Until we began walking the trail, I wasn't sure how far I'd be able to go, but once we began I was unstoppable. The trail follows a stream with a steady, gentle uphill, and I barely noticed the elevation. The sounds and solitude kept me motivated the whole time. We decided to hike two hours then turn around. We didn't make it to Corbin Cabin, but on the way back down took a few minutes to enjoy the boulders in the stream. We also reconnoitered Hot Short Trail for a future visit and were amazed by the stone walls lining both sides of the trail.

Same gear this time, but plans for day pack and fitness tracker purchases in the near future.

Distance: 8.33 mi
Elevation: 1, 049 ft
Time: 3h 20 min

Hike #1

The Idea
There is no other physical activity that fulfills and inspires me more than hiking. In addition to the physical benefits of regular exercise, when hiking I get in touch with all of my senses: the smell of autumn leaves, the breezes rustling the trees, even the pain in my calves as I trudge up a mountain. It all feels so good. Deep breaths of fresh mountain air are priceless. While taking a break from civilization with my husband this weekend, I decided to set myself a goal. Turning 48 this week seemed like a great time to plan ahead and take advantage of the two years before the big 5-0. My goal is to hike 48 different day hikes of at least five miles before October 2021.

Old Rag
We started at the Old Rag Parking Lot and hiked the Ridge Trail up the mountain, then down Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road. While I had done this climb over ten years ago, it was great to try my hand at the rock scrambles and height challenges again. It was an, unfortunately, beautiful day. Unfortunate only because there were so many people on the trail that we had to wait several times at the top. We might have gone a little faster through some of the more breathtaking parts of the trail in order to get ahead of some talkative people at times, but the day was a great success.
The Gear
Happy birthday to me! I got new Foxelli hiking poles and wool socks to round out my new hiking boots from last Christmas. No blisters and much relief going up the mountain and back down again, thanks to the poles. All thanks go to my husband for being so supportive and encouraging my next big adventure!

Total mileage: 10.28
Elevation: 2, 463 ft
Time: 4h 21 m