Backpacking on the Parkway
Some of the hardships I recently faced in the wilderness:
- Stinging bees
- Stinging nettle
- Freezing in my sleep
- Ticks
- Pack-eating rodents
- Midnight forest fires
- Running out of fuel
Despite all that, the backpacking trip Ben and I took this weekend was awesome. He can corroborate all that.
We went to Doughton Park, which is a park run by the National Park Service off the Blue Ridge Parkway, at the north end of NC (milepost ~240). We were worried that it might be a disappointing area, but it turned out to be a very lush region that was very representative of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s only one place you’re allowed to camp, but there’s enough hiking to make for a good 2-4 day trip. The park adjoins Stone Mountain, as well, so I’m sure the serious backpacker could find even more to do.
Both of us were fairly out of shape, but we did some pretty good hiking in the area, and caught some beautiful views. As with any trip with Ben, most of our conversations involved either calculus or bathroom humor, with a heavy weight towards the latter. Pictures to come.
Also, the night before we went to Doughton, we stopped at Ben’s parents’ mountain house, which was nearby. It’s a pretty nice place. I suggest we all crash it.
Update: I’ve put photos up.