Bent Creek Hike

Saturday, November 28th was a great hike day- mostly because I visited with Mandy, Chris and Quacker the dog, in their neck of the woods and hiked in the Bent Creek Area.  We got started at the trail head about 11:00.  Perfect weather, about 50 degrees with mostly sunny skies.  Mandy chose to take me on the Ingles Field Gap Trail.  She, Chris and the kids bike this alot and also run here.  It was mostly a moderate hike with some difficulty with a elevated climb in 900 feet.  At the top was a clear few of west Asheville.  This was my longest hike todate - 7.5 miles.  It felt great and no knee problems.  I did purchase some hiking poles and used them today, so that probably helped with the knees.

Sasafrass Summit - Tuesday, December 3rd

Never thought I would be out hiking in 20 degree weather.  Pam and I met up with the hiking group today at junction 178 and Hwy 11.  We traveled a few miles on Hwy 178 to the Chimney Top entrance to hike 6 miles up to the summit of Sasafrass Mountain.  This is the tallest mountain in South Carolina.

Our elevation was already at 2500 ft. when we started so we only had to climb 1000 ft. to reach the top. (Approx. 2.7 miles) What incredible views on the hike up and at the overlook.  A short lunch break at the top and then a descending hike back.  My knee started hurting again and I was able to use some poles which made it for a fairly easy and slow return, but enjoyed every minute of it.



Frosty Hikers