John Rock

Saturday was hike day and the plan was to try a new 

trail in Pisgah - Daniel Ridge Loop Trail.   But we weren't able

to access the trail head because of road construction.  

We were disappointed, but not overly, because we were

close to John Rock, which is hands down my favorite trail

thus far in Pisgah.  It was decided that we would hike

it instead.

This is the designated girls camp hike and I've

been up this mountain with at least four

different groups of young women over the years.

One of those trips involved having one of

the girls evacuated from the top of the mountain, after

discovering that she had pins in her ankles that she had

neglected to tell us about.  What an adventure that was!

It's a little over three miles round trip and rated

moderate to strenuous with a 720 feet elevation

change.  That strenuous section brings out the

whining in teenagers ( and some adults), but

when you get to that rock face and look out

over the mountain range, even the whiners will tell

you - it's worth it!!!

My hiking buddy again this week was my friend Tara.  It's fun

to hike with Tara for a number of reasons - but especially 

because she's the seminary teacher and we have great gospel

discussions as we climb.  She shares what she has been teaching

the teens and I always learn something from her.

The day was sunny and warm. The ice on the mountain had

been melting and the streams were running full.  We had several spots

where we had to cross the stream.  Sometimes on nice 

bridges like this, (check out that new daypack I got for Christmas) 

 And sometimes on foot.

I had never noticed this sign before, but come to think of it, 

I've always hiked this trail in the summer or fall. 

The prize at the end of the climb, is a huge rock outcropping that 

looks out over the Davidson River and  the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Pretty amazing view, huh?

The fish hatchery is right below the rock.  See the tiny cars.

As you stand on the rock, you look directly across at 

Looking Glass Rock. 

We sat on the rock for almost an hour soaking in the beauty and 

enjoying our snacks.  We really didn't want to leave.  And after

sitting on that cold rock for that long, we really almost couldn't

leave-  a little tough on the middle aged bottoms.

As we trekked back down the mountain, we both commented

on how much easier the climb had been this time.  We are getting

stronger....and that feels so good!

* Goal #1 - Take 50 hikes ( This is #5)