Category: Before Kilimanjaro

I got in two hikes this past week.  One was from the Greybeard Overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Glassmine Falls Overlook.  The other one was a trail that follows the Big East Fork River starting at a lower place than the part of the same river I did last week.  As I hiked along these trails, I was in a reflective mood.  My very dear friend Margie was near the end of her life and did indeed pass away before the second hike of the week.  She was ninety years old and had waged a valiant war against cancer that invaded her body more than 20 years ago.  I spent a lot of time with her after her husband Harold passed away a few years ago and we became very close.  Margie was very inspirational to me in the way she lived her life.  She persevered to live vibrantly and fully up to the end.  She was my greatest cheerleader in my quest to summit Kilimanjaro and so wanted to see me make it to the top.  As I traversed across the trails I noted that each path has its own unique personality and offerings.  While all the trails I have been hiking on are in the mountains of Western North Carolina each one is different with varying flowers, trees, views, streams, waterfalls, and path configuration.  The hike on the same trail can be quite different depending on the time of day and time of year.  In the spring life is emerging with the fresh greenery on the vegetation and an abundance of flowers popping out of the ground.  Summer is dense with the leafed-out foliage, bright with colorful flowers, hot with the humidity and sun, and the waterfalls are refreshing.  Fall brings the vibrant red, orange, and golden tones of the leaves that sometimes seem to rain from the sky and then dance on top of the water as it meanders down streams and rivers.  Winter is often cold and frosty and sometimes we have snow to navigate through.  But with the leaves gone and the crisp atmosphere the cooler weather brings, the views are at their best and one can see much more clearly.  I was reflecting how the trails I travel upon during the different seasons of the year are a metaphor for life itself.  I find myself hovering between fall and winter now and wonder what lies ahead and what I will be able to see as I get into the winter of my life.  But like my friend Margie, I do not plan to go softly into winter but rather meet it full on and find the rewards that remain to be discovered.  

Margie and me about five years ago.

 © Copyright 2023. Lucretia Pintacuda. All rights reserved. 

The first hike this week was a 9.25-mile, and 2,287 ft. elevation gain loop starting from the trailhead parking area for the Mt. Pisgah trail.  Mt. Pisgah is an iconic peak about 15 miles southwest of Asheville, NC.   It has the highest broadcasting tower east of the Mississippi River from its summit at 5,721 ft.  The television antenna rises to 6,023 ft. above mean sea level and can be seen from all directions for many miles away.  Our trek started on the Buck Spring trail passing the foundation stone for the historic hunting lodge of George Vanderbilt of the Biltmore Estate.  From there, we took the Laurel Mountain Trail and wound around to Pilot Rock which is a bold-faced stone cliff providing views of the valley below.  From there we kept descending down a steep, rocky trail and ended up on a gravel road.  It was a long descent, so we knew it was going to be a hard climb up to our starting point.   We found the Thompson Creek Trail and followed beside the pleasant sounds and sights of this mountain stream for about 2 miles.  Along the way we spotted a Carolina lily standing all by itself.  This variety of lily is the North Carolina state wildflower and is rather rare to find. We eventually got above the creek and the babbling sounds faded in the breeze as we continued trudging upward.  We were pleased to find many plants in bloom including the Carolina Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Fly poison, Galax, Fire Pink, and even some late blooming native azaleas.  After many zigzags we finally passed Little Bald Mountain at 5,286 ft. and from there it was all downhill back to our car.  We made the journey in 5 hours and 7 minutes of moving time.  I was grateful for the two women hikers who joined me on this delightful though tiring adventure.  

The second hike was from the Looking Glass Rock overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This is the iconic monolith I climbed last week which can be seen from several overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We started on a trail to Skinny Dip Falls but cut off that trail to take the Bridges Camp Gap path to the Big East Fork River.  It was a steep trail down to the place where the narrow trail levels off somewhat and hugs the side of the mountain as it follows the river.  It is difficult when the trees are leafed out to get a good view of the river below the trail as it rushes over boulders and rocks making cascading waterfalls most of the way.   Along the way though, there are areas where the water drops into crystal clear pools of ice-cold water inviting us to jump in and cool off.  We might have done that if we didn’t have to scramble down a sheer drop off to get to the river.  We stopped for lunch at a place where the trail was at the bank of the river, and we were able to stand on rocks at the river’s edge.  The trail was forested with lots of Carolina rhododendrons in full bloom and lots of Dog Hobble in the underbrush.  It was obvious that this trail does not see many travelers.  When we got back to where we turned off the trail to Skinny Dip Falls, we decided to take the short trek over and look at them. This destination is very popular among locals and tourists alike as it provides a good place to get in the water. On our way back to our cars, we stopped to take group pictures with the very iconic “dragon” tree as our backdrop.  While the 5.3-mile and 863 ft. elevation gain trail wasn’t very difficult, it was beautiful, refreshing, and a fun trip for all.  

 © Copyright 2023. Lucretia Pintacuda. All rights reserved. 

It rained most of last week putting a damper on my hiking expeditions.  I did manage to get in a 5.7-mile hike with two women from my hiking group who were willing to venture out in the rain.  We did a loop near my house that wasn’t very difficult but lovely, nonetheless.  We concluded the hike with a leisure passage through the NC Arboretum where we enjoyed the beautiful display of flowers, plants, and Bosai trees.  The dismal outdoor climate gave me a chance to assemble my gear and start the job of packing. I discovered it will be difficult to pack all I want to take in my duffel bag and keep it under 30 pounds.  I still must go through it again and see what I can do without.  This will be hard since I will be traversing through five climate zones and need clothing for hot to artic temperatures.  I appreciated help from my friend Debi in this daunting task of getting organized. 

This week the weather was great, and the week started with a trek up the backside of Looking Glass Rock.  It is an iconic monolith in the mountains of Pisgah National Forest.  The trail starts at the bottom of the mountain and ends at the top of the precipitous cliff. The roundtrip journey was 6.18 miles and 1,713 ft. of elevation gain. I decided to use my new daypack and add things I thought I might pack in it on the Kilimanjaro climb.  It was heavier than I thought it was going to be and I had to slow my usual pace down as I got out of breath much quicker.  I wished I had started conditioning with the heavier pack sooner but still managed the trip in 3 hours and 20 minutes.  The trail had sections that were very steep with large steps and big roots.  Some of the trail had deep trenches that were very muddy.  On the way to the top of the sheer rock face, we passed a large, rather flat rock place where helicopters land for rescue or recovery missions as over the years, many adventurers have plunged to their death from the cliff.  Due to the rain of the previous night and the gentle breeze, the atmosphere was very clear and the views from the top of the face were absolutely stunning.  No picture or video can ever duplicate what the breathtaking in-person experience provides.

The second hike had to be adapted due to an air quality alert due to particulate matter in the air at elevations above 4000 ft.  This apparently was due to wildfires in Canada.  It is amazing that what is happening thousands of miles away in Canada can affect our air in North Carolina.   It is a reminder of how connected we all are on this planet and how everything we do has an affect not only to us but to others near and far away. We chose to do a section of the Mountain to Sea Trail that would have a good amount of elevation gain and allow us to take a second trail to make a loop back to our cars.  The terrain was the typical rocky, shady, root laden, path with multiple varieties of foliage complete with a few rhododendron tunnels we often hike through.  With the trees fully leafed out, the views were mostly obscured but the flowers along the trail added beauty and interest.  The group of women who hiked with me were delightful.  We spent time along the way getting to know each other better and bonding over the amazing stories of the lives we have all lived.  While the path of each person has been unique, we were united in embracing our differences and gaining new perspectives on life.  We completed the 6.25 miles and 1200 ft. elevation gain in 3 hours of moving time.  This time, I did better with the new daypack but hope to get even better before I take it on to the trek to the top of Kilimanjaro.

 © Copyright 2023. Lucretia Pintacuda. All rights reserved. 

This post will cover my last three conditioning hikes.  The first one was to Douglas Falls not far from Craggy Gardens off the Blue Ridge Parkway, well known for the gorgeous deep pink Catawba Rhododendrons.  The 8.3-mile hike with 1,679 ft. elevation gain traversed through the densest, tropical rain forest type flora I have hiked through on any of my mountain hikes.  The trail was very narrow on a steep bank for much of the distance.  At times, the soft soil gave way as I stepped on the edge of the trail and there were numerous slippery rocks causing me to fall at least three times.  They were easy spills so fortunately, no damage was done to my body or gear.  We crossed over several small streams and one long, cascading trail of water that would have been lovely if we could have found a good place to see it from top to bottom.  Douglas Falls is a straight 70-foot plunge of water onto rocks below.  It is not a big, dramatic falls but worth the hike to see it, nonetheless.  After taking a break in the basin of the falls, we headed back up the four-mile ascent.  It was a tiring day but the beauty and invigoration were wonderful.  

The second hike was along the Green River in the Green River Gamelands near Saluda, NC.  The 8 mile and 1200 ft. elevation gain round trip trail followed the river for most of the trek.  There were pretty flowers blooming along the way but lots of poison ivy too.  I am happy to say that none of the hikers reported getting any reaction to it.  We also had two snake sightings, one a water snake and the other a garter snake.  Our turnaround point was right on the river just a little way downstream from the famed Narrows known to all serious kayakers in the area.  I chose to sit on a large boulder right on the edge of the water a little distance from the others.  I had a good view of a section of the water that rushed through a cluster of boulders.  I am drawn to the sights and sounds of moving water, especially water that creates a dynamic force as I find it is calming and soothing.  Yet just a little way upstream in the Narrows, these same waters claimed the life of the 19-year-old son of a friend and colleague of mine in a tragic kayaking accident.  As I sat in silence to remember my friend’s son, I was taken with the uncertainty of life and life’s circumstances.  I felt grateful for the years I have lived and once again determined to make the years remaining to be vibrant ones.  I want to go places, see sights, feel the cool mist of waterfalls, and hear their roar in places I have not traveled, taste foods that bring comfort and pleasure and remember the scents I once smelled.  I want to inspire others to do the same.  And if possible I want to share these experiences with those I love and care about as life is better and easier when shared with others. 

The third hike was on a part of the Appalachian Trail at a point where it crosses the North Carolina and Tennessee state line.  We started at Carvers Gap and trekked to Round Bald, Jane Bald, Roan Mountain, and reached our turnaround point at Grassy Ridge Bald at 6,165 ft. elevation.  Most of the trail was in the open sunshine traveling from one treeless bald to another.  There was, however, a section of the trail that went through a dense evergreen forest that was dark and damp and there were a few rhododendron tunnels on the ascents to the balds.  We were treated to the glory of the blooming rhododendrons that decorated the trail, mountainside, and meadows.  It was hard to keep a good pace as the photo ops were abundant.  The group engaged in fun conversation as we took in the grand views of the mountain ridgelines in every direction looking into North Carolina on one side and into Tennessee on the other side.  The bright blue sky gave a striking background to the deep pink blossoms and the cool breeze made for a near perfect day of trekking in this grand world.  As we neared the end of our hike, we stopped to chat with a local artist capturing the splendor on his canvas.  As I thought back on the day, I was struck by the contrast of the dark, damp, almost eerie forest to the bright, sunlit trail full of vibrant color and beauty. While the difference adds interest, I like the sunlit section better than the dark section both on the trail and in life.

 © Copyright 2023. Lucretia Pintacuda. All rights reserved. 

This conditioning hike was on a very popular trail a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Black Balsam Mountain.  It started at an elevation of 5,650 ft. and we reached our highest point atop Tennet Mountain at 6,057 ft.  Our loop started on a very rocky road that was wet and muddy almost like we were wading a shallow mountain stream.  Then we left the roadway to ascend Grassy Cove Top.  The trail was in full sun exposure for most of the way and the trail was like a trench that had been cut into the side of the mountain.  The whole landscape was a sea of blueberry bushes with the blossoms still on the branches.  There weren’t many places on the trail affording a view but the flowers in the underbrush and the occasional giant evergreens on the way were interesting.  We retraced our way back to the road and took another trenchlike trail up to the peak of Tennet Mountain.  This trail was also exposed to the sun but had waypoints along the trail with glorious views of the valleys and mountains beyond.  At the peak there were sweeping 360-degree views of the majesty before us.  It is impossible to capture the experience with a two-dimensional picture that one experiences in person.   We took our time taking in the grandeur, eating our snacks, taking pictures, and chatting with other hikers also beholding the beauty.  We descended off the peak and opted to forgo Black Balsam Peak but instead cut through to the road we entered on and headed back to our cars.  I know that there are those who think our 6,000 ft. mountains are only rolling hills, but I challenge anyone to follow me on one of my treks up to the top of these peaks and look out to the valleys and ridgelines and then make their judgement.  For me, the peaks of the mountains of western North Carolina will always be mountains that I love to wander upon.

 © Copyright 2023. Lucretia Pintacuda. All rights reserved. 

My week started with a visit to my Movement Disorder Specialist first thing Monday morning.   I met with Tyler Southern PA-C at Asheville Neurology. The semi-annual evaluation usually consists of going over my medications, discussing new issues and a brief physical evaluation that has me doing a repetoire of certain tasks like walking down the hall, touching my finger to my nose and so forth.  As I completed my “catwalk” for Tyler I balanced on one foot for several seconds. I was hoping for him to offer that my balance was great but had to setttle for his “pretty good” comment. I asked for a prescription of Diamox, a medication often used to treat or prevent altitude sickness and Tyler was happy to fulfill that request.

Next stop was to an optical store to get new prescription glasses both clear and sunglasses.  I wanted a place where the staff would take time to consider my needs at high elevations.  The higher one goes in altitude, the more damaging the ultraviolet rays from the sun can be to the eyes as well as the skin.  My research beforehand led me to The Optical Shoppe which is a family run business, and it did not disappoint.   I spoke to Susan Henderson, a Licensed Optician and the Owner of the shop, who was very delightful and even offered a discount when I presented my official Team Fox letter.  I decided to use my old frames and only replace the lenses.  Susan made helpful suggestions and treated me with professionalism and courtesy.

Next stop was to REI to get some of the gear I needed.  The Fox Foundation sent a 2 ½ page list of equipment, clothing, footwear, and supplies needed for the trek.  We will be traversing through five different climate zones and will have to be prepared for each of them.  They range from farmland, tropical rainforest, the Afro-alpine moorland, alpine desert, and finally the artic zone.  Since I do a lot of hiking, I have most of the things needed but still wanted to acquire a few more items.  REI was having their biggest sale of the year so I was hoping Monday morning would be slower than other times and since I would be asking for help, did not want to impose an inconvenience upon the staff.  I entered the store and asked to speak to the manager.  Within a few minutes a friendly woman named LJ came up to me and shook my hand.  I presented my official Team Fox letter and explained the purpose of my visit.  I asked if there was someone who could help me find and choose the appropriate items I would need.  She said that could be arranged and called a young man named Austin from the clothing section and assigned him to assist me.  

Austin was all smiles and excited about my adventure.  He started by bringing me an item from the Cotopaxi line. I told him I had actually been to Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador. That led us into a fun conversation about places we had lived and hiked around the world.  He showed me different fleece pants and outer rain pants that I was looking for.  He was very knowledgeable about the structure and fabric of the garments and made helpful suggestions.  I settled on the ones I wanted and then he handed me off to Andre who was just as delightful as Austin.  He took me to the equipment section and helped me decide on a duffle bag, new daypack with a rain protection cover, lots of snacks needed for energy especially in the high altitudes and a whistle to clip to my daypack.  Then he very courteously offered to check me out at a back register, so I didn’t have to wait in the very lengthy line.  The shopping excursion was a wonderful experience made special by my own personal shopping assistants, Austin and Andre.  

Tuesday and Thursday were conditioning hike days.  The first hike was on a trail about three miles from my house called Greens Lick.  The 7.6-mile trail with 1,200 ft. elevation gain was a shaded, forested path.  The Mountain Laurels were in full bloom and the trail was bountiful with glorious flowers bursting forth in beauty.  We traversed over several small streams and found lookouts with beautiful vistas.  The adventure was accomplished in 3 hours and 11 minutes.

Thursday I returned to Waterrock Knob with a different group of hikers to accompany me on this challenging and technical hike. Once again, the sky was blue and the sun shining. The views were beautiful as before but this time there was more haze in the air restricting the clarity of the ridge lines in the distance. There were different blossoms showing off their grandeur than just two weeks prior. The steep parts of the trail offered a good workout to all my muscle groups and challenged my balance. We visited the downed plane wreckage again and felt the sacredness of this mountain shrine to two men who lost their lives on this mountain. So, another week of getting ready has come and gone and now to enjoy a holiday weekend.

  

 © Copyright 2023. Lucretia Pintacuda. All rights reserved.