Stone Mountain Sunday

Stone Mountain Sunday

In exchange for Florida beaches are North Carolinian mountains full of hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, climbing, you-nameit-ING and it's here. Sure, there is no replacing the sound of waves and seagulls, but the hypnotic sounds of waterfalls, flowing creeks, and the wind blowing through the trees sure gives me that same feeling of just being relaxed. I have yet to decide which I prefer, whether the mountains or the beaches, but I am in no hurry to abandon either. I figure a few years in the deserts of Arizona or New Mexico might be another future quest for tranquility. Maybe someday I will pursue life in a big city filled with sky scrapers and subway systems.

Shanti, Marley, and I hiked a nice 6.5 mile "Stone Mountain Loop" trail that takes hikers to the summit of Stone Mountain. The view at the top was spectacular and so was the nice breeze that cooled us off after a near vertical climb to the top. We had been here before a few years ago with our good friends Russell and Becca, but for some reason I do not recall the hike being this painful.


Stone Mountain offers many trails varying in degrees of difficulty. The trail guide for the hike we took was labeled as "Very Strenuous." At some parts of the hike you nearly have to lean down and place a hand on the rock face just to keep your balance. The incline becomes near vertical, and in some places, the exhaustion could make one dizzy and susceptible to tumbling down the stone face. Most of the trails are littered with broken stones, gravel, and other loose debris. Without exercising care, one could easily twist an ankle on the exposed roots.
Carrying my camera became quite the chore after the first rigorous hour of hiking - so was anything else in my pockets. The day was cool and the wind was constant, but the sun was on overdrive making my clothes feel like it came out of the dryer.
The views were worthwhile and the photos perfect souvenirs of a day of exercise. I absolutely enjoy every minute of being outdoors. I look forward to some rugged trail riding on my new mountain bike and many more adventures with a camera strapped around my neck. Hopefully you'll keep dropping in to see what is new and what life in North Carolina has been like for this Floridian.