Cashiers, North Carolina
It has been an awfully long time between posts, but the slings and arrows of work and life have had my typing fingers focused on other items. However, these same hands did manage to steer me in the direction of Cashiers, North Carolina this past weekend for a long overdue visit to a very special place I first came to know as a small child.
Despite the fact that the southeast is experiencing a drought of which I have not seen in my lifetime, the fall colors were still quite beautiful, and it was invigorating to get out on the trail and do some exploring.
I took a walk down memory lane by choosing to do the Chimney Top Trail that starts right out of High Hampton. I used to do this trail quite frequently with my parents, so it was nice to reflect upon those simpler times.
Instead of the pungent smell of sagebrush that I grew accustomed to living out west for almost ten years, my nose was greeted with the deep organic smell that is indicative of the Appalachian Mountains. It is said that the Appalachian Mountains are the oldest in the world, so needless to say they have had adequate enough time to develop their fine vintage aroma.
The trail is a mere 1.6 miles with a little scrambling across some granite faces at the top. The views are subtle and beautiful, and the whole jaunt makes for a relaxing day. Best of all, if you are in the area during peak fall season you’ll find that this path is far less traveled by.
Kat said:
Nice photos, I forgot how beautiful that part of the country looks.
If you ever in the neighborhood of ECU (Eastern Carolina University), look up Track coach Curt Kraft. He was awesome as UNR’s Women’s Track Coach. I’m sure he would love to catch up with people from Reno and is an inspirational speaker when it comes to being positive.
I guess that’s sort of like “Can you find Waldo” but if you ever do look him up, you’ll see why anybody would say, look him up.
Robert Payne said:
Thanks Kat! You never know. Connections can occur in the most happenstance of ways.
Hilma Volk said:
Nice photos. I’m in North Idaho. But I grew up in the Catskills in New York State and the fall colors out east are so brilliant. Thanks for the photos.