Long Creek Falls (Fannin County, Georgia)

 Wanting to get more miles in today, I decided to join one of the Meetup groups for a hike along a section of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The planned starting point was an area known as Three Forks and I plan on hiking another section from here at a later date. However, I took advantage of the carpool today, which should allow me to scope out the road and parking situation. Meeting up with several of the other hikers at a nearby Best Buy, we loaded into two vehicles and started the long drive north.

The drive went by fast, though the last several miles are along fairly rough forest service roads. We arrived at the parking area, which has room for around twenty cars in various configurations. While the group prepared themselves, I walked around and gathered a couple of other hikers that were part of our group, but that had decided to drive themselves. After a quick round of introductions, we quickly hit the trail heading northeast towards Long Creek Falls.

Reaching the junction, the entire group opted to take the spur trail back to the waterfall, which I had visited a while back on a different hike. Though we haven't had much rain lately, there was still a pretty good flow to the waterfall. In addition to the waterfall, I pointed out the petroglyphs (modern in nature) to the group. These had been brought to my attention on my last visit and after a careful examination that time, I was very confident in saying that the figures were scratched into the rock by European-American visitors and not Native Americans. I've visited a lot of rock art sites all around the country and even take some special interest classes to learn more about them. I can say with confidence that these were likely made in the last 100-150 years by settlers.

Leaving the waterfall, we continued north a ways and stopped at a cemetery and trail shelter just off the trail. It was a good place for a snack. We rested for a few minutes and then were at it again continuing northwest. As we made our way to the top of a ridge, a light mist started and we decided that it might be best to head back and possibly hike southwest on the trail to get more miles in. The idea being that we didn't want to be too far from the cars if a downpour should happen on top of us.

After crossing Chester Creek along a well made bridge, we entered a rhododendron tunnel and everyone commented about how beautiful it was. This side of the trail seems to be prettier than what we had done originally. To be honest, I didn't notice that much difference, but the others seem taken with it. We went a little further before turning back. 

Reaching the parking area just as my GPS tracker flipped over to 7.0 miles, our hike for the day was done. We said our goodbyes and piled back into the cars we came in headed for home. Overall, it was nice to get out with the group again and the trail was interesting enough. It did allow me to confirm that I could bring my car to this trailhead to complete full section of the AT from this point in the future.

Gibbs Gardens - Japanese Maple Walk (Cherokee County, Georgia)

 

It's been a couple of week since I've been able to get my mother out of the house and with the fall colors in full display, I thought it would be a great opportunity to take her back to Gibbs Gardens. The Japanese Maples should be showing off some amazing colors this time of year. I had the pleasure of visiting right after my wife and moved to Georgia, about five years ago, and it was an afternoon well spent. Hopefully, my mother will think so as well.

Though she can walk just fine, I thought this might be a little much for her and so, I loaded up here wheel chair into the back of my Subaru and we hit the road. It's about an hour drive. Once we arrived, we were directed to a parking spot, though I didn't mention the wheel chair and later regretted it, as I had to push her a fair distance on along a gravel road. It all worked out though. 

Once we entered the gardens and paid our admission, we first headed for the cafe and enjoyed a light lunch. Truffled egg salad on a croissant for both of us - quite tasty. I grabbed a bottle of water and we proceeded into the gardens, headed for the Japanese Garden area. The walkway is of a sandy/gravel composition and not very friendly to wheel chairs. It gave me a bit of a workout just pushing her around, but I think she was enjoying herself. 

I was amazed at how many people were here and a little disappointed in the color displays. I think we came a week or so too early this time around. That's not to say that there weren't some beautiful colorations, but there weren't quite as vibrant as I remember for my last trip, which closer to mid-November that year. We strolled around a couple of the lakes taking in all the gardens had to offer. She commented on how pretty everything was.

After about 45 minutes of pushing her around, I suggested that we should probably start making our way towards the exit. Along the way, she was able to see a number of other sections including some late-blooming flowers. The staff allowed me to leave her at the gate while I went to get the car, which made it a lot easier than trying to push that wheel chair uphill on gravel. And with that, we were on our way home.

4 Bridges Half-Marathon (Hamilton County, TN)

I'm really not in shape to run a half-marathon, but I signed up for the 4 Bridges Half-Marathon in Chattanooga some months ago and I'm determined to see it through. In addition to the half, there is also a full marathon, 10k, and 5k going on this morning. The full marathon and the running event as a whole are referred to as the 7 Bridges Marathon Weekend. 

I got into Chattanooga yesterday afternoon and enjoyed a relaxing evening in my room. Waking early, I dressed, packed, and checked out of the hotel before walking the 1.3 miles or so through downtown to the races starting point. This walk included walking the Walnut Street Bridge over the Tennessee River. This bridge is for bikes and pedestrians and is actually a pretty cool feature of the city. I suspected it would be part of the race course.

With the sun beginning to rise in the east, all of the runners line up at the starting line and with the blow of a horn, we set off on our 13.1 mile journey. The race route twists and turns through the city and in the process crosses several bridges as we go back and forth across the river. Eventually, the course flattens out and we head east along a well maintained river walk for the majority of the distance. 

In addition to not really be in shape for this, I've been struggling with some recurring running injuries over the past couple of years. My old knees have been giving me problems and I often wear compression supports, but opted not for today's race. Today though, it will be an entirely new area that experience pain in. About three miles into the race, I notice a slight throbbing in my left Achilles tendon. It progressively gets worse and I'm forced to walk. Prior to the pain starting, I was doing okay and holding about a 10:00 minute pace, but with significant pain now, I'm forced to walk the majority of the rest of the distance. It's disappointing, but not surprising.

After the turn, we head back west along the river walk, returning the way we came and eventually get back to the Walnut Street Bridge. The pain is fairly intense now, but I want to finish strong and force myself to run a bit as I push each step across the wooden floor of the restored bridge. Making the final turn, I cross the finish line with a time of 3:23:29. Maybe this is the motivation I need. I really need to get back into shape. Five years ago, I was running half-marathons around in around two hours. Oh, how I've fallen. The injuries are part of that, but it's more a lack of training. Having signed up for a couple more races next year, I'm going to try to be better about this. 

All of that said and even with my poor performance, this was a really nice and well-organized race. The course was very scenic and crossing the river four times along the route was actually pretty cool, especially with the sun rising. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone interested.

Rock City (Walker County, GA)

 

Since moving to Georgia just about five years ago, I've heard about Rock City, an attraction in Northwestern Georgia near the Tennessee border. Whenever traveling anywhere near that part of the state or into our neighboring states in that area, it's impossible to avoid seeing barn roofs without 'Visit Rock City' painted on them. As I'm headed to nearby Chattanooga for a race tomorrow, I thought I would finally stop and see what this attraction is all about.

This drive up the winding road along Lookout Mountain ends in the parking area for Rock City. I'm truly amazed at how many people are here. There have to be three or four hundred cars in the parking area and it takes me a little bit to find an open spot. After parking the car, I head to the entrance and show my ticket from my phone. The path is well marked and basically wall-to-wall people. 

Essentially, Rock City is a walking path through the natural slots between several gigantic boulders atop the mountain. The owners have made the path very easy to walk and added bridges over the top and themed decorations. They even name some areas of the 'city' and gave them fantasy themes. There are a number of 'fat man squeezes' that the path goes through. There are also some spectacular overlooks and a couple of waterfalls, which I'm fairly certain are main made. I walk in and around the various sections taking a few pictures before finally reaching the end. 

All in all it takes about thirty minutes to do the entire walk and I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth. This feels like a molestation of the natural beauty of this place. I'm sure some feel that the 'enhancements' improve the overall beauty, but it's just the opposite for me. I would have much preferred to wander through this area in it's natural state. At least it was a good place to stretch my legs a bit after my long drive.

Valley of Fire - Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse's Tank Trail (Clark County, Nevada)

 

The Mouse's Tank area is one of my favorite sections of Valley of Fire State Park. I've hiked this trail probably three or four times during my time living in Nevada and it never disappoints. After parking, I start the short hike in the searing sand and begin making my way to the tank. 

Along the way, I scan the red cliffs covered in desert varnish for the many, many petroglyphs I know are present here. Before long, I spot the first ones and then more, and more. The canyon walls are covered with hundreds of figures - some recognizable, some more alien. Some of the other hikers around me notice me taking pictures and realize what I'm photographing. They begin to scan the walls themselves.

This continues for the short 1/3 mile hike before I reach Mouse's Tank itself. This area is named for a Southern Paiute called Mouse, who hid in this area in the 1890's after being accused of killing two prospectors in the area. Though the history is not clear, it's likely that Mouse was hunted, found, and killed by settlers to the area. The small canyon and water catches at the end now bear his name.

The tank itself at the end of the canyon exists in the shadow of the sandstone and even now at the end of summer and in this sweltering heat is full of water. I imagine Mouse chose this area to hide in specifically because he knew there would be water available. For now though, it's time for me to head back and get to the airport. I have a flight to catch, but it's always great to revisit this place.

Valley of Fire - The Cabins (Clark County, Nevada)

 My next stop in Valley of Fire is not nearly as impressive as some of the others, but still worth mentioning as I've not been here before. According to an information sign the Cabins were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps shortly after this area was designated as a state park in 1935. Constructed of the native sandstone, they were used to shelter campers and travelers to the park for many years before additional services were added. To be honest, this is not that impressive of a site, but it's interesting and staying in one of these cabins might have been memorable when this site was the only shelter available.

Valley of Fire - Arrowhead Arch (Clark County, Nevada)

For my next stop, I decided to drive another hour or so north to Valley of Fire State Park. I've actually spent a lot of time in this area over the years, but I haven't written about much of it. My first stop is a just short hike off the main road through the park to Arrowhead Arch. Parking my car, I get out into the desert heat. It really is a hot again today, topping 100° once again. My plan is for a few very short hikes, which should hopefully prevent me from getting crazy hot. The trail from the parking area leads south into the desert and requires a minor amount of scrambling, but after only 100 yards or so, I reach my destination. 

The small Arrowhead Arch is actually a double arch. It stands no more than ten feet tall, but undeniably resembles a Native American arrowhead. I've seen many over the years, including some obsidian-rich areas where they were made. There's no doubt why this arch was named this way. I spend a couple of minutes getting shots from different angles before returning to the car.

Hoover Dam (Clark County, Nevada)

 I'm still in Las Vegas and my flight doesn't depart until this evening. After checking out of my hotel, I had to decide what to do with the day. I've visited Hoover Dam in the past, but I've never taken the tour. A manmade natural wonder such as this, seems like a pretty good place to start. The drive from the Strip to Hoover Dam is actually faster than it used to be with the construction of a new freeway and it only takes me about forty minutes to reach the visitors center. 

After parking, I head down through security and get a tour ticket. Given the importance of the dam, both for hydro-electric power and for water downstream, the government has significant security controls in place to ensure the dam's safety. It makes perfect sense and I don't mind. The tour starts with a short video (which seems to have been made in the 1980's) talking about the construction of the dam. The effort to tame the wild Colorado River was a massive undertaking, perhaps the greatest since the Egyptian Pyramids. It's completion is a testament to the will and ingenuity of the American people.

From here, the tour group collects at some windows overlooking the dam and then we head outside to walk to an elevator on the top. Though the mechanical aspects of the elevator have been updated, the aesthetics have been preserved in the style of the 1930's. It gives some personality. We descend in two groups to the power plant area of the dam's interior. Once we have all made it down, our tour guide continues telling us about he power output, the water flow, and several other interesting tidbits about the dam's construction. It's all pretty interesting. Afterwards, we take the elevator back up and end the tour. It's actually pretty short, but it was still rewarding to see the massive construction that is Hoover Dam from the inside.

Red Rock Canyon - Calico Tanks (Clark County, Nevada)

A couple of years ago, I learned of a canyon west of Las Vegas, Nevada called Brownstone Canyon that was supposedly covered with Native American rock art, both petroglyphs and pictographs. About a year ago, I visited and began searching for a way to reach this canyon. Unfortunately, housing developments in that part of town have closed off the obvious access and I was unable to get there the way I had planned. I'm back in Las Vegas for a concert and decided I would take another crack at it. This time, I'll be attempting to reach the canyon from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

My concert was last night and it was a great show, but now I'm on to the outdoor portion of my trip. I had to reserve a timed entry pass about a month ago. Red Rock Canyon has become a very popular tourist destination for those visiting Las Vegas and to control the crowds, this reservation system was launched some time back. Entering just after 9:00 AM when my reservation allowed, I drive to the Sandstone Quarry parking area and begin to reconsider my plan. I was expecting temperatures in the high-80's today, but it's going to be substantially warmer. Today's high is expected to reach 101° and even now, it's already in the 90's. My planned route will take me up and around the western side of Turtlehead Mountain and then back down the north side to reach Brownstone Canyon. This is a rugged route with a lot of pathfinding and rock scrambling and I'm just not sure today is the day to do it, given the heat. Considering my options, I decide to abandon my original plan and instead hike to the Calico Tanks area of the park, which is a much shorter hike.

Leaving the parking area, I follow the marked trail, which follows a gravel wash into the red and orange sandstone tangles. Before long, the trail loops to the right and begins to ascend. With the sun beating down, I'm thinking that I made the correct choice. The trail is marked by piles of rocks collected in a chicken-wire cylinder and with a signed post sticking out of it. The park service does a pretty good job of marking it, but considering the three-dimensional nature of this trail as it ascends sandstone cliffs, it's still a bit challenging to find the right path at times.

There are quite a few people hiking this area today, even with the heat. I guess it's one of the better options. I continue on climbing several sets of fashioned stone steps and scrambling up sections of the red stone. Finally, I reach the largest of the Calico Tanks. During some parts of the year, this 'tank' catches rain water and holds it for some time, but here at the end of Summer, it is completely dry, though wild grasses growing in the formerly submerged soil give testament to the water that was here not that long ago. I take a short rest and spend some time examining a patch of dye on one of the rocks that forms the close side of the tank. It looks like the same type of pigment used by the ancient peoples of this area to create their pictographs, but this one doesn't have any form that I can recognize or make sense of. I use a few photo filters hoping to discern some kind of image, but never really do and after a few minutes give up the investigation.

From here, I follow where I've seen a few others climb up the eastern side of the tank. It's a bit sketchy, but I assume there's a good view from up there. It's a challenging scramble, but reaching the top, I see that it's worth it. From up here, we have a magnificent view of the whole Las Vegas Valley. The mega-resorts of the Las Vegas Strip rise in the distance. I take a few minutes to enjoy the view before heading back.

The return trip is similarly challenging due to all of the scrambling and with the sun rising higher in the sky, the temperatures are getting even warmer. I wish I could adventure more in this place, but I just don't think it would be prudent given the hot weather. I return to my rental car having hiked about 2.4 miles total. I'll have to try again (next time in the winter) to reach Brownstone Canyon. For now, I'll settle for the short hike I got in today.

Grandfather Mountain (Avery County, North Carolina)

 

I've tried a couple of times in the past to visit Grandfather Mountain, but in all cases, inclement weather has put a damper on the trip. We did get some rain yesterday afternoon, but I'm hopeful that this won't interfere with my plans too much. Grandfather Mountain was once thought (by colonists) to be the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi. It includes four major peaks, the highest of which is 5,946 feet. Later it was determined that the nearby Mount Mitchell actually holds this distinction. However, Grandfather Mountain is still a draw because of its ruggedness and prominence. 

After entering the park, I head to the parking area. Along the way, I find a pull-off that provides a great view of the two highest peaks and stop for a couple of pictures. Continuing up the winding road, a traffic director motions me into one of the parking areas and explains how to get to the "Mile-high Swinging Bridge" and the other trail system.

I park my car, grab my pack and start formulating a plan for the day. I had some ideas of what I wanted to do here, but with time constraints and the somewhat wet ground from yesterdays downpour, I'm rethinking the plan. Originally, I was going to hike the 10.5 mile profile trail. However, that plan required starting around 7:30 AM. At the time I made the plan, I didn't realize the park didn't open until 9:00 AM. 

To start, I decide to hike the half-mile or so up to the swinging bridge and then possibly continue on along the Grandfather Trail, which visits all of the peaks. I'll wing it. The short trail from the parking area is fairly steep and has a lot of stones and roots to navigate, but it's generally pretty easy. Arriving at the top, another parking lot leads to stairs up to the swinging bridge, which spans 228-feet above an 80-foot gorge separating two of the mountains smaller peaks. I cross over it without any issues. Though I'm not a huge fan of heights, the bridge seems pretty stable and only sways slightly with six or so people on it. Near the middle, I line is painted indicating the 1-mile elevation mark.

Reaching the other side, I start a short rock-scramble up to a view point. There area a number of people up here already and after stopping to look around, I can see why. The view here is absolutely spectacular. The bluish-green sea that is Appalachia spreads out in all directions from me. It's actually pretty breathtaking. 

Crossing back over the bridge, I decide to continue with my plan to hike the Grandfather Trail I know this one is pretty intense and even requires a self-issued permit to hike. I'm a bit concerned about wet and slippery trail conditions, but I'll judge it as a I go. I toss my scrambling gloves on as I depart the upper parking lot and climb up the rugged first part of the trail through granite boulders. 

Once at the top of this 'pitch', the trail flattens out for a short time, but it is a little muddy, which has me concerned. I continue on over a number of rugged rock outcroppings. The write-ups weren't kidding; this trail is intense. Reaching Grandfather Gap, I take a minute to do a self-inventory and decide how much further I want to go. The first, and second-tallest, of the peaks is about a mile way and I convince myself to attempt this one, but to turn back if the conditions get too slick. I want to climb it, but it's not worth injuring myself.

The first really big obstacle that I have to overcome is climbing a wet granite wall of about forty feet and at a roughly 45° angle. The park has installed a knotted steel cable to assist and I carefully make my way up it, second-guessing myself along the way. I reach the top though and decide to continue a little further. 

From there, the trail continues to climb over rocks and boulders until it reaches a long, wooden ladder up another steep cliff. I start the climb up and after a few steps on the wet and slippery ladder decide that today isn't my day. I'd love to complete this trail, but the wet conditions are just too concerning to me and I decide to turn back.

The climb back down the cable is an adventure, but again, I make it without any problems and eventually hit the Grandfather Extension Trail, which leads to the lot where I left my car. I've only hiked about 2.5 miles and I would love to do more, but other adventures await and I'm just not convinced that this one is safe with the muddy, wet conditions on the rugged trail. It was a lot of fun though and the views are some of the best in this part of the country.

Otter Falls (Watauga County, North Carolina)

 

After a decent night's sleep at my hotel in Newland, I'm ready for the next adventure. The focus of my trip is Grandfather Mountain, but as the gates don't open until 9:00 AM, I decided to visit the nearby Otter Falls first. It's only a few minutes drive to the trailhead and I arrive to find only one other car in the parking lot. 

The trail is actually pretty rugged at first, full of roots and heading steeply downhill. Soon though, it eases up. There is something of a tangle of trails here though and I'm forced to use my mapping app to determine the best route to the waterfall. I get there without too much difficulty. A small deck sits above the creek as Otter Falls flows over a large boulder separated mostly into two small trickles. I imagine this waterfall is more impressive after a good rain, but for today, it's less so. The hike back up gets me breathing a little bit, but I arrive back at the car without any issue and now with it being nearly time for the gates to open, it's time to head to my main focus.

Toms Creek Falls (McDowell County, North Carolina)

 

Toms Creek Falls near Mount Mitchell is my next and final stop for the day. This one appears to be very popular as there are ten or twelve cars parked at the trailhead between the defined spots and alongside the road. The trail is once again short and leads slightly uphill to an observation deck, while a side trail leads to a better view of the falls. Interesting that the built the deck here instead the higher point. 

This waterfall is a lone ranger and sits at the back of a stone cliff carved out like a horseshoe. Though there isn't a lot of water flowing today, it's still pretty impressive as it tumbles twenty-five or so meters over the cliff. There are a few other people here taking in the view, but after getting my shots, I decide to head back to the car.

Twin Falls (Pickens County, South Carolina)

 

For the next stop on my little hiking weekend, I decided to stop at Twin Falls. The final part of the road follows is gravel and leads to a small parking area, where a couple of other cars are already parked. This appears to be a somewhat popular area given how far off the beaten path it is. It's an easy, short trail to from the parking lot to the waterfalls, less than half-a-mile. 

Once I arrive at the end, a wooden observation deck awaits me. A young couple is already here enjoying the scenery . . . and each other. I try to make my interruption brief, just long enough to snap a couple of pictures of the waterfalls. The deck sits over a granite waterslide with the feeding creek flowing below. In the distance, about forty meters away, two waterfalls tumble over a cliff of roughly twenty meters tall. It's actually a fairly impressive waterfall, but with other stops to make and other people waiting to get back to their business, I head back to the car.

Keowee-Toxaway Natural Bridge Loop (Pickens County, South Carolina)

 

I'm making my up to North Carolina this morning for some hiking and along the way, I'm hitting a few spots. The first is the natural bridge at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in South Carolina. I picked this spot and most of the others simply because they are on or very near my planned route. After parking my car and using the visitor's center restroom, I headed out on the trail. There are a couple of options here, but I'm always a fan of seeing interesting geological formations such as arches and natural bridges.

The trail is wide and well maintained. There are a few people here, including a group of four twenty-something men hiking the trail barefoot . . . interesting. The southern section of the loop descends slowly until it reaches the small trickle of Poe Creek. The trail passes over the top of a large rock, which I believe has fallen here in eons past. It's a large semi-flat rock under which the creek flows. This is the natural bridge. After crossing, I find a spot on the lower side to rock hop a bit and get a good shot of the cave created underneath the bridge. It's an interesting site to behold. 

From there, I continue along the loop trail and pass a couple of small waterfalls. Nothing spectacular, but nice additions to the landscape. It's very humid this morning and even though I've only hiked about 1.3 miles on this short diversion, I'm sweating pretty good. I head back to the car and toward my next stop.

Sassafras Mountain (Pickens County, South Carolina)

I started a bucket list item a few years ago to stand atop the highest point in all fifty states. While some of them, like Denali in Alaska are going to be quite challenging, others are relatively easy. On my way home from Asheville, NC, I decided to check Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina off my list. It was only a short detour on my way home. At only 3,554 feet tall, it's hardly as impressive as many of the other high points, but may still offer some nice views.

From the parking area, it's only a short walk to the observation tower atop the high point. There are a few other people here admiring the view and probably checking it off of their lists as well. The border between North and South Carolina runs right through the summit and this is indicated on the flooring surface of the observation tower. Looking in any direction, the Appalachian Mountains stretch out to the horizon with their purplish-bluish-greenish hue. The famous Foothills Trail, which I hope to backpack someday also runs through this area. 

After taking a few pictures, I decided it's time to finish my drive home. Though, this little mountain isn't as tall as many others on the list, it still offers some nice scenery and I'm glad I can now check that box on my list.

River Arts District - Peddle and Pints (Buncombe County, North Carolina)

 

I always appreciate a chance to get away to Asheville, NC. The lovely little mountain town is home to a terrific craft beer community, good hiking at the edge of the Appalachians, and my wife's family. It is a bit of a drive for me, but a chance to bike the area called the River Arts District with REI and enjoy a beer or two seemed a worthy reason.

The River Arts District (RAD) of Asheville is a revitalized corridor along the French Broad River. This area was once the industrial hub of the city and home to all manner of agriculture driven business such as tanneries, granaries, butcher shops, etc. Over the past couple of decades, the city has turned this area into a community and tourist hub with a paved path along the river, breweries, art installations, restaurants, and plenty of open greenway area. It's a great place to get a little fresh air and enjoy a meal or a brew with friends. 

Today, I'll be riding a few miles with an event organized by REI called Peddles and Pints. While I do have my own bike, I opted to borrow one of theirs. Meeting up with the guide and the other participants, we quickly sized our bikes did a quick introduction and hit the trail. We'll be  using fat-tired road-bikes today, which is quite different from my personal road bike, but it should be fine. 

After leaving the parking area, we ride up and over the Craven Street Bridge and past New Belgium's brewing facility. The brewery played a very active role in cleaning up this section of the RAD when they built their facility here a few years ago. There are a lot of people out on the trail and it feels good to be part of such an active community. Continuing south, our guide stops us at a couple of locations to talk about the history, which is interesting.

We ride to Carrier Park, which actually used to be a race track. From here, we begin heading back, eventually crossing the river again on the Amboy Road Bridge and then continuing up the eastern side of the river. A little ways further, we stop at Wedge Brewing and enjoy a pint and some good conversation. It's a pleasant experience and the beer was pretty good. Though, I've visited many of the breweries in Asheville, this is my first time at this one and like most their competition, they do a nice job.

Returning to the parking area after a couple of hours and about 6.4 miles, we thank our guide for the experience and load up to head home. I had originally planned on hitting another brewery or two, but considering the drive I have home, I decide to go ahead and depart. It was a nice event though and I'm happy to have had the chance to participate in it.

Rabbit Hill Cycle (Gwinnett County, Georgia)

Having rested the last couple of days after returning from my trip to Peru, I wanted to get a little exercise in. I've been meaning to get over to the nearby Rabbit Hill Park to ride my bike a bit, but something always seems to come up. With nothing on my agenda for today, I decided it would be a great day to do it.

I loaded my bike up on my roof rack and drove the seven or so miles to the park. This is a pretty standard community park with sports fields and a paved trail all the way around the park, perfect for a short bike ride. As I got on my bike, I realized what I had forgotten. I didn't put my padded biking shorts on. Originally intending to do two laps around the park, I decided to cut this to just one so as not to get saddle sore from the thin bike seat. 

It's a nice trail and there were a few people walking and biking, but nothing exciting to speak of. I only ended up riding about 2.8 miles, but even with that short distance, my legs let me know that they are still tired from all of the steps along the Inca Trail. I do appreciate that Georgia has so many parks like this around in the various communities. Perhaps, I'll return some day and do a few more laps or I may find a different park. Either way, It was nice to get a little exercise.

Saqsaywaman (Cusco Province, Peru)

Having completed the Inca Trail yesterday with all of it's elevation and steps, my legs and knees are a bit sore today, but before leaving Peru, I wanted to visit Saqsawaman in Cusco, which served as the Inca capital. I attempted to walk up the steep streets and steps the first day I arrived in Peru, but without having acclimated to the elevation of over 12,000 feet just yet, I didn't make it very far before I was out of breath. Now, having been in the country for a week, I feel a lot better breathing the thin air. 

It's only a short walk from my hotel to the site and after buying my entry ticket, I begin to explore the ruins. There was obviously construction in progress when the Inca fled as can be seen by the numerous rocks that are only partially cut. The most striking part of the ruins though, is a long wall running the length of the hillside. This wall is made of massive stones that were precisely cut and placed leaving gaps less half a millimeter between them. Truly amazing craftsmanship.

In one section, there is a natural stone slide that many children are taking turns on. It's interesting to me that they are more interested in this than the rich culture around them that in many cases is their heritage. I guess we were all like that as children. I continue walking around the ruins and painfully making my way up and down steps where necessary. It's an impressive place.

Once I've had my fill, I head back down into town. I have a few hours to burn before my ride to the airport and my stomach is starting to grumble. 

Macchu Pichu (Urabamba Province, Peru)

 

The focus of my trip to Peru and the last four days hiking up the Inca Trail is Machu Picchu. This 15th century Inca citadel is considered one of the wonders of the world. It was built on a mountain ridge at nearly 8,000 feet and overlooks the valley's on either side. It is the crown jewel of the Inca planning and engineering. Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", this location was undiscovered and untouched during the Spanish conquest and subjugation of the Inca. For centuries, it existed only as myth as the cloud forest reclaimed much of the site. 

And now, I get to check off a bucket list item by walk around the ruins of this magnificent city. As we approach, my guide, Mario stops and suggests a few areas for taking good pictures of the city from above. The terraces on the southern side of the site provide great views. We linger here for a while and take it all in. After hiking from the Sun Gate, we have arrived early before many of the other visitors that will be bussed up a series of steep switchbacks from the river valley below. This provides an excellent opportunity for pictures and I take quite a few.

Mario begins telling me the history of his place as modern archaeologists have theorized it to be. The construction of the city was ordered by Pachacutec, the Incan Emperor around the mid-point of the fifteenth century, though this date is not universally agreed upon. Pachacutec was the driving force of the Inca's transition to empire and it is believed he built Machu Picchu as a royal estate. Though not completely finished when the Inca fled around 1530 CE, the city was believed to be home to some 750 inhabitants at its height. This number is arrived at by considering the number of dwellings and the likely number of inhabitants per dwelling.

After this initial history lesson, we walk down a series of ramps to the check-in point, where I once again show my passport and we are then allowed into the ruins. Mario seems to know his way around as if he had grown up in this place. With the winding corridors and steep steps, it would be very easy to get lost in here, but luckily, I'm with an expert that has been here several hundred times.

There are varying styles of masonry work throughout the site. Some walls are made of stones and mortar, while others are the masterfully fitted giant interlocking stones. There are also numerous sections where the Inca built around pieces of the mountain. This could have been for either practical or religious reasons, but either way it's very interesting to see the blend of nature and technology. I'm reminded of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural designs, which follow this philosophy so closely. Obviously, the Inca predated him by centuries, but the ideas are similar.

As we continue to walk around, Mario points out various features such as the town square, the three major temples, the locations where mummified remains were found, and many, many others. The amount of detail is truly overwhelming and between that and just the spectacle of walking around this fortress in the clouds, my brain is going into overdrive.

Continuing to walk around the ruin, I notice an area of unworked stone. I'm told this is referred to as the quarry and that it is likely that this was a small mountain peak that the Inca cut through and used as the building blocks of the entire city. They literally processed the mountain to make this city. These people were the exact opposite of primitive. Their craftsmanship and engineering in the areas of city planning and stone work rival anything in the modern world. If only their culture could have survived the Spanish invasion, what heights would it have reached by now.

We take time to look at the various views available from the multiple terraces and balconies all over the city. Each view is more spectacular than the last. I just can't believe what I'm seeing. Pictures cannot do this place justice and I would encourage anyone that has even the slightest interest in history or engineering to visit Machu Picchu.

I could probably type many more paragraphs about what I'm seeing and how I'm feeling, but I'll leave some pictures to inspire you. As for Mario and I, we made our way out of the main city and headed to the snack bar. We have a lunch reservation at the restaurant, but it doesn't open for another hour or so. In the mean time, I think we'll just enjoy a beer and bath in the experience.