Where were you today?

Awesome spots !!! Those historic buildings are super cool !

 

Went on about a 5 mile hike today with Dog at Kanawha State Forest, WV.
It was about 90 today, and humid.

 

I’m gonna say it again…it’s pretty there!! If I ever get up there again I definitely getting some trail time!

 

Went on some local hikes today. Went to Babcock State Park, the Mill was open and the water wheel was turning, they weren't milling while I was there tho, still went inside.

Inside the Mill.





Also went to the New River Gorge National Park to some new areas I've never hiked before.
Sandstone Falls



Grandview area. New River below

 

Today visited the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory near Union, WV. Elevation 3,812 ft.
Originally a fire tower from 1952-1972. Rebuilt in 1996 and incorporated into the Jefferson National Forest.
Monitors and tracks migrating raptors.
Some storms were rolling in when we first got there. Wind was pretty strong.
















Rain and fog/clouds were moving in when I was leaving.

 

Also visited nearby Sweet Springs Resort, Sweet Springs, WV.
Built in 1833, Known for its natural hot springs. Currently being renovated.

 

It’s been a minute, but finally healed up from a injury I got while backpacking in Northern Utah. Got to do a short hike yesterday and glad to report that I didn’t have any residual pain. Now to start increasing mileage again.

 

I could totally live in that !

 

Went to a local swimming hole today

 

Saturday I hiked on the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail. Ansted, WV. Goes down to the New River. Had some rainy weather.
Mill Creek Falls

Old Coal Mine entrance

 

@Bushman5

 

@Twoody88 "Big Guns" at the base of the 30' tall massive solid rock formation / creek / small waterfall, 500' up the debris flow chute from the massive debris flow barrier basin below.

 

Took my 2 oldest boys (13 and 7) for a hike at on one of the local nature trails today for a few mile trek. We saw a lot of newts along the way. Was a great time in the woods, excited to find more in the area. Not much for a landmark view but they enjoyed it

 

Let's not forget where @Bushman5 and I started our day

 

Yup, the DTES (Down Town East Side). An area of complete lawlessness, crime, homeless, drug dealers, violence every minute, filth, open sewage on the streets, sidewalks and door alcoves, graffiti, broken windows everywhere, dead junkies hourly, fires, homeless camps that go for blocks , violent machete attacks every week by mentally ill druggies , homeless women r***** or set on fire , etc.

The DTES makes Portland, Seattle, LA , Chicago look like a 5 star luxury resort in comparison.

over 10,800 junkies dead since 2016 , when the govt started keeping statistics. 987 since January this year.

But our bike lanes are plowed and salted in winter, that's what's most important here.

 

American gangs are very scary... but so is dodging human **** on the sidewalk every step.. real talk - ESPECIALLY if your in sandals .

 

Kautz Creek To Indian Henry's hunting grounds at Mt. Rainier National Park. Kautz Creek to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)
So my friend asks me a couple weeks ago if I wanted to do this hike with him. Yes, yes I do! 11+ miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 3800'. The good news is that even though we are at Mt. Rainier, there was no real altitude challenges as the hike starts pretty low. Weather was great, 70's in the shade up to 80's in the sun with a 10-15mph breeze all day. The first few miles are also mostly shaded. Several other hikers were out, some with major packs, some with trail running gear. The huckleberry's were pretty ripe and we made a point of watching for bears, but none were seen.

Some of the gear for the day included a Mountain Hardwear shirt, Kuhl Renegade pants, Salomon Quest boots and a Gregory Z40 pack. I had almost 6 liters of water (about two too many) and something to eat almost hourly including lunch.


Good shot of the general steepness

Couple shots of the Indian Henry's ranger station, our lunch spot and turn-around. The trail and station intersect with a part of the Wonderland Trail, which circumnavigates Rainier.


A couple miles from done, we were pretty spent. There are fires south of the area and some of the smoke was hitting us by this time. The air was grayish red and you could feel the smoke on your face.

The trail was exceptionally well maintained for most parts, which surprised me a bit as this trail isn't highly travelled. The hike was Saturday and as I'm sitting here Tuesday, there are not too many parts that still don't hurt.

 

I prefer a nice stick myself. No harm in tossing it aside or throwing it like a spear off the cliffs edge when ya yet to the top

 

Went to Red Rock State Park AZ. Hadn’t actually ever been before (though I’d been in Sedona more times than I could count). There was a hiking loop there from a book I’m hiking my way through, so figured I’d check another one off the list.