Sat, Sep 6 2008 - Shining Rock Backpacking (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Geri Dominguez, Denise Millon Participants: Denise Millon, Geri Dominguez, Sean T, Gary Babiarz, Lee Harris, GJ, Ben Taratoot, Jason Hicks, Shellie, Matt Tichenor

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Write Up:
After worrying all week about the tropical storm heading for NC, we ended up with two gorgeous days of backpacking.

Our first climb on Saturday morning was to Black Balsam Knob where we stopped for lunch while enjoying the views on this treeless mountain bald (rare for the Carolinas and more reminiscent of the alps). We continued along to Tennet Mountain. Along the overgrown trail we encountered horses, a teepee, blueberries and blackberries, and a native american ritual involving a seashell that our doggies rudely interrupted. When we reached Grassy Cove Top, we disappeared into the thick brush to pick (and eat) lots and lots of bluberries before we continued our hike. After securing a campsite, we headed up to Shining Rock for a photo shoot and to enjoy the amazing views.

The evening brought us a visitor and new friend TJ who pointed out the coyotes howling later in the night. We listed to music under the gazillion stars thanks to Matt and his Ipod & speaker, and I played DJ to a rather picky audience. We discovered new uses for sweet tea, zip loc bags, and Denise's tent.

Sunday morning we escaped the flies and hiked back to our cars along the trail on the side of the mountain. There were some great views along this trail as well. We then decided to go to Brevard, and Denise spotted the best restaurant ever where we (and our doggies) stopped to eat.

Geri's Pics

Ben's Pics

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