This past Saturday, we went for a nearly 5 mile hike on 'Boone Fork Trail'. The weather wasn't the most motivating, as it was overcast the entire time. We decided to take the trail backwards, unlike the way that most folks go, we headed straight instead of taking the immediate right at the trailhead. My reasoning for this being, I wanted the first thing we went through to be the part which is closest to the road, and the part that went through the campground first, instead of at the end. By that point my connection with nature is severed, by taking it backwards, I can get that business done with in the beginning. And use that time to get into the hike, and get a good pace going all at the same time.
I liked it better the backwards way. After a mile or so you come to open pastures, which on a clear day gives you a great view of the backside of Grandfather Mountain. But like I mentioned earlier, we weren't so lucky weather wise. Once you travel through the pasture, you come to the peak before you dip back into the forest. The descent is far easier than the ascent would have been, if we went the 'right' way. Now that I mention it, the 5 mile loop wasn't strenuous at all, I don't even think I broke a sweat! Had we went the 'right' way though, I assure you that I would have been huffing and puffing.
After the descent is where the trail starts to get really interesting. Throughout the hike you cross sections of the Bee Tree and Boone Fork Creek in excess of 2o times. I made the mistake of not bringing the attachment to put my camera on the tripod, which made it hard to capture shots of the mini-waterfalls, or ones that I was happy with. It's really important to have a tripod when shooting those type of fast-motion water scenes. Learning the hard way before didn't really help me remember to bring the dang attachment.....but that's another lesson eh?!
The most substantial waterfall was "Boone Fork Falls", and at a mere 25 feet, wasn't really all that substantial. Hiking trails that are next to a body of water are my most favorite, the sound of rushing water is so calming for me. The hike felt really good for my body, and I needed to get out and get moving. My spirit suffers severely when I don't get outdoors. Nature is so motivating for me. Does it do the same for you? If you don't hike trails, what do you like to do that helps restore yourself after a rough day, or week?
