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Good guess! But I’ve been told it was a fox making that screaming sound. It was a little unnerving so early in the morning. 😅

I think that’s Lower Creek I was in which was pretty shallow at least in that area. It runs down to South Toe River which is stocked / hatchery supported.

Right - maybe some holly mixed in but not much green at all. It took a while for winter hiking in the NC piedmont to grow on me with the lack of bright color. This is one hike I’d like to visit again late spring - supposed to be a lot of wildflowers.

I wouldn’t mind hiking it again myself - would like to see Mt Collins shelter but didn’t have time for the side trail that day. Maybe an overnighter! Got to focus on getting well so I can get back out there. Thanks for checking out the video! :)

@@pleasantfiction yes, concentrate of getting well, sending healing thoughts

@@tomray166 I’d check out the interactive map page here: mountainstoseatrail.org/the-trail/map/ As far as bicycling, the sections that are on greenways would be great for that, such as Neuse River Greenways in Segment 11. I think most parts that are hiking trails are not multi-use so biking wouldn’t be an option. As far as dogs, they’re allowed on-leash on most of the MST with the exception of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (western end) and certain places like Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. Friends of the MST has a great Facebook group and website resources like the one I linked above. Have fun! 😁

Still not sure what makes that smell! 🤣 It has got to be some kind of plant -- maybe Skunk Goldenrod.

A lot of variety for sure! I’ve always enjoyed being able to visit such different regions within a few hours driving.

I might have gotten pretty lucky with the weather that day! 😁

Thanks so much! 😊

Ah that’s good must have just been too much traffic on the interwebz ;) I had downloaded some pics of the spider but forgot to add them. They do look tarantula-like, just tiny. They are in the same “infraorder” as tarantulas. Thanks for checking out the video!

I feel like I was lucky to have such a clear morning up there!

Yay 😁

We should head to the Smokies sometime and check out the elk! Just on a weekday lol that area gets insanely crowded.

Thanks! Love those “sky islands” 😍

Hope you have a great time! I really enjoyed the spacious site I had there. Make sure you bring some bug spray! ;)

Hey, great to hear from you and thanks for checking out the video! We’ll be up at Mt Mitchell late August and looking forward to escaping the heat. Hmm there’s Pilot Mountain, Stone Mountain, and Hanging Rock State parks, all very nice with campgrounds.

Always! Even when it’s someone’s nasty green underwear haha

@@pleasantfiction I know, stuff we find...

You’re welcome! I enjoyed researching the history of the lodge and there’s so much more to it than I was able to cover.

I recorded it but haven’t gotten around to finishing the edit. I’ll get to it eventually! 😅 I was masking a great deal of emotional distress on that hike - about an hour before I started on day one, I heard from back home that my favorite dog / best friend / hiking buddy had passed away unexpectedly. I keep trying to decide if it’s something I should mention in the final video or not. That certainly had a lasting effect on me and made the editing more difficult. By day 4 I was really starting to struggle with it since I knew I was close to facing the reality of it when I headed back home. Aside from that, 2023 was a tough year for me, so that’s what is taking me so long. I’m doing much better nowadays! :)

@@pleasantfiction I appreciate your vulnerable and honest reply! I think you should definitely mention your best buddy and you can even commemorate your pal in your final video. Because a walk, a hike, a camino of sorts is a good time for reflection on life in general! My son and I are taking this route next weekend, based on large part from your guidance! I think we will just have to wing day 4, mostly on the beach, I guess :)

@@carolynjackson1729 What I did for day 4 was catch a ride with one of the horse adventure tours in Corolla. They agreed to drop me off at Corova Beach Park & Boat ramp and pick me up on their last run. From there it was a few miles up Ocean Pearl Rd (sand) to the trail that leads to the monument, and back. This was probably the easiest way, basically skipping the long beach walk by taking the horse tour truck. Otherwise, with nowhere to camp up that way, it’s a long out and back and mostly on the beach or sandy road. However you do it, have fun and enjoy!

👋 Thank you for watching! 😁

I wasn’t expecting much since it was maybe the 2nd shortest hike in the “Great Day Hikes” book, but wow yes this one was truly great! Thanks for watching. 😊

Thanks! Sorry about the long hiatus - 2023 was a really tough year for us and I was too depressed to get much out there. I’m doing much better now. Next video will be Clingman’s Dome or Hatteras - not sure which. 😅

@@pleasantfiction glad you’re doing better & can’t wait to see Clingmans Dome. Take care.

That chicken was on a mission! Never did find out why it crossed the road. 😉

I don’t think I saw anyone on the walk back, but was afraid of bumping into an elk on the trail! 😅 I did have a little liquid bravery with my dinner so that helped haha 😆 🍺

Thanka! We always enjoy it when you drop in and hang out during the chat!

I hope you’re able to visit there sometime - there’s so much to explore in the area!

Thanks! That was such a cool place to hang out. I’d love to spend a week at one of the campgrounds and explore more.

I hope you can make it! Thanks for dropping in for the premiere. Definitely some gorgeous hikes in the area. I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked - I hiked at Waterrock Knob just before this stop, then went to Clingman’s Dome for another one of the “Great Day Hikes” in the book. It was fun to spend a little time on the Appalachian Trail, too.

❤️ 😊

😘

Thanks so much! That golden hour hike down the mountain was amazing. This hike in particular has the most beautiful views along the way. I did hike 2 from the book in the days following this one and the video premiere is tomorrow. It was another unique experience I’ll always remember! My first time hearing elk bugling in the forest. I’ll be on the chat during the premiere and you’re welcome to join us!

@@pleasantfiction It seems to me the Plott Balsams are pretty underrated, but they're kind of remote too, even though they're off the Parkway - and not a lot of official trails like you get in the Balsams, Smokies, or the Blacks. It seems to be mostly private property.

Haha can you imagine being locked in there overnight? 😅 🎅🏻🧑‍🎄

@@pleasantfiction I saw that they had removed it

I think I just had the perfect storm of mosquitoes! 😅 I couldn’t really stop and take it all in to enjoy it. I did a hike from Williston to Davis about a week after that plane crash (“Down East” episode 28, hike 36) and wasn’t sure if the ribbons were still up from that - thanks for the clarification, and thanks for watching and commenting! I really appreciate it.

Thank you! It’s been a tough year from like January to now lol but I think it’s getting better. Surprised to hear that about your videos - you normally get a lot more views than I do and they’re edited so well! Maybe we could get the doggies together for one if they don’t try to eat each other hahaha I know it’s challenging sometimes filming with a dog. At least mine anyway.. can only imagine how it would go with two. 🤪 Merry Christmas to you and yours!

There’s just the Nags Head Town trail where bikes aren’t allowed, and the beach section beyond the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla would be tough(er) on a bike but technically it is allowed. They say ride a “fat tire” bike at low tide for that. It would be easy to go around the Nags Head Town trail by continuing up the main road (hwy 158 / Croatan) and taking a left on Ocean Acres Drive to Nags Head Woods Preserve visitor center, then rejoining the official route taking a right onto Nags Head Woods road. For me, the side quest through Nags Head Woods preserve was one of my favorite parts. But you can just park/lock up the bike for the side quests. :). Oh also you’d need to push the bike along the boardwalk in Duck, but that’s no big deal. No riding on the boardwalk.

Within the state park, vehicles can be parked overnight with registration required, but this is for those hiking to backcountry sites outside the park (not camping in the vehicle). The easiest of those to access would probably be the Commissary Ridge area from the park office, but that’s a couple miles to hike in and the area may currently be closed due to bear activity. Those areas within Pisgah National Forest are managed by the USFS. I don’t have any current information or personal experience with car camping near Mount Mitchell. This link may have some info with ranger districts to contact: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368415.pdf

It was so inviting I just wanted to keep following it all the way down the mountain!

@@pleasantfiction I know the feeling too well 😂

:) Thanks! Trying out some new camera settings for my hikes. I’ve been recording at 1080p 24 FPS but thinking about 4K at 30 or 60 FPS. This one didn’t seem to upload at 4K, but I like the smooth footage! This was where we stopped for lunch on a short hike near Mount Mitchell. Beautiful spot!

@@pleasantfiction oh yeah man, seeing nature’s beauty through your camera in high resolution and high framerate will be great! Looks like a great spot for the lunch break. J looks to be enjoying it too 😃👍 have a great day guys!

@@EdBMetal I’ve been taking J on an annual “daddy daughter” camping trip nearly every year since she was around 14 - good time to get away from the daily grind, escape the summer heat, and remember we still like each other lol

@@pleasantfiction hahahah glad you still like each other. Somehow you two reminded me of The Last of Us. Well these hikes are good preparation for when there is little left of society, and these nature parks are the best places to be at 😉

@@EdBMetal Until that time we need to stockpile insulin haha we’d have to knock over a Walgreens at the beginning of the apocalypse!

My favorite solo camping trip to this day! It was amazing being out there with the whole place to myself.

I’ve heard there were 3 and even 4 holers! A status symbol 😂

Well I think I’d take the second story just in case haha wow

I don't know if I'll go into it on the final video from Day 4, but the fortune I received was oddly accurate and timely. For an $8,000+ machine it should get something right, I guess! haha

Actual GTA 6 footage! 😜I knew I'd find a good use for that GoPro chest strap one day haha! I had such a good time -- glad it came through on the video. Thanks for watching, my friend! We're all still hangin' in there. Ready for this summer heat to go away any time now -- 94F and feels like 102F today. Wishing y'all all the best!

@@pleasantfiction i do not envy those temperatures, that would make me self-combust. Good luck with all of that. Hopefully it will be over soon 🥵😁

@@EdBMetal Thanks! I haven't done much hiking this summer but have stayed active swimming at the YMCA -- trying to keep the cardio up at least!

😂 luckily didn’t run anyone over or have a police chase!!

@@sugargin312 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🚨 🚴