http://www.strombotne.com Strombotne is an old Norwegian Family Name Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:42:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.strombotne.com/2011/hike/3789 http://www.strombotne.com/2011/hike/3789#comments Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:22:00 +0000 cs http://www.strombotne.com/?p=3789 With only a recommendation I ventured in expecting a walking hike but found that I was able to jog at least a third of it. There is a level crushed rock road from the Hardluck Trail Head all the way to the NC Arboretum with numerous branch trails best explored with map. This section of the Pisgah National Forrest is popular with the mountain bikers due to its close proximity to Asheville, NC. but there is plenty of width. Arrive early before automobile parking becomes saturated. [ GPX ] ]]> http://www.strombotne.com/2011/hike/3789/feed 0 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3500 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3500#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:46:44 +0000 cs http://www.strombotne.com/?p=3500 I had some concern for reptiles, or rather — my bare skin legs as I traversed a narrow trail with dry summer range grass and rocks to either side (the next peak over is named Rattlesnake Mountain) A mountain bike might have provided more clearance and a sense of isolation. However, the only creature that I could spy on this hike was an occasional fast over the rocks lizard. Granville W. Huffaker, an early pioneer and homesteader in the Reno area in whose name this natural open space is preserved, likely furnished this dry grazing feed land for cattle. The beef supplied Miners at the Comstock Lode back in the day. The stone embedded unmarked trails have gentle rises with sweeping views allowing for confident navigation. ]]> http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3500/feed 1 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3485 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3485#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:02:11 +0000 cs http://www.strombotne.com/?p=3485 I believe that the graphic designers/writers for the PC game MYST received inspiration from this place. The seawall greenway has wonderful views. The interior is laced with trails shaded with Redwoods. Stanley Park has a distinct island feel with Coal Harbour, Burrard Inlet, and English Bay on the perimeter. This is a great close-in escape from downtown Vancouver, BC. ]]> http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3485/feed 0 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3428 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3428#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:56:07 +0000 cs http://www.strombotne.com/?p=3428 If you’ve never been on a granite dome before this one would be considered fairly good. But I’ve been on the mother of all Stone Mountains, in Georgia, so this one was anticlimactic. Nevertheless the Stone Mountain Loop Trail with a side excursion to Middle and Lower Falls was a nice afternoon hike. The path is level and well groomed. There is some strenuous rise to the mountain summit and from the Stone Mountain Falls (200 foot cascade), depending on which direction you set out. Attempting to scale the smooth face at the base of the main falls was met with difficulty. Fine sand on hiking boot tread made for poor traction. At the lower side of the park is an old homestead restoration — the 19th century Hutchinson House. It was interesting to me as it had many traditional similarities to the farm of my ancestors. It must have been a hard life but such a beautiful yard setting. ]]> http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3428/feed 1 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3332 http://www.strombotne.com/2010/hike/3332#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 13:36:48 +0000 cs http://www.strombotne.com/?p=3332 Nice to have a loop trail for continuous new scenery. The reward view from the observation tower (former fire lookout) on the summit ridge line follows a 600 step rise. The 4 mile Moore’s Wall Loop Trail begins behind the Bath House on the Hanging Rock State Park Lake.
Tips:

• Travel counter clockwise to overcome the strenuous bit first.
• Trail narrows to single file in places amongst (thorn) brush
• Watch for critters

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