Campfire Smell

Get Outside Campaign Pt 5… 

Sharing the pleasurable outdoor experience nature can treat us to, is an action I take upon myself as often as schedules allow. In this, the 5th installment of the Get Outside Campain, I set out again with my bud Brad from back home into Panthertown Valley, NC. This area was one new to me but was recommended very highly due to it’s marvelous valley, spectacular views, ease of walking and high access to water from which we had planned on fishing. An ideal place to take a best friend on a “Buds trip”! 

We hit the trail early Wednesday morning and it would seem we had the entire valley to ourselves! Just a few yards from the car we were already off into the thick cover of the trees and winding through the towering, shear, granite rock faces of Big Green Mt and Goldspring Ridge on the Great Wall Trail. not two hours of hiking we were met with a few waterfalls, daunting mountains and thick Fir and pine tree groves. It was in one of these groves where we decided to make camp. It was a lovely spot in the previously mapped/designated area of the valley only previously seen from a less than spot–on topo map and Google Earth but was in great proximity to water, and a decent shot of Big and Little Green Mtns. We quickly set about the priorities of work and Brad got a fire going the Bear Grylls method in one strike! Weather started moving inupon us and before we knew it we were getting poured on. NOT how we’d planned the night to go, but, nature’s not concerned with Buds weekends and the best course of action is to adapt accordingly… Slapping on our rain shells, I soon realized mine had all but lost it’s DWR. The water rolled straight of the back, hood and shoulders of Brad’s precip jacket and mine just looked like a splotchy blue soaked newspaper haha. Acting with haste, we constructed a modest hootch to cover the fire and then, enough to cover ourselves! It was a small victory, but it worked like a champ! We and our fire stayed dry and Brad and I hunkered in for the rest of the night, sipping on a nightcap huddled in our rain cover :P

 We awoke the next morning elated to find clear blue skies and at only 9 o’clock, already 45° temps (and rising). After a quick breakfast and cup of coffee, we set out to make the most of our full day in the woods. We had intended on fishing in the many creeks and streams in the area, however, to our chagrin, the optimal trout conditions were less than adequate. We instead took off to hike up to the high ground to take advantage of the clear day at times stalking a pheasant or two  with no success haha. We WERE successful, however, with getting some amazing views of the valley. A quick ascent to Salt Rock provided an awesome view of the North/Northeastern section we’d hiked in from. From here we noticed a bluff to the Northwest that looked large and promised a decent lunch accommodation so we set out for it… While I myself am no stranger to steep pitches of summit hikes, Brad was nearly bested by the trudge up from 4000ft to 4500ft. But, he dug deep and we summited to one of the prettiest, expansive, bright and sunny valley views. It was clear how this valley is considered the “Yosemite of the East”. We strung the hammock, cracked open some suds and enjoyed our lunch break on top of that beautiful lookout. Witnessing that view and the surrounding area we commiserated the rainy night prior and decided we’d like to spend the night with the valley to our feet. Brad, somewhat apprehensive about humpin back up that 700’ ascent (total from camp) with a full pack of gear, was in agreement that taking he shorter, more B lined Carlton’s Way trail that switch-backed nearly directly to our camp was the better route and within 30mins of returning to camp, we were packed up and back on our way to the top!

That evening could not have been any better. Up there on that beautiful summit with that valley below us we sipped our whiskey by a hot fire and watched the sun slowly fall behind the ridgeline and the stars show up to join a 3/4 moon. We reflected on our rainy night, and as much fun as building a hootch was, THIS, was the cherry on top of a Buds vs Wild trip…

In the morning, we met the sun in the very best way. Peering out over Ravenrock and Panthertail Mtns, we stirred from our bags and enjoyed a cup of joe before the quick hike back to the car. The walk back was full of high fives for a killer trip and appreciation for the area we’d just explored. Agreed it was a “definite return visit” for Brad as well as myself. 

Another successful Get Outside Campaign and another “happy customer”. Score one for nature and another for Buds vs Wild! :)

Cheers