On top of Mt. Mitchell
I finally made it! Well, I've been to the summit of Mt. Mitchell - the highest peak in the Eastern United States - many times before. But not since the new, handicap accessible observation tower was installed 3 years ago!
I guess I didn't want to see it because the old stone tower was such an iconic symbol of the great mountain, and one of the first places I ever visited as a NC tourist.
It had a lot of good memories for me, and for Shelby. We'd hiked there often, including climbing the stairs in the old 30-foot high tower with its 360-degree views of the Black Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the natural grandeur of Western North Carolina.
But I finally headed up there last week - the first real "trek" I've done since foot surgery 8 months ago left me unable to walk without crutches, and certainly unable to hike or to run. This time, I could truly appreciate the accessibility of the tower.
Superintendent Jack Bradley drove me up almost to the top on the "Kawasaki mule," and then I was able to walk the rest of the way to the summit on the winding, paved pathway. It was pretty chilly for a June day - 50 degrees, and 50 mph wind gusts - so I couldn't stand up for long, but I was thrilled to see my old favorite mountain, my favorite views and get outdoors and stretch my legs a bit.
The Old Mitchell Trail I write about in "Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina," is still a great hike for people and their dogs, although it is now slightly altered at the top, with the description of the tower.
I think everyone needs to check out this hike, and this tower, at some point this summer. Happy Hiking!
I guess I didn't want to see it because the old stone tower was such an iconic symbol of the great mountain, and one of the first places I ever visited as a NC tourist.
It had a lot of good memories for me, and for Shelby. We'd hiked there often, including climbing the stairs in the old 30-foot high tower with its 360-degree views of the Black Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the natural grandeur of Western North Carolina.
But I finally headed up there last week - the first real "trek" I've done since foot surgery 8 months ago left me unable to walk without crutches, and certainly unable to hike or to run. This time, I could truly appreciate the accessibility of the tower.
Superintendent Jack Bradley drove me up almost to the top on the "Kawasaki mule," and then I was able to walk the rest of the way to the summit on the winding, paved pathway. It was pretty chilly for a June day - 50 degrees, and 50 mph wind gusts - so I couldn't stand up for long, but I was thrilled to see my old favorite mountain, my favorite views and get outdoors and stretch my legs a bit.
The Old Mitchell Trail I write about in "Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina," is still a great hike for people and their dogs, although it is now slightly altered at the top, with the description of the tower.
I think everyone needs to check out this hike, and this tower, at some point this summer. Happy Hiking!
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