I’ve been tackling some of my goals, some on purpose and some as just a matter of coincidence. One of the bigger accomplishments I’ve made has been #6 of my 101 goals in 1,001 days - complete three rigorous hikes. A few weeks ago, along with our best friends Melissa, Jason and their son Skyler, we hiked two miles to the top of Read Mountain, a mountain located just north of Roanoke. It was such a gorgeous day (in the upper 70s), we just had to take advantage of the weather (and the caches along the trail).
Read Mountain - from the bottom.
The start of the Read Mountain Preserve trail.
Johnny, Melissa, Skyler and Jason prepping for the hike.
A view out from the parking lot.
Me, Melissa and Johnny near a water tower next to which a cache was hidden.
Cool hiker...
Stone steps helped us up the mountain.
Johnny with part of the trail behind him
Melissa splashed some cold creek water on her face to cool down.
Melissa with Skyler and Jason.
Melissa and I cheesin' for the camera.
The guys.
The view from halfway up.
At the top - Hollie the explorer!
Johnny rockin' the pose...
We came across a first aid kit at the top - complete with a defibrillator!
Johnny checking out the cache at the top of Read Mountain.
Jason and Skyler looking on as Johnny explores the stash.
Even Skyler was thirsty after a long hike!
Johnny replacing the cache to its hiding spot!
View from the top...
Johnny, Melissa, Skyler and Jason getting ready to head down the mountain.
1.9 miles down!
That hike was definitely a motivator for me to try more hiking. The following week, I hiked 3.7 miles round trip along the Star Trail going up Mill Mountain here in Roanoke - three times! Two times I hiked just with Roxie and the third was with Melissa and Skyler. The feeling you get from conquering a mountain is indescribable. It’s really a great way to get out and enjoy nature while getting some kick-butt exercise. It’s really great to live in an area that offers so many outdoors activities. I’m just happy that I’m finally starting to take advantage of it!
So, #6 on my list is complete. But, this won’t be the end of my hiking forays. I plan on doing it recreationally for a long time to come.
Posted on March 20th, 2009 by Johnny
Filed under: 101 Goals, Uncategorized
Okay, I don’t know why the pictures are all messed up, but I’m not going back to fix it so I hope you can enjoy them they way they are!
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