Feels like springtime!

It feels like spring is here!  What a change from just a few days ago.  It's 64 degrees and sunny in western North Carolina today.  Here's a look at Fontana Lake with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the background. As I stopped to take this photo, I was riding in the car with the sunroof open and the windows cracked. There's just something about that first time you can open the windows on the car and feel the warmth of the sun coming in the windows.  It's the little things in life, I guess.

Anyway, back to the photo.You can see some snow lingering from Thursday on the highest peaks.  This photo was taken at the overlook on the Graham County/Swain County line near Tsali Recreation Area, famous for its 42 miles of mountain bike/hiking/running/horseback riding trails.  I like to run the Mouse Branch Loop on days designated for horses, so I don't have to worry about getting in the way of a bike.  It's 8.7 miles and has views of the lakes.  It's a great place to train for a race, or just to get out and enjoy the woods.

We are going to try (a little harder) to update the blog more frequently.  Today we're taking the dogs for a nice long walk in the sun. We hope you are enjoying the springtime feel as much as we are. 

In the Footsteps of the Ancients

If you follow this blog, you know I'm a big fan of the folks at Blue Ridge Outdoors. They cover a big portion of the southern Appalachians and write about all the awesome outdoor activities that we love.

A great article from the most recent issue covered things to do along the Cherohala Skyway from Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN.

I have written about activities along the Cherohala and in the area several times, but haven't covered any things to do in Tennessee, frankly because I rarely make it to that side of the mountain! However, reading about Indian Boundary Lake and the Bald River Falls really got my interest up. I am putting a trip over to east Tennessee on my summer to-do list!

Bald River Falls, just off the Cherohala Skyway

US 441 Slide in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As you may know, Western North Carolina was pounded with heavy rains for the better part of a week in Mid-January, 2013. As a result, there was flooding and many landslides around the region.

The biggest and perhaps the most damaging to the regions economy will be the one that completely severed US 441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park outside of Cherokee, NC. As summer approaches, millions of people will be visiting GSMNP and if you are familiar with the area, you know that a big portion of them drive the only road through the park.

The current estimate for repair is late May to early June. I hope it is sooner than that, but with this work being done in a national park, I would honestly be surprised to see the road open before the fall.

Here is a great video from my good friend +Jeremy Brown  of the damage done by this slide.

Coffee & Local Pottery - Start your day right!

If you're in Robbinsville, NC, you'll find the best locally roasted coffee and handmade pottery around at Coffee & Clay.  She's located in the Village Shopping Center on Rodney Orr Bypass across from El Pacifico Mexican Restaurant.  While enjoying your blackberry cobbler latte, you can browse local art, pottery, jewelry, and more!   A great little place to stop.

Running

We love to run.  Until a little injury last fall, we were loving running everything from 5Ks to half marathons.  We're getting back into race condition as the weather warms up.  Here are some race lists in WNC to inspire us all to register and get back out there!

 Asheville Track Club Race Calendar


 The Color Run looks CrAzY fUn! 

Looks like Atlanta & Charlotte are my closest bets. 

 JusRunning


Speaking of Running - what about trail running?  I have a few favorite places and I'll tell you about some of them - some are secret ;-)

Tsali is one of my favorite places to run. Period. Steep climbs are worth it when you get to run along Fontana Lake and possibly see some wildlife. The famous mountain-biking area alternates the days that bikes are allowed on trails, so always run a trail without bikes so you don't risk being run over.  Here are the trail maps.  More Tsali info here.  How do you pronounce Tsali?  Say "solly" 



Also, I just have to plug my awesome blue shoes.  I LOVE them. I ran my first half marathon in them sock-free after having them about 2 weeks.  Very light and minimalist, but good for pronators.  I have worn nothing but Brooks shoes for running for about 5 years and I'm in love!
Check 'em out! 

Graham County Heritage Festival

Here's the schedule for this year. 
                                                 
It takes place July 3 & 4 at the Courthouse Square and surrounding areas.  

If you're in Western North Carolina, you have to stop in at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, an old schoolhouse turned gallery/concert house/restaurant.

Here's the schedule for An Appalachian Evening Concert Series.  I highly recommend Balsam Range - I have seen them live several times and they always put on a good show!  I also really love the Kruger Brothers - they are talented and hilarious between songs.  I haven't seen all the bands that play at SVC, but I've never seen a bad show there.  The theater is air-conditioned and refreshments are available.  Bring a cushion or rent one when you arrive - the beautifully refinished seats are original to the building!  Purchase Tickets here!