The Art Loeb/Big East Fork Spring Trip

It was spring break for many college students across the United States this past week. Many flocked to beaches for warmer climates seeking a little time to unwind before kicking it into high gear for the end of the semester. I too looked to unwind during my break, but where a friend and I went took us a little bit higher than sea level.

Looking southeast towards the sea (we could not actually see the sea)

I like a warm beach, don't get me wrong, but it is the overwhelming amount of people that disrupts the ocean's beauty. So instead of wasting a few hundred dollars going to a crowded beach to people watch, I decided to go to the mountains. 

In the mountains, food is currency, people are more seldom the higher you go, and there is more nature than you can throw a stick at. 

On Monday morning my friend, Brad, and I set out for the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. 

For some reason, it seems, every time I go to the mountains, the first day is dripping with terrible weather and the rest of the trip is filled with sunshine. This trip was no different.

After eating lunch in Brevard, NC, we were in no hurry to hike in the rain and wind, so I suggested to Brad that we go to one of my favoriate outdoors shops, The Hub.

The Hub is not a big store, it lies at the very edge of the Pisgah Forest in Brevard and is your typical hiking/camping/biking shop. However, they do offer one thing that your local REI does not, beer.

Photo Courtesy of The Hub/Pisgah Tavern

Inside The Hub, beside the bike-repair area, is a small bar with with a few stools. There is typically 4 or 5 beers on tap, but no light beers for those of you Busch-light and Whatever-light lovers out there. These beers will put some hair on your chest. Like the Brevard Brewing Company's IPA that I tried this time. 

Yes, it was tasty.

And no, no chest hairs yet. I will keep you posted on that one.

After a brew, it was time to face the cold, the wind and the rain. After all, we did not come to North Carolina for the beer and indoor heating.

After some slight alterations to our plans, being that one of the roads we needed to take was closed, Brad and I parked at the Big East Fork trailhead (which was where we were previously planning to end our hike) and headed into the woods. 

The weather report for our location was not pretty. On the radar, there was a wall of red, yellow and dark green heading our way, accompanied by some strong winds. So after a short hike (about two miles), knowing that the storm was nearing, we decided it would be best to bed down in the valley instead of continuing up for another couple hours to the top of the mountain. 

It had already been misting during the walk in, but soon after arriving at our night's campsite (3 pm), the rain and wind picked up. 

Quickly setting up the tent, we hunkered down until the next morning and awoke to a new world, free of grey skies and full of life.

Before the storm (3 p.m.)

After the storm (9 a.m.)

Thus began day 2.

After several hot cups of tea and a light breakfast, we departed on another fairly short hike. After about an hour and 3000 feet in elevation gained, we made it to camp two.

Then after a slight break to regain my composure and a sight-seeing tour of the surrounding hills, the tent was up, our bellies became full, and a nap seemed to be in order.

With some relaxation and few word from Jon Krakauer freshening up the afternoon, we left our gear behind and walked to the top of Shining Rock, a beautiful lookout point with a 300º view. It is known for it's bright quartz rock face that can be seen from miles away.

One of the beautiful views from Shining Rock.

A fire was next on the list, followed by some delicious Mountain House meals (chicken & rice and lasagna with meat sauce). 

Once the fire died down, it was time to warm up in our sleeping bags. Brad's new REI Halo 25º Down sleeping bag kept him warm in the mid-twenty temperatures throughout the night, as did my Kelty Cosmic Down 0º.

The next morning was frozen, but beautiful. After breakfast we headed back down to the cars and then home. 

It was a great, and much needed, vacation from real life. I am grateful that Brad could come along. 

I look forward to our next outing.

Here is the gear I took (26 lbs.), minus my Osprey Aether 60 pack and food (Brad carried our meals):

Follow Brad on twitter for the latest hairy news @orangefuzzface.

For more information about the Art Loeb, Big East Fork, the Pisgah National Forest, The Hub, Brevard or anything else, feel free to comment on this post or email me at primalsensations@yahoo.com.