Second Community Hike!
The Polk County Recreation Dept. offered a challenging hike on Sat., July 20th. This hike followed the same trail from Buffalo Creek Park toward Eagle Rock with the intention of doing an out-and-back hike, 5 miles up and 5 back down whereas the Eagle Rock hike started at the top and descended to the Buffalo Creek parking lot.
Travis, an AmeriCorps member who works with the Rec. Dept. drove the van and led the hike. The other hardy folks were Lisa, Neal and Dan.
The trail is nicely graded so that you hardly know you're gaining some 1000'+ as you march toward Wildcat Mt., our destination. The hike was during that heat wave of mid July which presented another challenge. But the scenery was gorgeous, periodic, panoramic views of Lake Lure well below us in the distance and our own camaraderie helped the miles go by. We took frequent breaks to hydrate ourselves as we were soon soaking wet in the 90+ heat.
When 2 1/2 hours had elapsed Lisa and Dan decided that was probably half of the ten promised miles. They continued a little further to reach a sign confirming that they had come half way. Travis and Neal had gone on ahead to scout our lunch overlook. They too decided we'd done enough and returned to find a lunch spot close to our present position.
After lunch we headed on down taking turns leading so each of us would have a chance to establish the pace. We stopped beside a couple of streams to throw water on our heads to cool off. Only one mountain bike rider passed us but we saw several groups of folks heading up as we came down.
Arriving back at the van, Travis cranked up the A/C and we headed for Ingles in Lake Lure where we had carpooled from. We all felt like we had accomplished something special.
Thank you Dan for the wonderful synopsis and we look forward to seeing you, and everyone else, on the next one!
