Hiking the trails of NC

Yesterday hubby told me he discovered a new hiking trail, about 3 miles.  He said he actually hiked it!  I didn't really believe him......   My thing, not his.  But, this morning he took off for his usual whatever it is he does, came back around noon and asked me if I had lunch yet.  Ya, I did.  Why?  He wouldn't really tell me what was up, just said we weren't going far, wouldn't take long, and it was a secret.  Bah!  I just wanted to stay in my cave, even tho it is just about the most beautiful day outside.  So, he said, ready when you are.  What?  That means, let's get going, NOW.  ok.  So, off I go with him, no idea where.  Well, he found a nature preserve (NC is one BIG nature preserve) less than 2 miles from our house.  Well, I knew about that one, but I didn't say so.  We hiked about 3 miles, some along a nice creek, some a little hard.  Not much.  We got to elevation 450 ft, which isn't bad.  I may have almost broke a sweat.....but I couldn't take my sweater off   with nothing on under it!  Ack!  At least I had decent, not great, but pretty good shoes on.  It was nice cuz hubby decided to "not talk".  Silence is golden, and when I am out in nature, I want to hear nature.  The breeze blowing thru the trees, leaves rustling, creek running, etc.  Not who is gonna be president or whatever else is on the news.  It was good.

We have miles and miles of hiking trails in NC.  They are rugged, but kept fairly clear.  Steep areas have built in "steps" made out of natural materials like fallen logs or rocks.  And there are man-made bridges over water.  Nice.  At one time I wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail, or part of it anyways.  But, I am too spoiled to even consider not having a bed to sleep in every night.  Camping?  NOT!  And Grandfather Mountain.  I have hiked to a certain point there many times, and cannot get past that point.  When i see I have to climp a ladder to get to the next part of the trail, well, i don't think so!  But, it was always nice to think about......