Tree's Terrific Treadmill to Trail Trek

Way back when I was still getting over the last few slugs of poison, err I mean chemo, our pal Julia had the idea to plan an event that we could use to celebrate being healthy and one that we could use to challenge ourselves. We decided to do a hike along the Shut In Ridge Trail which is a beautiful hike that parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway from the French Broad River in Asheville south to Mt Pisgah some 17 miles away. It was originally a trail that Vanderbilt used to get from his enormous estate to a hunting cabin he owned near the summit of the mtn (truth be told, he owned all of that land). I chose the route because I had done the 17 mile race that is held on the mtn each November and knew that it would be a tough but doable kedge.

Now that the w-e for the event is finally here, Holly and I have been frantically emailing people back and forth about start times and car shuttles. We have run almost the entire route to scout out overlooks and parking spots and get a feel for the trail. But we haven't done the whole thing in one fell swoop yet; that will be this w-e, with friends from the Triangle & Asheville joining us for the event and/or the potluck afterwards. I had so, so much support during the whole cancer ordeal; now they are getting up early and risking tenderfeet to help me celebrate being back to health again. I'll be smiling with gratitude all the way.

Here is Holly's email announcement about the Trek:

> Hi everyone,
>
> April is around the corner and we're gearing up to have a beautiful hike in the mountains soon. We'd love you to join us. You can choose to hike anywhere from 0 to 17 miles. We're planning on a 12mile hike ourselves, but we can carpool to accommodate various pick up spots for shorter distances depending on interest.
>
> We're planning to leave our house at 7am on Saturday (Sunday will be the rain date). Bring water and lunch and appropriate wear for the weather (check www.wlos.com if you want local forecasts). It's usually a bit cooler and windier on the ridge.
>
> We'll host supper at our house at 7pm on Saturday. We'll provide pizza. Please bring a beverage, dessert or salad if you'd like to contribute something. We'll probably pick up a couple of growlers of local brew.

I expect that we will be tired and hungry by the end. But it sure beats chemo.

Photos: from last w-e's trip with Susan and Donna to Greenville SC to tour the Thomas Creek brewery, the Art Museum and the goats at the Carl Sandburg place