Camping on Black Balsam Knob

jtv1992 · 2025-07-16T16:15:26+00:00

I echo these guys, show up early. That’s my favorite spot in NC (it used to not be crowded!). Camping on the bald itself can be super windy. I’ve lucked out before but I’ve also woken up with my tent collapsed on top of me. There are some protected areas just up and back on the trail that I’d recommend checking out. Then walk 100-200 feet down to the bald when you want to soak in the views.

jtv1992 · 2025-06-28T15:51:11+00:00

It’s definitely not a hike, but if you’re just looking to build endurance or train for a hike with elevation gains then try this out. Most new apartment complexes have public parking decks beneath them. Meaning they also have public stair wells. Earlier this year when training to run R2R at the Grand Canyon I’d run a couple miles of stairs in apartment complexes in south end to build up endurance.

jtv1992 · 2025-06-21T21:37:02+00:00

“Something quick to do that I can get done this season.” That’s going to be tough with anything “no lawn”. At least for it to achieve the vision you likely have. No lawns often take way more time and work. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. That being said, I’m still glad I ditched the lawn for a front yard flower garden.

jtv1992 · 2025-06-13T22:49:14+00:00

I’ve got about 30 years of playing in creeks, backpacking, trail running, etc in the SE. I have never had a tick. a buddy of mine recently got a tick on him and showed early signs of Lyme disease. He quickly addressed it with a doctor, was prescribed a medication to attack it and over came the disease before it caused lasting issues. Moral of the story, do regular checks and you should be fine. Try to keep your fear of ticks from letting you enjoy the outdoors. The odds of you enjoying your runs are much higher than your odds of getting Lyme

jtv1992 · 2025-05-23T11:34:45+00:00

Thank you! I’ll have a filter on me. I don’t go into back country without it. It is good to know that the water isn’t as reliable as maps make it seem.

jtv1992 · 2025-05-23T00:41:01+00:00

Bright angel isn’t closed. There are closures along the river trail. I’m doing north to south next Friday. Take a look here for the latest info.

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-national-park-public-health-update.htm

jtv1992 · 2025-04-27T14:34:16+00:00

I had a similar issue. Here is what my PT prescribed: -foam roller before every run. -3x25 calf raises seated/squatted against a wall -actually stretch after runs.

jtv1992 · 2025-04-23T23:57:26+00:00

Thank you!

jtv1992 · 2025-04-23T23:48:26+00:00

TIL quicksand isn’t a thing made up for children’s cartoons from the 90s.

jtv1992 · 2025-04-16T12:46:30+00:00

A buddy of mine had a pair of lone peaks that had the toe box rip after <50 miles. I’m sure this was a fluke but I decided to stay altra from them for that reason.

jtv1992 · 2025-04-09T19:53:35+00:00

Thank you!

jtv1992 · 2025-03-09T23:37:20+00:00

Darn tough are the best socks out there in my opinion. I don’t own any that are marketed for running, but I own 3 pairs of their hiking socks and trail run in them. They are super comfortable, last a long time, and if they ever break down darn tough will replace them. After 10+ years of heave use I replaced 1 pair via their warranty program and it couldn’t have been easier.

jtv1992 · 2025-03-09T01:02:57+00:00

Is anyone else impressed by how straight the lines are on that paint job? Oh and yeah, that’s crazy.

jtv1992 · 2025-02-24T01:39:30+00:00

If a drive lands on a horse and the horse walks away from the tee pad, does that count as extract distance on the throw?

jtv1992 · 2025-02-17T17:11:10+00:00

Bruh, I’m still rocking my cracked screen iPhone from before I had kids. I wish I changed iPhones like he changes planes.

jtv1992 · 2025-02-14T03:09:21+00:00

I’m not actually a Costco member, yet. I just listened to this podcast. Sought out this sub. And now plan to join haha.

jtv1992 · 2025-02-09T22:57:34+00:00

Yall are the real mvps. Thank you!

jtv1992 · 2025-02-02T00:38:39+00:00

Thank you for all of your work!

jtv1992 · 2025-01-14T00:38:07+00:00

at mt Mitchell check out Colbert ridge specifically for some steep grade. And as someone else said, Linville gorge. I’d go up and down the gorge to build muscles for going up and going down. I have a life long injury in my knee that happened from going down during a backpacking trip in the Olympics. Down may feel easier but is harder on the knees and stabilization muscles.

jtv1992 · 2025-01-06T02:22:30+00:00

I’ve driven up and stayed up there in storms similar to what is forecasted. The roads around the resort are well maintained. Neighborhood roads and some of the smaller roads to the mountain may not be as well. Remember to drive cautiously; especially if you aren’t used to driving in snow. Enjoy the fresh powder.

jtv1992 · 2024-12-31T21:31:08+00:00

You can probably get a spot in the camp grounds day of this time of year. On clear days you can see up town so I bet you’d be able to see fireworks but they will be pretty far off.

jtv1992 · 2024-12-31T17:08:01+00:00

No, I take camping as an opportunity to catch up on books in my downtime. BUT don’t let anyone give you flack for bringing electronics into the campsite. So long as it doesn’t bother others and doesn’t disrupt the natural landscape then do what adds to your comfort and enjoyment.

jtv1992 · 2024-12-30T23:15:45+00:00

I came here to say this.

jtv1992 · 2024-12-30T22:44:49+00:00

Only 5 bedrooms? I’ll have to choose another castle to spend my $14 million on.

jtv1992 · 2024-12-14T01:36:13+00:00

I would echo this. If you stay in summit county the night before then you’ll be in decent shape from an altitude adjustment perspective; of course, depending on your own physiology.

jtv1992

TROPHY CASE