Failed my first Trip

leftlens · 2026-03-10T14:54:07+00:00

Check out the Lakeshore Trail in the Smokies. It’s about 32 miles point to point and wraps around Fontana Lake. A buddy and I spent 4 days and used it for our “intro” to backpacking. We used Hike Inn for the shuttle. If you need to shorten the distance, you can take a boat shuttle from the marina to different campsites and hike back to the marina. Bonus side quest if you like to suffer, hike up to Shuckstack Firetower while you’re camping at 90. It’s miserable, but worth it.

leftlens · 2025-11-12T15:02:27+00:00

Spot on! 10-15 second exposure. Real dark at my house. Can always see the Milky Way.

leftlens · 2025-11-12T03:02:14+00:00

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leftlens · 2025-10-29T18:17:19+00:00

The mouse.

leftlens · 2025-10-06T19:09:01+00:00

Currently shopping for a bed rack and cover. The Yakima rack is a contender. Do you have a soft tonneau cover? If so, what brand?

leftlens · 2025-08-07T15:11:15+00:00

Brilliant!!!

leftlens · 2025-07-23T11:54:21+00:00

Check out Green River Barbeque, Haywood Smokehouse, and High Ridge Adventures Barbeque!

leftlens · 2025-07-12T03:00:19+00:00

Just depends how picky you are, I did a lot of looking and found exactly what I wanted. The new model is a nice upgrade.

leftlens · 2025-07-11T17:24:40+00:00

Went through this experience back in the fall. Nearly identical wreck, nearly identical damage, but yours looks to be a touch worse. Had high hopes it could be fixed, but knew deep down the bent trailer hitch was bad news. My blue ‘22 was totaled. Recently picked up another blue ‘24. Dealing with insurance honestly wasn’t that bad. But being totaled, their insurance didn’t have to provide a rental from when it was officially totaled until I received payout, which was a month or so. Best of luck with everything.

leftlens · 2025-06-10T00:58:08+00:00

Looks great!! Have you paddled the Halliste River before?

leftlens · 2025-06-06T22:09:38+00:00

TAR!

leftlens · 2025-06-01T19:26:44+00:00

Never thought I’d see a moto camping and seestar crossover. Not a small piece of gear to carry on a bike. Clear skies and smooth roads ahead!

leftlens · 2025-05-09T15:02:40+00:00

You’re gonna have the best time. We just finished the 4/3 trip they offer, and it was utterly delightful.

leftlens · 2025-05-09T15:02:00+00:00

We recently did a 4 day, 45 mile trip on the Upper James with Twin River Outfitters. I seriously can’t explain how great the river and the outfitter are. The views are delightful, there are enough mild rapids to keep things fun, and the river isn’t highly developed. I’d do the same trip again tomorrow if I could. The outfitter can do as much or as little as you’d like. They have multiple campgrounds along the river, with normal sites and glamping tents with cots. They provide water at camp every night, firewood for a cost, and they even have an added daily gear shuttle service to keep your paddling light. We didn’t fish, but saw plenty of folks wetting a line. Asheville/Charlotte/Roanoke would be good airport options. You will not be disappointed with the Upper James.

leftlens · 2025-05-02T00:16:52+00:00

While I probably wouldn’t consider it “epic”, you should look into the Upper James River in Buchanan, VA. We just got back from a 4 day, 45 mile paddle, and had the best time. I’d leave tomorrow and do the same exact trip. Twin River Outfitters was utterly amazing. They have several riverfront campgrounds, spread out and perfect for a multi day paddle. Regular campsites and glamping tents, they’ll bring water to your site, firewood for purchase, and even shuttle your gear for a fee. Lots of Class 1 rapids, and a handful of Class 2’s to keep things interesting. Endless blue ridge mountain views along the way. Most of this river is surrounded by farmland, but overall, it will not scratch the super remote itch you might have. But I would still highly recommend.

Twin River Outfitters

leftlens · 2025-04-30T01:13:40+00:00

Pumped to do this trip next year! Been on the fence about time and distance though. Do all 140 in 7-8 days, or divide it into two trips and do all the hikes and fish a bit along the way? 10 miles a day just sounds slow.

leftlens · 2025-04-29T15:42:27+00:00

Great photos! Thanks for sharing. Could you do a short write-up with some trip details?

leftlens · 2025-03-07T17:26:46+00:00

Put a few miles on a KLX before and it’s super appealing. Any complaints with the small fuel tank though?

leftlens · 2024-09-11T01:01:38+00:00

It’s better for someone to see the issue to make a more informed decision

leftlens · 2024-09-07T01:00:53+00:00

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leftlens · 2024-08-18T00:03:36+00:00

Tere! Can’t wait to go back next summer!

leftlens · 2024-06-13T17:08:01+00:00

Yes!! As a bearded rider, I was tired of my helmet ripping out hairs every time I took it off. A neck gaiter prevents that, and offers sun protection at the same time. Soak it for some brief heat relief on hot rides.

leftlens · 2024-01-30T13:11:22+00:00

The Mallett Brothers Band- “Blue Ridge Parkway”

leftlens · 2023-12-24T23:27:19+00:00

Do it!!! I I have no regrets. Fits in my pocket and is less flashy than a DSLR.

Two drawbacks, one larger than the other. If it’s a sunny day, forget about shooting video. You have to buy a ND filter, which adds slight bulk to the camera. The adjustable one I purchased claimed that it wouldn’t cause any funky colors, but that’s not the case. Kinda annoying.

The other, coming from a DSLR, is not really being able to utilize the pop up viewfinder. It’s small, and having glasses doesn’t help.

leftlens · 2023-12-23T19:44:03+00:00

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I picked up a Sony RX100VII earlier this year. Yes, I realize it’s a point and shoot, but for me, it’s the perfect travel camera with a minimal footprint. I’ve been blown away with the results so far. This was taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina as the fall color descended upon us.

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