Video: (NC) Shining Rock / Flat Laurel Ck in Feb

[TallPaul]

I've wanted to hike Shining Rock wilderness in the offseason as it is typically crowded in the summer. With the Blue Ridge parkway having seasonal closures, I definitely found (relative) solitude.

I had a great time exploring side trails, doing some bouldering and off trail wandering. I bushwhacked down to a creek and found a nice waterfall. You could cover the same route in a day hike, but I find the exploring to be so rewarding.

The weather had everything- one minute I was in shorts, the next full on rain gear, and the next using a hand warmer bundled up in the hammock trying to warm up.

My goal was to get to Shining Rock itself, but unknown to me a fire had been reported on Cold Mountain the same day I entered the trail. I found out the trails were closed in the area.

Finally, I shot and edited this on my iPhone. That's all new to me.

Fire update: 50% contained, and the trail closure has been reduced to Art Loeb near Cold Mountain. Check the Pisgah NF site for updates.

https://youtu.be/4FBa11T2PpI

[TrailSlug]

Another good video Paul. That area looks beautiful and there's so much of it you could spend a life time exploring it. Did the rain blow in on your because from the one camera shot it looked like there was quite an opening for you to record.

[TallPaul]

@TrailSlug it was a fun trip. The opening in the tarp was on the leeward side, so I wasn't getting rain in from that. I did get some swirling and updraft winds but never felt too exposed from that opening. But I was in a cloud for 14 hours, so that made everything damp.

[Caminante]

Nice report, looks like fun. I've been meaning to do a Sam's Knob/Shining Rock trip with a parking lot resupply in the middle, but haven't lined it up as yet. Seems like the fires have been tough around there this year.

In a weird way, I like laying in my hammock in the rain (under a tarp). Although, at some point, it's time to get up!

[TallPaul]

Nice report, looks like fun. I've been meaning to do a Sam's Knob/Shining Rock trip with a parking lot resupply in the middle, but haven't lined it up as yet. Seems like the fires have been tough around there this year.

In a weird way, I like laying in my hammock in the rain (under a tarp). Although, at some point, it's time to get up!

I think the parking lot resupply would be great - I hated carrying all that food and the canister.
I also don't mind the time in the hammock. After I woke up in the morning, I listened to a book, watched a show, napped some more, etc.

[TrailSlug]

I also don't mind the time in the hammock. After I woke up in the morning, I listened to a book, watched a show, napped some more, etc.

I'm with you Paul. I love being lazy when hiking as that one of the main reasons I'm out in the woods and that is to chillax.

[Tacoma96]

Great video Paul always enjoy them. I am also a little rusty on hiking and hiking with a bear canister does add to the weight. I had the BV500 like you have in your video then switched to the Garcia canister due to it being smaller. I might put my BV500 on the market. Thanks again for sharing and need to get on the Loeb myself.

[gunner76]

Fund to watch. Thanks

[JSH]

Really enjoyed your report. I lived just north of the area you hiked through the 80's. Used to drive up on the parkway for picnic suppers with my wife. It's beautiful up there. You're a good sport showing us your packing mistake. I've done that sort of thing myself.

I like sleeping under my Superfly during a rainstorm. Something about the patter of the rain is restful. Your mention of reading and watching Netflix resonated with my discovery of reading in my hammock. I've got a lightweight solar powered LED lantern that I use at night. Adding reading to the comfort of a hammock and it can't be beat.

Did you miss Gracie when the beagle stopped by?

[jkeeper]

Great looking trip. With the parkway closed, where did you

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