Company Mill Trail & Inspiration Trail

Hike distance: 7.13
Total distance hiked: 179.41 miles
Miles remaining: 0!!!

I finished! Just in the nick of time! It was a nice hike, even though it felt quite chilly. The trail looked different than normal... chilly, gloomy, and no leaves. I saw a downed tree from afar that I tried to get around during a recent hike and realized it was actually a huge tree that had split in the middle, and each piece had fallen in opposite directions. I also saw a couple of people riding horses on the multi-use trail - I don't think I've ever seen horses out there! They were pretty. Toward the end of the hike, I was walking down a stretch of trail with nobody around. It was perfectly quiet except for the sound of I-40 in the distance. I heard a strange sound in the woods - like a weird loud quack or caw. I never saw what it was, but after I reached the creek, I came across a great blue heron fishing in the water ... so maybe that's what it was. It was cool to watch him stretch his neck out and poke around in the water.

Christmas Day walk/jog

Hike distance: ~5 miles
Total distance hiked: 172.28 miles
Miles remaining: 6.72

On Christmas Day, I was feeling pretty worn down, lethargic, and anxious.  I needed to get out to exercise!  So I went on a walk/jog through the neighborhood around my parents' house. Kids were out playing with their toys, families were taking walks, and a couple of neighbors had some lovely chickens hanging out in their yards.  I went a little less than 3 miles.  I felt a million times better afterwards.  Then, I went on a little bit of a walk with my parents to tack on a couple more miles.  I then rounded up to 5 miles because the night before, my cat decided to jump out of my car window on Wade Avenue in Raleigh and run off into the woods (long story, ugh!!!)... and I spent half an hour tromping through the woods with my cell phone light, calling his name, and crying.  That totally counts as a hike, right???  :)  Luckily, my parents came to the rescue and helped me find and grab him.  WHEW.  Talk about a Christmas miracle!

Suburban "hike"

Hike distance: ~4 miles
Total distance hiked: 167.28 miles
Miles remaining: 11.72

This feels like cheating because it wasn't actually a hike, but I did take the opportunity to walk to the Lowe's down the street and back instead of driving in order to get some exercise and fresh air on a nice warm winter day.  I would've driven if it weren't for this challenge, so in a way, it totally counts!  Gaining some miles and getting Christmas presents and parts to fix a toilet - win win!  :)

North Cary Park & the Greenway

Hike distance: ~5 miles
Total distance hiked: 163.28 miles
Miles remaining: 15.72

I went on a chilly walk/jog through my neighborhood, through North Cary Park, and on the greenway behind it along a creek.  My asthma was being a bit of a killjoy, but it was good to get outside for some exercise. I've gotten sloppy about tracking my miles, so I am having to estimate.

Duck Walk

Hike distance: ~5 miles
Total distance hiked: 158.28 miles
Miles remaining: 20.72

I took a few walks around the Town of Duck, NC, over Thanksgiving - along the boardwalk, and through town.  The boardwalk is always a nice quasi-natural getaway - it goes along the edge of the sound with beautiful views and interesting trees and cool birds.  I also discovered a cool little outdoor bar near my uncle's house that had a cider on tap, which was a lovely treat for myself after a walk!

Company Mill with a twist

Hike distance: 4.54 miles

Total distance hiked: 153.28 miles

Miles remaining: 25.72

My recent hikes have taken an interesting turn. I have had the urge to go in directions that the trail doesn't go, so I end up veering off the trails and tromping through the woods. I'm sure there's some life metaphor in there somewhere...

Today, I started on Company Mill, went on the Inspiration Trail, got off the trail, went down a steep hill, and saw a nice little trickling waterfall. (I got the idea from someone's post on Instagram - he told me about the little waterfall.) I came across a guy nearby, and we chatted about the trail and where it went. He had found an extra trail map on the ground and gave it to me. I felt inspired (I guess this trail is appropriately named) to try to tromp through the woods and meet up with another part of Company Mill... Unfortunately, the big creek was in the way. I started following the creek to see if I could make it to the big bridge. I came across some rather large obstacles and decided to go back up the hill through the woods to catch an earlier section Company Mill trail. I went the opposite way on the loop than I usually go since it was the section across the creek from where I had just been. I watched the terrain on the other side to see if I could possibly hike along the creek on that side and make it to the bridge, or if there were any possible natural crossing places with rocks and logs. I definitely saw some big obstacles, but if I tried hard enough, I think I could do it.

Someone used to tell me that you should always stay on the trail. It's safer, and you won't disturb more protected natural areas. The same person also told me that the trail carries you. On a difficult backpacking hike, I remembered this visualization. I felt like I was riding the trail like a wave, and it was carrying me along the way, up and down the hills. It's easy to stay on the trail. The trail carries you. It's unnerving to veer off the trail. You have to stay more aware of direction, landmarks, and surroundings, and you may or may not be able to actually get to where you want to go. There are obstacles, dead ends, unknowns. It's possible to get lost. The terrain is more natural and potentially less stable. There may be more spider webs and other wildlife with fewer humans around. It's easier to misstep or fall into a hole. But there's a bigger sense of accomplishment when you make it out, and you see things you wouldn't normally see. I want to spend more time venturing through woods off the trail.

But then i see signs like this that crush my dreams.

Arrowhead hunting With Dad at Jordan Lake

Hike distance: 3.4 miles

Total distance hiked: 148.74 miles

Miles remaining: 30.26

Schenck Forest with a twist

Hike distance: 5.7 miles

Total distance hiked: 145.34 miles

Miles remaining: 33.66

Company Mill

Hike distance: 6.55 miles

Total distance hiked: 139.64 miles

Miles remaining: 39.36

"Urban Canyons"

Hike distance: ~2.5 miles

Total distance hiked: 133.09 miles

Miles remaining: 45.91

My mom and I walked around downtown Raleigh to see the sights. Not really a hike at all, but I'm a little behind on miles and decided to count this one. It was a beautiful day, and it was great to spend time with my mom to celebrate her birthday.

Hawksbill

Hike distance: ~2 miles

Total distance hiked: 130.59 miles

Miles remaining: 48.41

This hike felt like way more than a couple miles. It was a steep trek to the top of a peak in Pisgah National Forest overlooking Linville Gorge. The first section going up was ok, but the last 1/3 mile to the top was tough! I even had to stop and rest a couple of times. But the view at the top was worth it! Except for the giant thick swarm of flying ants... I was worried I was going to run off the edge of the mountain trying to get out of the cloud of them. Haha.

White Oak Creek Greenway

Hike distance: 3.1 miles

Total distance hiked: 128.59 miles

Miles remaining: 50.41

I started in a beer shop parking lot (cuz that's how I roll), walked through some paths in a neighborhood, and got on the greenway from there.  I went west under 55, and then it got all tree-y and quiet.  It is a lovely section of greenway!  If I can find a way to park closer, I'd love to do that whole section between 55 and Green Level Church Rd.  Looks interesting - lots of trees, goes under 540, and then over some marshy land.

Neuse River trail walk/jog (!!)

Hike distance: 2.13 miles

Total distance hiked: 125.49 miles

Miles remaining: 53.51

Yates Mill Pond

Hike distance: 3.8 miles

Total distance hiked: 123.36 miles

Miles remaining: 55.64

Heroes & She-roes 10K "race"

Hike distance: 6.3 miles
Total distance hiked: 125.86 miles
Miles remaining: 53.14

10K race, Carrie style!  Hiked Company Mill, AGAIN :)  But this time with my former coworker Ernest who also signed up for the Heroes & She-roes virtual race.  The weather was PERFECT.

Starbucks!

Hike distance: 3 miles

Total distance hiked: 119.56 miles
Miles remaining: 59.44

Neuse River Trail

Hike distance: 3 miles

Total distance hiked: 116.56 miles
Miles remaining: 62.44

Company Mill again. Ha

Hike distance: 6.2 miles

Total distance hiked: 113.56 miles
Miles remaining: 65.44

Company Mill is my friend

Hike distance: 6.4 miles
Total distance hiked: 107.36 miles
Miles remaining: 71.64

Over all, a decent hike, although hot and muggy.

I'm still curious... I crossed over the MUT for the second time on the trail loop, and a few minutes later I saw a woman walking the opposite way. She asked if she was close to the road. I said yes, just a few minutes. I hiked the remaining 2+ miles and got to the final hill on the way back up to the parking lot, and there she was, standing on the side of the trail. Wait, what?? It was 4 miles back going the way she was going... I never saw her pass me... She was walking when I saw her... The MUT goes way further out of the way to get back... She wasn't running, but she was red in the face and didn't look like a runner, but I guess don't judge a book by its cover - the only explanation is that she ran (at over 7mph!) the opposite direction on the loop, maybe cut through the loop on the MUT (that would cut off about a mile, so that would be more like 5.25+ mph), and just beat me back that way. This trail is pretty hilly with lots of roots and rocks. It is still bugging me, and I kind of wished I had asked her. Maybe she is just a lot more hard core bad ass than she looked. Or maybe she has a twin. Or heck, maybe she did pass me and I didn't notice (I have been a space cadet lately). It was just so weird to be hiking up that hill and see that woman standing there like she teleported.

A walk for Shadow

Hike distance: 3.28 miles
Total distance hiked: 100.96 miles
Miles remaining: 78.04

I needed to go check on Shadow, Julie's cat... So I decided to walk there and back since her place is so close. Not really a hike, but I took a chunk out of the back of my heel a couple weeks ago and haven't been able to wear real shoes much... So I am taking what I can get. My heel was hurting after this walk, so I'm glad I've taken it easy. My next walk may be in flip flops :)

Starbucks + Pokemon Go = what has happened to me?

Hike distance: ~4 miles
Total distance hiked: 97.68 miles
Miles remaining: 81.32

I am ashamed to admit that it was Pokemon Go and lack of coffee that got me out today. I walked to Starbucks to fuel up (a YUMMY black cold brew + a bag-o-beans for later), and I cruised around on a few trails at Godbold Park in Cary for Pokemons. What can I say... A day in the suburban life.

Neuse River Trail Sunflowers

Hike distance: 5.4 miles
Total distance hiked: 93.68 miles
Miles remaining: 85.32

Most of this "hike" was in the blazing sun along the side of the road. Not my kind of hike. Turns out I love trees - for the shade, birds, critters, sounds... Walking without trees around is very daunting for me. This walk felt 3 times longer than it was. The sunflowers were also just past their prime (notice how they look pouty in the photo), but it was still pretty cool. I think next time I'll park at the landfill for a quick easy peek :)

Schenk Forest

Hike distance: 3.33 miles
Total distance hiked: 88.28 miles
Miles remaining: 90.72

I liked the quietness and the more abundant nature in Schenk Forest, except maybe the bugs and spiderwebs. I never saw another person in the woods, and only one other person out on the road. The trails are not marked very well, and the maps that are available online aren't great. I actually had to open the compass on my phone twice to orient myself. I swear I think the Loblolly & Frances Liles trail intersection signs were backwards. And one trail turned into a quicksand swamp, so I turned around there. But overall, I really enjoyed this hike. Almost halfway to my goal!

Beach walk

Hike distance: 4.5 miles
Total distance hiked: 84.95 miles
Miles remaining: 94.05

Walking barefoot on the beach is a different kind of "hiking" experience. Hehe. Went from my motel in Nags Head heading south, under the Jennette's Pier, down to the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, and back. It was roughly low tide, and there were thousands of mole crabs washing around in the surf. It is an absolutely gorgeous day on the beach, and I'm glad I worked off some of last night's mint chocolate chip ice cream calories :)

Father's Day greenway walk - Lassiter Mill

Hike distance: 2.3 miles
Total distance hiked: 80.45 miles
Miles remaining: 98.55

Lots of greenways this week! I went on a stroll with my parents on Father's Day off of Lassiter Mill Rd, part of the Crabtree Creek trail.  I grew up in that area and had no idea that there was a historical mill site down there - hence the name.  Go figure!  It was a beautiful day, and the mill site was really cool.  There are also some fancy houses with awesome patios and decks right on the water - pretty neat.

Greenway walk - House Creek

Hike distance: 3.4 miles
Total distance hiked: 78.15 miles
Miles remaining: 100.85

A nice leisurely walk on the House Creek trail (from Crabtree to Ridgewood), right along 440.  A lovely day and beautiful trail, but the noisy beltline traffic left something to be desired.  The Stone Delicious IPA at Ridgewood Wine & Beer was a nice way to end it :)

Walk/Trike with Andrea!

Hike distance: 2 miles
Total distance hiked: 74.75 miles
Miles remaining: 104.25

Andrea (as in THE Andrea, leader of Team Drea!) and I went on a trike/walk on a greenway near her place.  We were going to do some Neuse River Trail, but the weather was being iffy, so it made more sense to meet up on her side of town.  It was a nice couple of miles with good catch-up time, followed by dinner and dessert with her husband Dave.

Lunchtime walk

Hike distance: 4 miles

Total distance hiked: 72.75 miles
Miles remaining: 106.25

Booked it for four miles on the Neuse River trail at lunch. I was frustrated with work and life, so it was so nice to get outside!  And the weather was PERFECT - 76 degrees, low humidity, nice breeze. I averaged 15-minute miles - I was trying to work off that frustration.  I saw a blue heron and a deer... plus 5 mowers.  Yay for urban "hikes" :)

Loblolly @ Umstead

Hike distance: 8.12 miles

Total distance hiked: 68.75 miles
Miles remaining: 110.25

I wanted to get to Schenk Forest, but I had already gone far enough. I saw a deer.

Again... Company mill

Hike distance: 6.54 miles
Total distance hiked: 60.63 miles
Miles remaining: 118.37

Pace was very slow, but some days ya just gotta mosey.

MST after work

Hike distance: 4.72 miles
Total distance hiked: 54.09 miles
Miles remaining: 124.91

Today's hike is dedicated to my Aunt Kay-O.

It's been exactly a month since my last hike.  UGH!

Mountains to Sea trail off Falls of Neuse.  I've done this section before, just needed to rack up some miles after work.  Next time, I should at least hunt down a different section of the MST.

Less than a mile into the regular white dot trail, there were big signs saying it was closed for construction. So, I went back and took the blue dot detour, which ended up just reconnecting with the white dot trail later.  It was actually more pleasant that way, except for the spider webs.  I also was startled by a deer on the trail - I was deep in thought, looking down.  I just happened to look up and see a deer in the middle of the trail about 30 feet away just staring at me.  I stopped and gasped, which was enough to scare her off into the woods.  My quickest mile was 15:30.

I am really behind on my miles.  Life has been very busy lately.  I need to start squeezing in more of these weekday hikes in addition to weekends to make up for lost time.

Company mill again

I need to get more creative...

Hike distance: 5.5 miles

Total distance hiked: 49.37 miles

Miles remaining: 129.63

Neuse River Trail - lunchtime walk

Hike distance: 2.5 miles

Total distance hiked: 46.37 miles

Miles remaining: 132.63

Umstead - Company Mill Trail

Hike distance: 6.2 miles

Total distance hiked: 43.87 miles

Miles remaining: 135.13

Neuse River trail

Hike distance: 5.0 miles

Total distance hiked: 37.67 miles

Miles remaining: 141.33

The deer around here are fearless! Also saw blue herons and heard/saw owls. Nature is so cool.

Old faithful - Company Mill Trail @ Umstead

Hike distance: 3.26 miles

Total distance hiked: 32.67 miles

Miles remaining: 146.33

I love spring!

Jockey's Ridge

Hike distance: 2 miles

Total distance hiked: 29.41 miles

Miles remaining: 149.59

I went to the Outer Banks to visit family this weekend. The photo below is a fairly good visual representation of the emotional mood of the trip: beautiful, humbling, serene, and overcast. But the sun did come out.

Art museum greenway

Hike distance: 4.18 miles

Total distance hiked: 27.41 miles

Miles remaining: 151.59

Fantastic Hike. Company Mill Trail at Umstead

Hike distance: 6.18 miles

Total distance hiked: 23.23 miles

Miles remaining: 155.77

This hike was for Kathy and her family.

Best hike in recent memory. I've been pretty inactive for a couple of weeks due to a super stubborn cold, and boy was I wound up. Upon arrival to the Harrison Ave entrance of Umstead, it became clear that I was far from the only one planning to enjoy the sunny 70-degree weather. Cars were parked all along the road and even into the rock quarry. I got lucky and snagged a parking spot and hit the trail. A few minutes in, I was so irritated with all the people that I wasn't sure if I was actually that wound up or if the Triangle Chapter of the Douchebags of America was having a meetup. After a couple of miles, the crowd thinned and my nerves eased. I heard the wind rustling the few leaves on the trees, squeaking tree trunks, frogs croaking, and planes buzzing overhead. I ran my hands along the mossy rocks and the rough bark on the tree trunks. The furthest section of the trail loop is the quietest and most calming. I cried, took deep breaths, and had all sorts of emotional, poetic ponderings... Such as how I wish life had trail markers to let you know you're on the right path, or how the croaking frogs were somehow a sign from Andrea to encourage me along the way, or the squeaking trees were Kathy saying hello, or wondering why only one type of tree throughout the woods was hanging onto its cream colored dead leaves, or how my journey in life is a hot mess but each step is a tiny victory, or even how a hike is like a game of Oregon Trail when the game pauses at a landmark and asks you if you want to take a look around - despite the cheesy music and bad graphics, it's good to take the extra time to pause and take a look around. The clouds came in with a cool breeze, like a sigh of relief. I found myself craving a downpour, but when I started hearing raindrops, I had a moment of panic before smiling and saying out loud to myself, "be careful what you wish for." But, it was just a pleasant, refreshing sprinkle that couldn't have been more perfect. The rest of the hike, I felt like I was floating. Today's hike was a much needed emotionally therapeutic journey. Thanks to Andrea and Kathy for the motivation and inspiration.

Sal's Branch Clockwise + some

Hike distance: 5.01 miles

Total distance hiked: 17.05 miles

Miles remaining: 161.95

What a beautiful 70-degree January day! Hiked with a high school friend, and we treated ourselves to Dos Taquitos for lunch after. I missed logging a small section, but oh well. Close enough :)

Sal's Branch Counterclockwise

Hike distance: 2.75 miles

Total distance hiked: 12.04 miles

Miles remaining: 166.96

My tracking app failed me a bit on this hike (notice the straight line). So I used the mileage from the Umstead website.

Brrrrr

Hike distance: 2.73 miles

Total distance hiked: 9.29 miles

Miles remaining: 169.71

After a few days stuck inside thanks to ice and snow, it was great to go crunching through a little bit of nature. It was a paved greenway (Black Creek greenway in Cary at the south edge of Lake Crabtree), so I feel like it barely counts, but it's my challenge, so I can make the rules, right? Crunchy icy snow is on the same level as roots and dirt and rocks, I think ;)

I actually bumped into Julie and Kim on the greenway, too, which was fun!