Monday, June 17, 2013

Summits #169-171 - Buffalo Mountain, Virginia


Elev. 3,971 ft.

     My wife and I spent this past weekend in the beautiful rural town of Floyd, Virginia. It's the kind of place that should probably be a well known Appalachian vacation destination by now, complete with miniature golf and go kart tracks. Thankfully, it is not. And that's just the way most of it's residents like it. Life moves at a slow, steady pace in this part of the world and it's just about the most relaxing place you could possibly imagine. Just off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway (which winds it's way a few miles from town) lies Buffalo Mountain, the highest peak in Floyd County. I managed to hike the mountain all three days I was in town and was shocked to have the entire mountain pretty much to myself. The rocky, exposed summit offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding farms and woods. It's a beautiful spot. Just don't tell anyone - It's our little secret. 


Buffalo Mountain is named for it's Buffalo shaped "hump"



wildflowers if full bloom in SW Virginia



views from the summit









Buffalo Summit sunrise



Virginia sunset

Monday, June 3, 2013

Summit # 156 - Blood Mountain, GA


Elev. 4,458 ft.
6th highest peak in Georgia

I returned to Blood Mountain yesterday (this time with a fully charged camera) with hopes of capturing some images of the stunning views from the craggy summit. The weather, however, had other ideas. A light drizzle fell as I climbed up the AT and a heavy fog shrouded any views from the summit. All was not lost, however, as the weather kept the crowds to a minimum and I had the peak all to myself. Plus there's a certain spooky quality that comes while hiking through the mist alone on one of Georgia's most famous mountains that you just have to experience for yourself. "No Quarter" by Led Zeppelin was the perfect soundtrack for the day. 

                             


BH Reece Trailhead.







Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel in full bloom along the AT






had to make an entry in the Blood Mountain shelter trail register