Livin' La Vida Luxem: Why do I do these things?

"Because it's FUN!! And I LIKE IT!" - Russell Edgington.

Just making the rounds to visit friends and family before we begin the arduous task of packing up and shipping out. I recently returned from Wise, Virginia. If you ever feel the need to drive to the end of the line, Wise County - touted as the 'Safest Place on Earth' - is a great destination about one hour northwest of Abingdon, VA (mm 19 on Interstate 81). JUST DON'T CLICK ON THE "Safest Place on Earth" banner as it has been labeled an 'ATTACK SITE' by my browser. I just love irony.

My best friend Tyler, who've I've known since the fourth grade, lives and works in Wise. Which is great since it's tucked into some of the most rugged mountains in the Appalachian chain.


Tyler and his Family - So much blonde hair!

As outdoor adventure is something we share a passion for, we decided to go for a backpacking trip at the Mt. Roger's National Recreation Area. This is a unique area that remains as one on the southernmost outposts of the Northern Arboreal Forest - think Canadian wilderness on the same latitude as Virginia Beach. During the last Ice Age, the peak of Mt Roger's (5,729 ft above sea-level) and some of the other 5,000 - 6,000 foot mountains in the area were the only bits of land trees and animals could cling to above the glaciers. As these ice sheets receded, the spruce-fir forest were left behind and survived at these high altitudes. This makes for some stunning scenery and awesome hiking.

If you look Closely, you can see Thomas Knob Shelter in the center of the photo

My favorite feature of the Highlands is, of course - The Ponies! These herds were originally wild horses that escapes the mine shafts in the late 19th century. These rugged 'mini-draught horses' were once used to haul ore and coal out of the mines that pock the hills of southwest Virginia. Because of their toughness and the harsh terrain they lived in relative peace up on the windswept alpine slopes. Now the herds are managed by State and Federal wildlife officials. These little guys make the horses of Chincoteague look like pikers! The males of the herd are rounded up and auctioned off each fall in order to maintain a healthy herd population. Perhaps I'll buy one when we return from Luxembourg and sell veggie-dogs from a horse drawn cart in Old Town Alexandria. I do need to think about the future!

After a 40 mile hike and two nights in the backcountry, my poor legs are going to get a much needed rest!