Road to Kilimanjaro - Training Hanging Rock

In less than 7 weeks I will tackle one of my greatest physical challenges by climbing Kilimanjaro so I decided to share the experience by documenting this once in a life time event .  It has been fun training for the big climb and today we hiked Hanging Rock's Moore's Knob Loop in North Carolina which has over 600 steps up to the summit with an awesome view.

The practice hikes also server as a learning experience as to what to wear, the equipment I will need and how my body responds to different types of challenges.  Today, I feel like I need new hiking boots because mine are very heavy.  Going to look for new boots tomorrow.

 Pilot Mountain in the distance...Mt Airy is not too far which is the inspiration for TV show Mayberry. Andy Griffith is from Mt Airy.  Cute little town with a jail and a old fashion candy shop.

The summit has some of the most amazing 360 views of the NC Piedmont with Pilot Mountain in the distance.  I never tire witnessing the beauty blossoming all around me with every step!

Cook's Wall...Did this peak 2 weeks ago during the 8.5 mile hike.

The pond and beach....coming off of the trial you can walk around either side of the lake.

My hiking partner thought I was lost each time I took out the trail map to check distance or the next intersection...isn't the point of using a map not to get lost???? :-)

I would recommend this state park to others for a nice weekend activity that involves physical activity and nature and it is only about 1.5hrs away from the Chapel Hill-Durham area.

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/haro/main.php