We have more than enough trails in the Montreat valley for day hikes of from one to 7 hours. Montreat also has a fine old hotel which is located less than one mile from the six main trailheads in the valley.

I sure hope I'll be trailworthy by this fall. My surgeon gave me assurances that I will be, but there's a lot of cutting, grafting, and rehab between now and then.

My favorite hike is from Montreat to the summit of Mount Mitchell; 14 miles and 4000' elevation gain. That's my ultimate "Rehab Graduation" goal, but I don't expect to be able to tackle that one until next Spring at the earliest.


I'm really excited to find so many folks interested in a hike event. I've been hard pressed to find a "silver lining" to this wretched injury, but maybe this is it. Once again, I thank all of you for your messages of support and encouragement.

Bill