October 30, 2016
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”
-Rachel Carson
When I first started the Pisgah 400 challenge, I stated my main goal was to incorporate my family into as many hikes as possible. This takes longer, but is so worth it. Ivestor Gap Trial is a very family-friendly hike. With 233 ft. of ascent and 240 ft. of descent, there are no huge mountains to climb, or tough rock scrambles, only a wonderful hike with beauteous views of Shining Rock Wilderness.
We parked at the Black Balsam Parking lot, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiked to Shining Rock Gap, and returned the same way.
GPS link: https://www.movescount.com/moves/move129287564
Total mileage is 8.93 miles.
sweetwilder 
Alice is a beautiful baby! She is going to be pretty inside and out by soaking up all the natural wonders she sees of God’s created works! What joy!
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Amen! Thank you for your kind words. We love sharing that outdoors with her. I just know that it will mean so much when she gets older.
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I can’t deny that a shared adventure overrides the satisfaction of checking off my hiking goals. With my new NH48 goal I realize I could probably do it in a year if I did it solo but without hiking companions it wouldn’t be as much fun or mean as much.
Beautiful pics by the way!
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Thank you! That means a lot. I totally concur with you. Those trips we share with others always take on a deeper, more special meaning. I’ve also enjoyed reading about your efforts on the NH48 challenge. Keep ’em coming!
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