Three runners for the MT. Mitchell Challenge took off this morning for the run up to Mt. Mitchell.
We got up and made a hearty breakfast for them at 6 am and then took them to the start line in down town Black Mountain for the 7 am start. It is a very steep trail run starting at 2,400 going up to 6,654 and then back down. The marathon runners turn three fourths of the way up and do a regular 26 mile run but the ones who run up to Mitchell will do the 48 mile plus run. Starting off with a temp at 27 degrees and going up it will be about 6 degrees when they reach the top. The mountain tops are beautiful this morning , stark white with a morning sunrise shining on them and clear skys. Last year it rained for 5 hours so the race was lucky today with just a slight breeze.
Looks like about 300 runners today with the average age in the 40's. The last lap of the race ends here at Lake Tomahawk so we get to watch all the runners come in for the victory lap to the finish line. My hat is off to them. I can hike with you all day but no thanks to running.
We had a full house last night so the other guests are still tucked away in their cozy beds and will sit by the wood burning fire to enjoy their breakfast.
Come join the fun next year , contact the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce to find out about the entry for the race. It is limited so first come get to race.
The snow is melting and people are out enjoying the stroll around the lake path. Our guests this weekend had fun hiking on the Mountain to Sea trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There was a little snow left on the path in the shadows but most of the trail was clear. Hiking this time of the year is great because you can see long distances without the leaves on the trees and the underbrush.
We have 12 good hiking paths within 15 minutes of the B&B. Many guests will use the B&B as home base and go on day trips to the popular vacation sites like Chimney Rock, DuPont Forrest water fall hikes , Grandfather Mountain, the Biltmore Home , winery and gardens and up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I have books and maps of most of the trails and can help the guests decide which trail is suited for their time and skill in hiking.
Now is the time to start thinking about when the wild flowers are at their peak and the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are the prettiest. Since we have had so much rain this winter the dog wood is suppose to be really pretty this year.
As you can tell I am looking forward to spring. Bring your hiking boots and come join us.
WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING
We are coming back in May for our anniversary! Save the Lookout room for us for two nights.
Winston Salem
Next May we want the whole house , all four rooms for the weekend. We love it here. Breakfast was great.
Atlanta
