Home Blogs Kurt's Hikes

Kurt and Gail RheinheimerBlue Ridge Country editor-in-chief Kurt Rheinheimer and his wife Gail woke up on Valentine's Day in 2004 looking to do something a little different in recognition of the occasion.

Since then, Kurt and Gail have hiked at least once every weekend for almost five years. Of those 250 weekends, they have missed 13, virtually all due to occasional balkiness from Kurt's old-man knees or achilles. For the first two years (Valentine's Day 2004 through Valentine's Day 2006) they didn't miss a single week. They completed the 546 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia in the summer of 2008, and have walked more than 2,300 miles total, mostly in Virginia but including hikes in West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Florida and Oregon.

Carvins Cove on a Winter Day

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Kurt Rheinheimer
Carvins Cove on a Winter Day

Appalachian Trail from U.S. 220 at Daleville to Carvins Cove overlook point and back. 6 miles.

With a son visiting from Pennsylvania and wanting a relatively short hike he hadn't done before, we headed to a convenient favorite for an AT tromp through the snow.

And had the trail to ourselves on the way up to a cool, scenic lunch looking out onto full Carvins Cove.

Same thing coming back down… cold day, lonesome trail. The one little hitch for The Greatest Day Hiker Of Them All: a little combination of admiration and just the slightest irritation at not quite keeping up with a gangly, 20-something son. Not many except for the random thru hiker in the summer walk away from The Day Hiker.

Helped keep us warm.

December 29, 2009.

 

 

A Cold Trek to McAfee's

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Kurt Rheinheimer
A Cold Trek to McAfee's

Another cold day, but predicted to be not as cold as the ensuing two, which as of this writing on January 11 has turned out to be the ensuing 10 at least – some of the coldest weather in Roanoke in a decade. With big ol' wind. And the snow from Decem...

Read more...

A Walk in Record Snow

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Kurt Rheinheimer
A Walk in Record Snow

From home in Southwest Roanoke to the Roanoke City Market area and back. About 6 miles.

On the morning after Roanoke's record-breaking 17.8-inch snowfall, we set out on a trek that involved no driving to get to the walk; just out the door and onto the s...

Read more...

A Hike and - Gasp - an INDOOR Lunch

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Kurt Rheinheimer
A Hike and - Gasp - an INDOOR Lunch

Sharp Top/Harkening Hill/Johnson Farm at the Peaks of Otter at milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 7 miles.

What a concept: Hike not just to the midpoint for lunch as always, but – for the first time ever in our nearly six years – an indoor lunch! On...

Read more...

Campfires in the Snow: Dryer Lint is Overrated

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Kurt Rheinheimer
Campfires in the Snow: Dryer Lint is Overrated

Appalachian Trail from Va. 614 north to Bryant Ridge Shelter and back. 6.4 miles.

On the cold day after snowfall ranging from an inch or so to six inches, we made big plans to be sure we'd have a good fire at Bryant Ridge Shelter . We checked for good m...

Read more...

The Graffiti at Hay Rock

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Kurt Rheinheimer

Appalachian Trail from U.S. 220 south to Hay Rock and back. 8 miles.

There are many signature rock formations along the 550 miles of Appalachian Trail in Virginia, some of them relatively close to roadways, and thus with easy access to many. The sands...

Read more...

Osage Oranges and River Views

Thursday, December 17, 2009 Kurt Rheinheimer
Osage Oranges and River Views

Several trails in the Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. About 5 miles.

As a part of a long-weekend getaway to the eastern shore of Maryland and the town of Easton (with the trip built around a wonderful Frida...

Read more...
  • «
  •  Start 
  •  Prev 
  •  1 
  •  2 
  •  3 
  •  4 
  •  5 
  •  6 
  •  7 
  •  8 
  •  9 
  •  Next 
  •  End 
  • »
Page 1 of 9

Search Our Site