This week I returned to the gym in earnest to continue what I had started before the fractured arm, getting in shape for our upcoming backpack. My arm is healing though not at 100% yet. Some days are okay with reach and stretch, some days are just plain painful. We are still discussing a backup plan in the event that I do not have the strength to utilize my trekking poles efficiently. The backup plan centers mostly around car camping and day hiking some of the over 14,000′ peaks…though John keeps bringing up the concept of a hotel stay somewhere in the middle of the trip. With his brithday on the calendar, a shower and comfortable bed appear to be on his gift wish list!
My focus at the gym is mostly treadmill work at a 15% incline and some time on the stair master. Later in the week I hope to do some leg weights but tonight John and I decided to go for an actual uphill hike with the condition that the hike takes place on a road of sorts since I am not ready to navigate the roots and rocks that come with backcountry trails…around here anyway.The longest stretch of hilly road we could think of was the unfinished section of the Foothills Parkway in Blount County.
While never open for motorized traffic, the 18-mile out and back paved section of the Parkway has been well used over the years by bicyclists and hikers. On July 11, 2005, the road was closed to the public when the long and expensive task of completing it resumed. And yeah, yeah, I read the sign…”closed to hikers, bicycles and motorized traffic”(John claims not to have seen it), but hey, it is one of the longest paved hills around. Besides we were only going to the top of the first hill, 3 miles at an 8% grade.
Compared to my last hike here, the road was a little worse for the wear due to the movement of heavy construction equipment. Someone, probably the Park Service, is keeping the roadside weeds at a manageable level. I had forgotten just how great this road is, so quiet and peaceful with some incredible views. We hiked to the top and down in an hour and fifty minutes. Not too back after being sidelined for a few weeks.
