August 2, 2006 - Reporting from Flat Rock, NC

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Super ride today from Chattanooga to "Carl Sandberg NHS" in Flat Rock, NC where I acquired my 24th state stamp: This stamp was located in a Vistor Center that required walking from the parking lot uphill (110' elevation gain - akin to a 10 story building).  I wasn't aware until I was halfway up that it kept going for .3mi.  Doing this in full gear in searing heat made this stamp, um, very unique.  When I crested the summit there were 3 Rangers kicked back in rocking chairs who greeted me with a myriad of questions about the Iron Butt Assoc ("you must be doing the 50 stamps in 25 states thing"). Here's some pics on the ride to the NC stamp on Hwy 64 that runs from Cleveland, TN thru NC (an awesome road!): I left the hiking stamp in Flat Rock, NC and rode over to Chesnee, SC for my 25th (and final) state stamp, the "Cowpens National Battlefield."  The Ranger there said "that's probably a tough outfit to wear today, huh?" referring to my full gear and the fact it was over 100degrees (she said 106 heat index). Needless to say I got the stamp and got the heck out of SC and back into the NC mountains.  Jumped on the Blue Ridge Parkway just north of Asheville and ended in Boone, NC, my scheduled destination. Even though I have satisfied the minimum requirement for the IBA's National Park award (I have 73 total stamps in 25 different states) I will continue to collect these things... it's addicting, I tell you.  Plus, you get to see some of the most beautiful places our country has to offer. Copyright © 2006-2008, All Rights Reserved.