Last night I was so excited I couldn't sleep.

**chickenwing** · 04-29-2011, 08:35

No. Not about the wedding in England. I am taking my first camping trip of the year TODAY!!!!! My wife's uncle and I are headed to Mount Mitchell State Park.

There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places.

In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, at an elevation 6,684 feet it is the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the most tranquil moments you'll ever experience.

Work permitting we will be leaving out around 3:30pm or so and heading up. This will be my first camping expedition into this area and I am really looking forward to it. I was up LATE last night packing (I hope I remembered everything

I am a really bad last minute packer and I pack last minute all the time) because I have been on a FAMILY excursion to see the big rodent farm in Orlando, FL (aka - Disney World). What a trip!

I hope to be posting some pictures soon and video when I get back.

Oh yeah, I know this is not actually a trip report (yet) but I couldn't wait to get this thread started. I wanted to have a place to post pics and vids and an actual report when I get back.

**Bubba** · 04-29-2011, 08:38

Have fun! Looking forward to some pictures.

**Cannibal** · 04-29-2011, 09:11

What wedding?

Nothing like that first trip of the year. That's the downside to camping year round, I don't really get that Spring anticipation like I used to. I do, however, get excited about overnight lows above 40°. Have a blast! I'm sure it will be a welcome change from that rodent farm you just left.

**easyriver** · 04-29-2011, 11:56

I am a really bad last minute packer and I pack last minute all the time

There's a really easy fix for that. Make yourself a list. Have it handy on your computer. A few days before going just print it off. With list in hand you can have all your gear ready in minutes!

The one I use is actually for motorcycle camping, but can be modified very easy, then printed out. At my age a "list' is on equal par with "afternoon naps"!

http://micapeak.com/checklists/

**sswens** · 04-29-2011, 12:24

Wedding? Im Waiting For a TR! have fun and HaPpy Hanging!!

**oldsoldier** · 04-29-2011, 12:59

I am doing my first hang tomorrow night as well!!! Nothing spectacular though-just an overnight at a local campground to test gear. But, its a night outside!!
Enjoy your trip. I am a little jealous....get lots of pics!!!

**chickenwing** · 04-29-2011, 13:05

Originally Posted by oldsoldier

I am doing my first hang tomorrow night as well!!! Nothing spectacular though-just an overnight at a local campground to test gear. But, its a night outside!!
Enjoy your trip. I am a little jealous....get lots of pics!!!

I hope you have a great trip. I plan on getting lots of pics! Less than an hour to go!!!

**OutandBack** · 04-30-2011, 08:49

My first hike to Mt Mitchell was a life changing event.
It was the first time I saw Alpine plant life and it planted the seed for my migration to Colorado.
Looking forward to your photos and trip report.

**Pipsissewa** · 04-30-2011, 08:56

There are certainly many beautiful places in this country, but this one is my back yard. Here's a picture of Mt. Mitchell taken from my deck. From left to right: Mt. Craig, Big Tom and Mt. Mitchell. (forgive me for taking this rare opportunity to brag!) Have a wonderful trip!