Bootcampers Go Hiking!

Well after a brief parking lot duel about whether to take the Rim of the Gap trail or the Ivestor Gap/Art Loeb Trail, we opted for the latter and took off for the Parkway and Black Balsam parking area with 5 bootcampers, one stray hiker and my Lab, Lyla.  It was a glorious day after we rose out of the clouds and took off. 

The Ivestor Gap trail is a high elevation hike that makes you feel as if you're on the "top of the world!" As hardy bootcampers and Type A personalities, we finished the hike in record time, enjoying a quick lunch and photo shots along the way. What a fun way to work out!

After the hike, one car raced back to Asheville to catch the Masters, and the other mosied down to Mile Marker 417 and a short hike to Skinny Dip Falls (with our clothes on!). Lyla had a refreshing swim and we soaked our feet.  Naps were taken on the ride home by all but me, the driver, who was still enjoying the views and thirteen tunnels!                                
        

post by LaBet Pritchard,
Instructor and Fearless Hike Leader