gonzoy5
Member
Set off on our first extended, multi stop, camping trip from South Florida with our Jeep Gladiator with stops in Dahlonega in Ga, Bryson City in NC, and finally a Airbnb in Asheville, NC to comfortably finish off the trip.
Nine days total, exploring areas I've quickly seen on Mountain Bike trips, but wanted to take a slower look at with the family. Started off in Amicalola Falls with a scenic camp and the falls nearby. The rainy first day was spent hanging around town in Dahlonega checking out the local sights. Also adventured over to Springer Mountain for the start of the Appalachian trail. Our next leg took us to Bryson City at a surprisingly beautiful camp right on a creek. So calm even groups of large Swallowtail butterflies would hang out right near the edge to drink. Visited Fontana Dam and the appropriately named Road to Nowhere Tunnel nearby. After five nights of tent camping we were ready for a proper bed, so ended up in Asheville for a few nights. the Biltmore is always great to see, and also took the Gladiator on the Blue Ridge up to Mt. Mitchell. I'd suffered up these roads on bike, so was nice to take an easier drive up to the top! Previous stops to Asheville were quick one nighters, but was nice to explore the area and take in the sights.
Fun trip overall. The mix of camping and housing worked out great. The (recently) new truck and gear performed great. Definitely going to look into upgrading shocks as factory Rubicon shocks are quite bouncy when loaded as is well documented. No heavy offroading (I had some tentatively planned) but Google kept taking us on back gravel roads to make it in interesting. Anyone wondering about the Gazelle Tent, they're awesome. second time using it. Goes Up and down really fast, and tough as nails. Slept through first night pretty nasty rain and winds with no issues. Did my best "Overlander" impression by brewing up some espresso on the side of the road. That's how it's done right???? Here are some of the pics. I'll have these memories for a lifetime.
Nine days total, exploring areas I've quickly seen on Mountain Bike trips, but wanted to take a slower look at with the family. Started off in Amicalola Falls with a scenic camp and the falls nearby. The rainy first day was spent hanging around town in Dahlonega checking out the local sights. Also adventured over to Springer Mountain for the start of the Appalachian trail. Our next leg took us to Bryson City at a surprisingly beautiful camp right on a creek. So calm even groups of large Swallowtail butterflies would hang out right near the edge to drink. Visited Fontana Dam and the appropriately named Road to Nowhere Tunnel nearby. After five nights of tent camping we were ready for a proper bed, so ended up in Asheville for a few nights. the Biltmore is always great to see, and also took the Gladiator on the Blue Ridge up to Mt. Mitchell. I'd suffered up these roads on bike, so was nice to take an easier drive up to the top! Previous stops to Asheville were quick one nighters, but was nice to explore the area and take in the sights.
Fun trip overall. The mix of camping and housing worked out great. The (recently) new truck and gear performed great. Definitely going to look into upgrading shocks as factory Rubicon shocks are quite bouncy when loaded as is well documented. No heavy offroading (I had some tentatively planned) but Google kept taking us on back gravel roads to make it in interesting. Anyone wondering about the Gazelle Tent, they're awesome. second time using it. Goes Up and down really fast, and tough as nails. Slept through first night pretty nasty rain and winds with no issues. Did my best "Overlander" impression by brewing up some espresso on the side of the road. That's how it's done right???? Here are some of the pics. I'll have these memories for a lifetime.
