We’ll end the suspense on the weekend weather forecast by simply saying it calls for more of the same: temperatures in the low- to mid-90s, chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
The good news?
Tropical Storm Isaias isn’t expect to visit until Monday. Woo hoo!
So, as we face our umpteenth days in a row of 90-degree weather, if you want to beat the heat, you have two options:
- Go wet
- Go up
Go wet
A good idea — in theory. Just two drawbacks:
One, as hot as it’s been, you’ll need to dive deep to find cool waters. This hot weather is heating up our Piedmont lakes and rivers to the point that unless you dive well below the surface, you’ll be swimming in tepid water (water that can give rise to harmful bacteria).
Two, you won’t be the only one thinking of cooling off in a lake or stream, and the last thing you need right now is a crowd.
If you are intent on finding a wet escape, your nearest viable options are in the foothills, along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. I won’t get more specific than that, other than to suggest you use the Blue Ridge Parkway as a general guide to the escarpment, then drill down on Google Maps to see what’s along the way — and what appears to be more remote. Keep in mind that you may need to do a little bushwhacking to avoid the masses. But that only enhances the adventure, right?
Go up
The higher the elevation the cooler the temperature: for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained you lose roughly 3 degrees, goes the formula. Again, we won’t get into specifics here, but start with this elevation map to isolate your highest locations, then match it with Google Maps to see what’s there. Hint: Make sure you’re dealing with public land.
Another option? Check out this piece we wrote for Blue Cross of NC’s Point of Blue blog, “5 Cool Hikes for One Hot North Carolina Summer.”
A final option: get out real early, before the thermometer starts to climb, or head out late in the day, when the mercury’s starting to drop. Today’s video, “Evening on the Eno,” pays homage to the latter.
Enjoy the weekend!
Be a hiker!
Not a hiker, but want to be? Our “Let’s GetHiking! Introduction to the Trail for the Aspiring Hiker program begins Aug. 18, with sessions in the Triangle and Triad. Instruction, direction, guided hikes — it’s just what you need to become a confident hiker come the fall hiking season. Learn more about our upcoming sessions by clicking on the appropriate link below: