Ladies and Gents,
I am not new to backpacking or spending time outdoors. I spent most of my free time outdoors since I was a child and have been backpacking solo since I was about 14 (I'm now almost 28). However, I have never really spent a lot of time on trails with a partner. I recently asked my girlfriend to marry me (before I went to Afghanistan) and now I would like to take her backpacking with me and have someone to share my experiences with. She likes the outdoors but has never really done any backpacking. I have no interest in putting 20 miles a day between us and my truck or having her do anything beyond a moderate level of difficulty. We live just north of Fayetteville, NC and I would like to take her into the mountains. Unfortunately I usually hike trails that are beyond a moderate level of difficulty to get to the areas that I like to fish in. If there is anyone that knows of some easier trails in the Boone/ Blowing Rock/ Banner Elk area would you please let me know? Also, if there are any backpacking couples out there that would like to give me some pointers, they would be much appreciated. Like I said, I usually go solo and have never really had to worry about someone else's pace or comfort. I'm in the Army and in my mind, comfort is secondary to accomplishing the mission (which when I'm in the backcountry is usually getting above a waterfall and into a headwaters area before 8 am). Thanks, folks!
James