Mountain Driving in North Carolina

[Insight Charlotte]

I've had my 2010 LX now for approximately three weeks and love it. My wife and I took it for a spin over the weekend that included a short drive in the mountains. When climbing a pretty steep grade I noticed the meter was showing charge rather than assist. Is that normal? I would have thought while climbing that the electric motor would have been in assist. The majority of my driving is done in Eco mode. Should i have disengaged for the climb and shifted to S or L?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[blueridge]

Originally Posted by Insight Charlotte

I've had my 2010 LX now for approximately three weeks and love it. My wife and I took it for a spin over the weekend that included a short drive in the mountains. When climbing a pretty steep grade I noticed the meter was showing charge rather than assist. Is that normal? I would have thought while climbing that the electric motor would have been in assist. The majority of my driving is done in Eco mode. Should i have disengaged for the climb and shifted to S or L?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I responded to your question in the other part of the forum.. either way that is normal.. the computer won't allow the batter to get below about 50% so once it gets down to that the computer will automatically kick in the charging.. what i normallly do is either turn off Eco mode.. or downshift to S.. since i have an EX.. then once im at the top of the hill.. shift back to D and turn on Eco mode back on.. btw where in the mountains did you go?

[Insight Charlotte]

I appreciate the information. Other than test driving a Civic Hybrid and Prius a couple of years ago this is my first daily experience so I'm never quite sure if it is doing what it's supposed to do. I'm still trying to get used to the occasional lag when starting up after auto-stop. As a couple of other posters mentioned the LX does have S and L it just doesn't have any paddle shifters. The lease on our Acura RSX was about to expire and I've really been wanting to get a hybrid. I just happened across the LX, used with only 2,600 miles, at the AAA dealership here is Charlotte, so i jumped on it.

As for the trip on Sunday we managed to find the only spot in the state socked in with fog. We had planned on taking a hike near Blowing Rock to look at some of the waterfalls. By the time we got up there you literally couldn't see more than two vehicles in front of you. So we pulled off, ate our packed lunch and headed back to Charlotte.

Any places along the Blue Ridge that you would recommend for a hike and some waterfall viewing or just some great views? We also enjoy driving the Blue Ridge. Very peaceful.

[blueridge]

there are plenty of places along the Parkway to hike to waterfalls.. and some off the parkway not too far.. do you know what Geocaching is? there are a lot of geochaches up here where i live that lead you to some beautiful waterfalls.. have you ever hiked to crabtree falls? a very nice hike and beautiful falls.. there are too many to list but there are some great hikes.. i live near Mt. Mitchell.. if you haven't visited Mt. Mitchell you have to alteast once.. the highest peak on the east coast.. and many many hikes from the parking lot at the top.. i could go on for days lol.. lookup geocaching.com and check it out if you never heard about it.. all you need is a GPS and coordinates.. and you are off on a treasure hunt..

[Insight Charlotte]

Interesting about the geocaching. We'll definitely have to check that out sometime. What is the zip code up there so we can pull up some information for the area. I'll also do some checking on Crabtree Falls.

Thanks again for the information.

[blueridge]

Originally Posted by Insight Charlotte

Interesting about the geocaching. We'll definitely have to check that out sometime. What is the zip code up there so we can pull up some information for the area. I'll also do some checking on Crabtree Falls.

Thanks again for the information.

yah geocaching is very fun.. even where you live you will find hundreds of geocaches in your area.. just about anywhere.. i live in Yancey County..the home of Mt. Mitchell. 28714 is the zip here to use to search.. you can also find plenty of good hikes here... if you do goto Crabtree Falls.. you can easily go north to Grassey Creek Falls.. that one is a huge waterfall where you can actually stand underneath it.. it is quite a hike to get to it though from the parking area.. of course the internet is your friend.. there are plenty of sites that show pictures of some of the waterfalls.. i really encourage people to give geocaching a try.. it will bring the kid out of anyone.. searching for treasure.. one thing about geocaching is to make sure to bring something to trade.. most of the times i bring small $1 toys.. because a lot of parents bring their kids on the journey to find the geocache.. the rules are.. take something.. leave something.. and sign the log of your journey for the next lucky person to find it.. have fun.. if you are ever going to plan a trip up to my area.. let me know.. we could meet up and take some pics of 2 I2's on the Blue Ridge Parkway