Editor’s correction from yesterday – major major apology, the song stuck in my head was the theme song from Full House, not Family Matters. Continue reading
Day 24 – Devil Fork Gap to Spivey Gap
2 Replies
Monthly Archives: May 2014
Day 23 – Allen Gap to Devil Fork Gap
Today was another hot and summery day down here with temperatures in the 80’s. That makes it a little tougher going. Despite not having any major summits again, we had some interesting sights nonetheless. We climbed a rocky knob called Big Firescald Knob that was very reminiscent of Pennsylvania with how rocky the terrain was. It reminded me a bit of the AT section off 309 from Knife’s Edge to Bear Rocks for the AT hikers from PA.
Scramble up to Big Firescald
Yea that's the trail
The 360 views from the narrow cliff on the Knob were fantastic.
Looking down into Tennessee
North Carolina side from Knob
The other cool highlight was a spot called Bald Ridge that was about a mile or so long meadow. It generated some nostalgia/deja vu for me for being a little kid…(for those in the fam, I think maybe it kind of reminded me of a huge version of the meadows on Uncle Wal’s farm?) Whatever it was, it was super cool and yet another good surprise from this trail.
Looking back on Bald Ridge
We finished up with a little over 20 miles for the day and camped stealthily on a ridge above the trail near this gap. Tomorrow looks pretty tough and we might get some rain in the afternoon, so it should be interesting as usual.
Vital stats :
Mood – relaxed
Physical state – tired, but good
Smell – delicate hint of old mayonnaise
Song stuck in my head – Theme song from Family Matters (I don’t even know how this sort of thing happens…)
Day 22 – Hot Springs, NC to near Allen Gap
We woke up in the comfort of Elmer’s Inn and had breakfast with Elmer, Jesse (Elmer’s employee), and another thru-hiker named Firefox (or maybe Foxfire). Breakfast and the conversation was great. We headed back on the trail around 10am. The trail ascended out of Hot Springs pretty quickly.
Partial view of Hot Springs
The day was hot and summery. With our packs full of many snacks and treats, the going was a bit slower than our normal pace. We didn’t climb any crazy mountains today, but had some interesting scenery as we hiked back towards the TN/NC border. The trail wound around a cool old pond.
Mountain pond
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hi y’all! We finished the Smokies a few days ago and we are both feeling pretty good right now. Going into the Park, we knew that it would be a tough challenge. Leaving the Park, I feel like we rocked it.
Overall, the Park should be on everyone’s “must visit” list. The vistas are gorgeous and accessible. And, the variety of trees, plants, and wildlife is pretty incredible. The spring wildflowers are in full bloom. There are mini irises, Jacob’s Ladders, wild bleeding hearts, violets, buttercups and more. We hiked through dark pine forests and light airy meadows, just greening deciduous areas and the ever-present rhododendron tunnel. We saw some huge wild deer and everyday we scattered hundreds of baby grasshoppers as we walked the trail. No bears though!
The only downside to the AT in GSMNP is that the trails are pretty chewed up from overuse and the occasional horse.
The most surprising (pleasant) part of the Park for me was the mandatory shelter overnights. Since Joel and I haven’t spent any time in shelters, we haven’t had a chance to socialize with many people at the end if the day. In the Smokies, we got loads of socialization which was pretty cool. We met lots of other hikers (section hikers, weekend hikers, and of course thrus). Everyone has a story to tell and it was a great way to pass a few cold evening hours. The other cool thing about the shelters is that they all have stone fireplaces. Most nights an enterprising older gentleman ( of which there were always a few) started a fire to get the shelters a bit warmer.
We had great sunny weather and blew through the Park in 4 days. I think this area of the world would be high on my list to re-visit at some point. Dayna–someday we should plan a rafting trip down here. I think you would love it.
I still haven’t taken a lot of pictures mostly because I keep my phone in my pack. However, today in Hot Springs, I remedied that situation by buying an “almost” fanny-pack. It is as close to a fanny-pack as I will ever let my diva-princess self get.
As for our mental state, I think it is safe to say we are both feeling strong and ready to hit Virginia.
Thank you to everyone who had been praying for us and rooting for us. It keeps us going during those tough moments. And, keep the blog comments coming. They give us something to chat about during the many trail hours we log.
Day 21 – Hot Springs, NC
We spent the entire day “zeroing” here, just resting and staying off our feet for the most part.
Elmer's Sunnybank Inn
Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn, the mansion above we are staying at which was built in 1840, has these great huge porches to just totally chill out on. So basically for most of the day we just relaxed on them, read, listened to music, etc.
Chillaxin on the rockers
One of Elmer's many bookshelves to peruse
Day 20 – Bluff Mountain to Hot Springs, NC
We camped in probably the windiest spot we could find last night. Thankfully it didn’t rain and it wasn’t cold! We headed out early towards Hot Springs and trekked over 9 mostly uneventful spring-like miles.
Morning sun
Trail descending to Hot Springs
Day 19 – Spanish Oak Gap to Bluff Mountain
We had a much nicer night sleeping in the tarp and not at very high elevation. Our first ascent was up Snowbird Mountain. The FAA has a tower up there (looks like the one off Seemsville Road for my homies) and also apparently maintains the “bald” aspect by keeping it relatively mowed. It created a different atmosphere to the trail vs. the normal forest look.
Approach to Snowbird summit
Later in the day we summitted another even cooler looking bald called Max Patch. I think we were hiking in an area that used to be primarily used for agriculture because it had some old cattle fences and barbed wire and such. In any case, it had some unique views and looks. It seemed to be a pretty popular destination for day hikers, too.
Approach to Max Patch summit
On Max Patch
More Max Patch
Old pastures off Max Patch I think?
There was also a third mountain (Walnut) with a mostly clear summit.
Walnut Mountain summit
Pretty cool stuff today again. This trail is amazing. Continue reading
Day 18 – Tri-Corner Shelter to Spanish Oak Gap
OK last night was definitely the coldest night. Sleeping in the Smokies in damp pine forests at 6000+ feet elevation is quite chilly. Our food bags, which are hung on cables outside near the shelters, were frosted over this morning. I slept in shorts again. What is wrong with me? Continue reading
Day 17 – Mount Collins Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Had a very cold night last night, probably the coldest since we started (also the shelter is at over 6000 ft. elevation and in a damp forest). My little REI key chain thermometer read about 34 in the morning. I slept in shorts like a fool! Anyway, we got moving and hiked down into Newfound Gap, where there was a large parking lot with a lot of people taking pictures of the scenic mountains. We were immediately shouted over by some folks with a nice table and griddle and we knew we scored some serious trail magic. These folks from Georgia (their daughter is a thru-hiker named Dandelion) had a full breakfast spread. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, bacon… Amazing!!!!!! Continue reading
Day 16 – Spence Gap Shelter to Mount Collins Shelter
The shelter ended up being not bad, only a minor bit of farting, snoring, and mice. We stayed nice and dry though. The big storm system left the area overnight so we ended up with a cooler, but sunny and very nice day. The morning started out with some neat alpine meadows. Continue reading