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.

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Scramble up to Big Firescald

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Yea that's the trail

The 360 views from the narrow cliff on the Knob were fantastic.

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Looking down into Tennessee

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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.

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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…)

3 thoughts on “Day 23 – Allen Gap to Devil Fork Gap

  1. D & R

    Best song yet. Stick with that one and it will carry you like the wings of a majestic falcon! Great pics. Rocky bit does look like PA AT! Grab a nice table before you leave TN… Ba-diddly-ba ba ba, ba-diddly diddily diddily ba ba-diddily bum bum, a-chug a bum bum…

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  2. AL

    Got the Ma’s day card and an VERY touched that you managed to do send cards! You guys are the best! Love & miss you, but SO glad you’re doing this!

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