(3/2) Miles to Town
We have hiked nearly 40 miles in the past two days. Last night we set our alarms for 5:45 am so that we could take down camp, eat breakfast, and start hiking around 7:30. It worked out just about as planned. The start of the day was rather slow after pushing 20 miles yesterday, and the conditions were not in our favor. Snow from the day before had melted then refrozen overnight. The trail was basically an ice rink for most of the morning. And we were ascending 4-5 thousand foot mountains. The weather clouded up pretty early as well, but we were able to get a good lookout on top of Wayah bald as the rain started.
There was a paved section of the trail and a stone watch tower where we got another good perspective of the landscape around us.
After our slower morning we picked up the pace in the afternoon in the heavier rain. Rain meant we were not being distracted by the mountains around us (since we couldn’t see them). So we put our heads down and moved forward.
The rain picked up and caused the snow melted and steam. The woods began to look like a rainforest as we were hiking over and through the mountains.
Around 2:30 pm we had covered over 15 miles, and the trail had gone from ice to mud. The most rough hiking was still ahead of us. We were well over 5200 feet and we needed to descend to 1800 to arrive at the NOC. The woods has been feeling pain from the harsh weather as well; this massive tree must have fallen pretty recently.
Over the last 3 miles we went up and down repeatedly along a ridge that would have been gorgeous if not for the limited visibility. Our bodies were exhausted and the trail just kept getting more rugged. Finally, we got to a steep descent over rocks and managed to get to the easier part of the trail. The last final miles of the day were grueling as we fought our way to fresh food and warm beds.
In the NOC we went into the first restaurants we could find and ran into Osceola who now goes by Pot-luck (because he carries 20 lbs of food at all times). We got a meal and sat with him. After our meal we took a shuttle to the cabin where we will spend the whole day tomorrow. When our day off has ended we will be back on the trail, hiking for Fontana Dam, which is the official start of the Smoky Mountains, one of the most beautiful sections of the AT.
Goodnight.
Walker
There was a paved section of the trail and a stone watch tower where we got another good perspective of the landscape around us.
After our slower morning we picked up the pace in the afternoon in the heavier rain. Rain meant we were not being distracted by the mountains around us (since we couldn’t see them). So we put our heads down and moved forward.
The rain picked up and caused the snow melted and steam. The woods began to look like a rainforest as we were hiking over and through the mountains.
Around 2:30 pm we had covered over 15 miles, and the trail had gone from ice to mud. The most rough hiking was still ahead of us. We were well over 5200 feet and we needed to descend to 1800 to arrive at the NOC. The woods has been feeling pain from the harsh weather as well; this massive tree must have fallen pretty recently.
Over the last 3 miles we went up and down repeatedly along a ridge that would have been gorgeous if not for the limited visibility. Our bodies were exhausted and the trail just kept getting more rugged. Finally, we got to a steep descent over rocks and managed to get to the easier part of the trail. The last final miles of the day were grueling as we fought our way to fresh food and warm beds.
In the NOC we went into the first restaurants we could find and ran into Osceola who now goes by Pot-luck (because he carries 20 lbs of food at all times). We got a meal and sat with him. After our meal we took a shuttle to the cabin where we will spend the whole day tomorrow. When our day off has ended we will be back on the trail, hiking for Fontana Dam, which is the official start of the Smoky Mountains, one of the most beautiful sections of the AT.
Goodnight.
Walker
You guys are tenacious! I'm so proud of you both! Also, great timing for a zero day. Today's storms look pretty bad.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mom
You may not realize it, but to me anyway, it seems that you and Tyler have content in your blog report of each day that presents compliment and contrast to each other's perspective. Maybe that contrast represents an asset and strength that supports and compliments the team effort to press on and complete the objective.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to enjoy your blog.
Tyler's Grandpa
Incredible progress, 135 miles already and so much experience gained! Scaling several "ice rink" peaks yesterday without micros must have been challenging. Glad your knee is feeling better. Enjoy the R&R at the NOC... you have earned it!
ReplyDeleteHi Walker,
ReplyDeleteExcellent description of the day's travels. Glad you and Tyler have a zero day tomorrow to rest and rejuvenate. What an amazing adventure! God bless.
Loren