Much has transpired since we last blogged, but mostly the great Smokey mountains. Since my last snow post, we have been hiking in snow through the smokies and beyond barring the past few days. We're hoping the 2013 smokies becomes a byword for totally insane hikers. It was tough. Not only was the elevation an average of 1000-1500 feet higher than normal and the climbs more difficult, but we had to do it in about a foot of snow. Day 1 it started snowing again and the trail was alright. Days 2-4 were completely slush: the trail was a frozen river that would break apart when you stepped in it completely soaking and freezing your feet. Day 5, when the sun finally came out, the trail was a giant ice cube, requiring minute shifting steps and serious pole support for even level stretches of hiking. But we finally finished, and after 5 days of wet feet we even managed to get decent pictures of clingmans dome (the highest point on the AT). Oh, and there was a Derrick knob closely followed by Charlie's bunion in the Smokies: pretty crazy coincidence. (I worked for a Derrick with his son Charlie at a place called smokies).
Probably the best time before the smokies was at Fontana dam (which the trail goes over) the southern boundary for the smokies. There was a large, well insulated shelter, showers, and picnic tables. Plus, when we were there it was sunny, so we were able to dry out our water logged clothes. Pretty much all the hikers we've been around for the past week met there and had a good time sharing extra food and a fire.
Immediately following the smokies we stayed at the standing bear farm hostel. That was 2 days ago. We are about to head out for Erwin Tennessee, about 5 days up. The weather looks good, and hopefully we'll see Dave and Steph schools in that neck of the woods (i'll call as soon as I have service Dave).
Trail magic has been great. At newfound gap in the smokies we has chili, sandwiches, brownies, Rice Krispies, soda, apples, strawberries, muffins, and a few other treats on Easter from some former hikers (with a powerful father son thru hike story: think cancer). After the smokies we had chili, cookies, and hot chocolate from another former thru hiker this time mom and son combo). Most recently we got Oreos and apples out of a cooler before max patch bald, and cookies from a big hiking group on the bald (easily the coolest place we've been to so far).
We've been hiking with a lot of the same people like meadow flapjack (the ultimate snorer), Amanda/button, spencer/cornwallis (who left at standing bear to visit his girlfriend, who we heard might be familiar with this blog), 180, patch, boround, cinnamon, and white flash. Some people, like Amanda and spencer, we've been hiking with since we woke up with snow on our bags at Wayah bald. Others we've been seeing off and on since Franklin.
In terms of health were doing great. We picked up colds in the smokies, but they're going fast. The only recurring ache is my right knee which flares up every 4 days or so, but its not too bad.
Gear-wise (for all those planning their own hikes) is also pretty normal. I've still got everything I started with, but I bought better gloves and hat, and added a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. I also replaced the mesh bag I kept my food in for a waterproof one which hangs more easily from bear cables.
Finally, thanks for all the letters and packages in the mail at hot springs! They were well received and very appreciated.
No comments:
Post a Comment