We took the CD bypass to avoid unnecessary steps and the bypass also gets you in the woods quicker. As we made our way to the connection w/ the AT we passed two younger folks, one of which was carrying a fern that had been pulled up. Meg made a comment about it to which the person replied "somebody else picked it I'm just carrying it". Oh really?... A few minutes later 3 older ladies are sliding down this rock facing which the trail crosses and was slick from an earlier rain. One of the women is carrying a platter size slab of rock from this area. You know, those slabs you see w/ multiple shades of brown, black, purple, and some tinges of yellow and orange, all mixed in intricate designs by nature and it's geographic brush. They passed w/ some non-essential statement of trail information acting as if the rock they had removed from the spot it belonged was invisible. Hmmmmm!!!
People, "this is not my park, it is ours" I have No right to remove anything except myself and what I can record on camera, paper, or in my memory! Go to the Lincoln Monument in D.C. and chip off some of ol' Abe's shoes and see what that'll getcha'!!
Once on the AT we were blessed w/ bright floral greens of different shades, some flowers, occasional views looking through the clouds into North Carolina and Fontana Lake. Soon after reaching the AT we met some hikers who were staying at Silers Bald that night which is also where we were headed. As we approached Double Springs Shelter we met up w/ them again and they said they may stay there in hopes both parties would have a shelter alone. This was not going to happen as Double Springs was crowded w/ 7 or 8 people, and water was scarce we later learned.
We passed through Double Springs w/ a greeting and continued onward to the Silers Bald Shelter where we were met by two men quietly checking equipment as another couple was already trying to sleep. It was after 8 pm. We got some grub and some sleep. The spring here, located on the TN side of the shelter and down the Mtn. about 35 yards, was running well enough, though not much more volume than last summer during a much dryer period. It's important to remember the large rainfall deficits we have had recently and that this years seemingly plentiful rain (we are below average rainfall in '08 ) does not make up for the past deficits, thus we are still in drought.
Wednesday morning we got up to no rain currently falling, though the night before was very different. Tuesday night into early Wednesday we were "treated" to neon bright lightening, Sharp roaring thunder and heavy rains. I guess the forecast changed....oh, right, we are in the Smokies. As we got some breakfast and packed our gear we met several folks who were stopping in for water after not finding any at Double Springs the night before. We walked back to Welch Ridge and followed this to Jonas Creek Trail, then down through some awesome forest and 4+ miles later an intersection w/ Forney Creek Trail. We followed this "hiker only" trail through often strong rains and numerous stream crossings to campsite #69.
Now let's go back a few miles to campsite #70. A dual horseback and hiker use site. Littered w/ assorted garbage in fire pits and along the open area. This ain't your backyard! I have an idea!! Anyone who wants to walk or ride anywhere in the park be required to attend the "Leave No Trace" program. Just a suggestion. And let it be noted as well that at site #68 (a & b) we saw a large can of baked beans unopened, various pieces of clothing, and assorted other trash.
Damn, despite these man made intrusions upon our "appreciation" we enjoyed wildflowers, cascades, some small animals, reptiles, birds, and challenges of the wild world such as rain, numerous stream crossings and steep terrain. This same route was taken by myself earlier this year and can be reviewed (see 5/05/08). It is a great 2 night route for the physically fit and agile. Peace
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please keep the comments fairly clean.