Wow! They did really well, as far as they could. Being that the twins are not peaks, rather 2 seven year old males, who are also my nephews.
They pretty much kicked butt as we (the twins and their father, "Brother Francis") climbed Alum Cave Trail. Standard BS as they climbed like, " when are we going to get to the mountain", just before Arch Rock, and just before reaching the top, "when are we going to be at the top?". How many times have I asked the same thing to myself as I explored a new trial? Their physical ability was challenged; so was my patience, as the 5 mile climb was ending, yet you couldn't tell this by the way they played on the ice near the shelter. We started encountering patches of ice just before Alum Cave, and several places up and beyond there were very "slickery", w/ ice and snow pack on the narrow trails. Thanks for the wire "hand Rails".
The night was shared at the shelter w/ new friends from St. Louis, who were backpacking novices just learning on the trail, and some folks w/ vast experience from NW Alabama, forget the town, though they have been provided w/ this blog 'dress and hopefully will become regular contributors. Soon after sunset the melted ice was refreezing. Overnight temperatures were probably in the mid 20's, w/ a wind chill in the teens making it very slick in spots along the mid-morning descent. "Bros. Francis" made a great save on an icy narrow spot in the trail which was bordered on one side by only "vertical and views". As soon as they send the photos I'll post some great pictures!
Peace,
Did the Brother Francis bring anything to eat? What was he wearing? His robes? Did he speak w/ the lost idealist? I hope he prayed for him anyway.
ReplyDeleteBrother Francis ate sparingly, and the robes were replaced w/ some older, but very practical outdoor clothing. He noted the side of Sugarlands Mtn. I believe it was, and how some of the pines were being destroyed by non-native predators, algids etc...and "screamed without raing his voice". So I thought he was in contact w/ the lost idealist at that point. We all gave thanks each time we looked up from the trail and appreciated what was before us!
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