A Weekend Walk

Hello, This excursion encompassed 3 days, 2 nights out, w/ lots of rain on the second day as I climbed the Swallow Fork Trail to Mount Sterling.
The walk began out of the Big Creek area w/ the first 2 miles a steep climb up Chestnut Branch Trail to the AT. A great "cardio" workout, if one so chooses.
I'd met a couple from Maryland leaving the parking area just before me, who were going to be walking the same route over the next few days as I was and we met again at the top of this 2 ml. "startup trail". We all agreed on it's challenging incline.
Now on the AT I continued to gain elevation at a lessor rate until reaching the Mt. Cammerer spur at which point I chose the .6 ml spur and to go sit on "White Rock" for lunch and lunch. Once finished here I put my boots on; after noticing the beginnings of a blister, and moved back to the AT and the almost 3 mls to Cosby Knob shelter where I'd be staying as campsite #37, was booked, on the computer at least. When the heavy storms woke me later that night I was glad to add the 1.6 mls RT spur to my trip.
The next morning I awoke, had coffee and oatmeal, w/ the one other man who was up and chain smoking cigarettes, and climbed back on top of my sleeping bag as the intermittent but often heavy rain continued. I thought I'd wait and see what developed w/ the weather as I would have at least partial light until near 9pm and would be walking about 9 mls to #38 on Mt Sterling. So I was in no hurry. The rest of the groups which filled the shelter that night began to stir over the next few hours until restlessness seized the group of men from Sevierville and vicinity and they began to put on their packs w/ differing levels of eagerness to set out. (It was interesting how one was wearing a bush-cheney '04 shirt, made me wonder how he can endorse a cause which opposes those things he talked so highly of,??, the outdoors)
This group set out after putting up there cell phones, no really, and were followed soon after by a small group who were hiking the AT section through the GSMNP, 75+ mls. They were from somewhere near Charlotte I believe and I invited them to view and contribute their experience on WMBB, if they'd like. The rain seemed to be stopping for a while anyway and so I finished my packing and said goodbye to Jessie who was hiking sections of the AT and would be completing the current section soon.
I hope she'll contact Meg the Hiker for future excursions.
As I walked the days route I stopped and appreciated several times the beautiful shades of green in different shapes and the full streams flowing along much of the Low Gap Trail and the Swallow Bottom trail which become Big Creek. Dude! That's a big creek! Down around #37 where I first saw Big Creek it looked as big as the Little River and the Swallow Fork was big for a while as I walked along the trail which paralleled this fork for almost all of the 4 mls which this trail extended.
About a mile from #37 it began to rain again and did so for most of the next 3 mls+.
The trail at times would be acting as a channel, or in many cases a pond, for the soaking rainfall.
As I trudged through this portion of my excursion I reviewed my preparedness, paid attention to physical challenges such as hypothermia and exhaustion,(and blisters), and kept a positive attitude about my learning through this experience.
I arrived at campsite #38, w/ the clouds shrouding the 5842' peak of Mt. Sterling, and wondered around the site area trying to determine where I wanted to set up my tent. Once done I set up and got to cooking some dinner, oatmeal and beef jerky, w/ an energy bar for desert. It happens that I grabbed something off my shelves at home that was not necessarily camper friendly so if I wanted something hot I'd have to have half of my breakfast, Ala, oatmeal.
The water for this site is about a half mile from the tent area down Baxter Creek Trail. While here I met up w/ my friends from Maryland again who had arrived already and were relaxing in there tent when I got there, and an avid hiker from Memphis who when he completed his excursion in a few days would have been BP'g in the GSMNP for around 3 weeks. Rock on! He said when he comes over from Memphis he likes to make the best of it.
The next day was a beautiful walk back down approx. 7 mls to the car.
Some notes here. The evergreens atop Mt Sterling and the vicinity were awesome as were the decaying remnants of the Hemlock's. Much of this walk was covered under the canopy of the forest, often open underneath for views in the "mid-day darkness" aided by the clouds. At one point (see picture) there was a bright hole in the flora which caused me to squint my eyes as I appreciated the open vista allowed by the break in the foliage and realized how much of a different world exist in these forest. As vast as my little world was as I walked under the trees this small bright opening put in perspective how small I really am and how important it is for me to take action to protect the wild life. Peace

The Wild Life at Work

Whoa! Work for me the last ten days included flying to NYC. Driving back which was OK when coming through southern VA where the mountains were close and I met some AT through hikers hanging out in the shade of some trees in front of a market we stopped at about 52 miles north of Bristol. They had covered over 500 mls from 'Springer' and were enjoying the break from the rain; which one of them mentioned had been happening pretty consistently since they began, and the increase in daily mileage covered since it had let up over the last few days. The Market at which they had stopped provided computer, printer, and fax access to through hikers! Pretty Cool!
After getting to Nashville, my work took me to Bonnaroo where I spent the next 5 days working and watching, experiencing and learning more about the human species need for food, recognition, and entertainment. Maybe some of y'all were there or have been, it was my first time. Didn't see many animals though saw lots of wild life and some of the unfortunate tolls paid by those who chose to participate at higher levels.

Most folks I'm sure had fun as I did with working and plannning the solitude I'll find this weekend backpacking. Peace

What A Day!

Saturday April 18th, 2009, in this region, was a gift to all those who were able to get outside, or in some cases at least be able to look out a window and wonder.
Today the route began from the Cosby picnic/camping area at Low Gap trail head which we followed up to the Appalachian Trail (AT). From there we went east along the AT and to the Mt. Cammerer spur, meeting and talking w/"BamBam", an AT distance hiker from Sevierville, TN, along the way. From the Cosby trailhead to the overlook is an overall elevation gain of approx. 2800'. As we approached the overlook on Cammerer we also began to pass other folks making their final ascent along the.6 mile spur.

We completed a 16 mile loop(+-) loop via the AT to Lower Mount Cammerer trail and back out to the Cosby complex. We found it interesting in how the second part of this route; from Cammerer back to the trailhead, descended at a much more mellow pace than the first part in which the elevation was gained.
The weather, along this loop, was excellent! Mostly sunny skies, w/ a light wind; even atop the AT and Cammerer, the temperature varied from the 60's-70's, w/ elevation, amount of forest cover, and what direction we were facing on a particular portion of trail. Water was plentiful, and the Trillium, Bluets, Dwarf Iris, et.al., were magnificent in their beauty!

Kephart Prong etc...

Well the weather was cool at times along this 15+ mile walk I took with a friend, which began at the Highway 441 parking area and the Kephart Prong trail. Though as we started up the Sweat Heifer trail from the Kephart Prong shelter layers began peeling off! We took this trail the 3.7 mls. up to the AT, and what a great trail! As we climbed in elevation we had views with unlimited sight as there were no clouds or immediate ozone residue obstructing the blue sky's. Once we reached the top we had to put some of the winter layers back on with a strong wind blowing atop the ridge line the AT follows along this point. We stopped near Ice Water Springs shelter, fixed some veggie and tuna burritos, ate, and got back on the trail out of the cold wind.
Along this portion of the walk there were some wonderful vista's of the surrounding mountains including LeConte, and Brushy Mountain. There were at times frozen layers of ice covering the trail which would have made great impromptu bobsled courses, with abrupt endings.
We sidetracked for a view from Charlie's Bunion and then continued on to the Dry Sluice Gap trail. Following it to the intersection with Grassy Branch trail and back to the Kephart Shelter. We stopped here and made some coffee for a caffeine rush to take us out the remaining 2 mls. as the day faded into night. Watching the crescent moon, Venus, and stars come into view as we completed this great walk. Peace

Mount LeConte

Hello fellow wild life enthusiast! This excursion could be a model; minus the weather, for many trips yet to happen via Southern Appalachian Excursions. My friend the "Lady Beth", had taken the initiative for her group, which eventually included me, and made reservations at the LeConte Lodge. This was going to be a busy weekend in the park W/ the 75th reunion of the Civilian Conservation Corp, going on at and around, the Sugarlands Visitor Center, w/ some other large celebrations of the history and culture of this region happening in Townsend.
Our excursion started from the Alum Cave trailhead parking and consisted of 8 folks, 7 of which had little or no recent hiking experience. This included active smokers, a woman recovering from recent foot surgery, another walker whom had a "bad knee", and an earnest desire from all to enjoy the day and learn.
The weather was overcast and wet w/ occasional sprinkles as we proceeded up the trail. Alum Cave Creek had water though of course was at low levels w/ the current drought. The seep near the top was moist w/ lots of small streams of water running through and off the rocks covered in the greens from mosses and plants.
Our walk up was done so at a leisurely pace and the trail was not very crowded. As we gained in elevation we also got more enclosed by clouds, fog, and moisture which seem to just be "free floating" w/ the moisture content in the air so high. Temperatures were probably in the low 70's w/ it feeling at times somewhat cooler combining the rain and wind once at the top. Along the walk above the cave and "Gracie's Pulpit"; where we stopped for "lunch", there was frequent bear scat but we had no visuals. Once at the top we got ourselves some coffee and/or hot chocolate and settled into our surroundings we were to enjoy for the next 18 hours. Some of us walked to "High Tops", and those who did so walked for the experience and appreciation of being on LeConte. Though obviously w/ the weather vistas were not happening. A seasonal Ranger, Mr Danny Thomas, yes the one from Morristown, made a very informative presentation on bears in the park and answered some questions. "Ranger Dan" also led a presentation after dinner on the history of Mt. LeConte and the establishment of the GSMNP. Equally as informative. The folks from the LeConte Shelter also joined us for the second presentation.
Saturday we started "stirring" before 7am, we had a bunch of coffee, a nice breakfast, and then several of us walked up and over to Myrtle Point. Along the way I listened to bitches and moans about the distance, inclines, declines, etc...etc..., and a large smile slowly grew across my face as we approached the point and and the cloud ceiling lowered to the east providing bright sun and a section of "bluer than blue skies", w/ a view from above the clouds. All were happy for coming along. I hope to post some of the pictures my friends took at the point and throughout the excursion. We returned to the lodge to PU our stuff and begin our walk down the Alum Cave Trail.
The "Lady Beth", who initiated this excursion, asked about other ways to access LeConte. After I described the various routes she decided she was going to do it again next year yet come via the AT and the Boulevard Trail. I look forward to great friends and fun to be shared again. Peace
("M. Coenen" took the picture from "above the ceiling" @ Myrtle Point)

Another Year Begins on The Trail

This excursion took place on Saturday August 30th, w/ the beginning of "new years", of different sorts, amongst friends and new friends, along the trail today. A hot humid day to share gratitude for the things in the wild life, and also a time to share plans and ideas for our part in conserving it.
Our walk began out of the Cades Cove picnic area which was busy w/ folks enjoying their version of the outdoors and it was great to see this. Hopefully they'll educate themselves on the republican candidates environmental past, and his vp nominee, and her affiliation w/ big oil and her Dismal environmental record. If they enjoy these places.
After we passed the horse camp at the beginning of the Anthony Creek trail we followed it the 3.5 miles up to Bote Mtn. trail. An important new friend was made along the way about a mile and half into the walk when we met Beth who was coming down from the AT after meeting her friends at Spence Field the day before. She spoke of all the bear sightings she had heard of that morning and the one she'd seen as well (Our group had reached the trailhead around 11:30am). She also shared w/ us some information of a website posted by a group she's a part of, I've since reviewed, and we'll post a link to after we clear it w/ them.
After speaking for a while and exchanging some information we parted and began the ascent of the current trail up to Bote Mtn. We made exceptional time in the first part of this excursion, which eventually totaled approx. 14 mls., as "the mysterious one" lead w/ a strong and consistent pace. Once we reached the AT via the Bote Mtn. trail we went over to the Spence Field shelter and ate some lunch; delicious wraps purchased from Jamie at 'Thunderhead Perk' in Townsend (see the links on this page). While here we spoke w/ several folks who were sectional hikers, another two who were out for the weekend, one of which had hiked a large portion of the AT, and several others scattered around the vicinity of the shelter. There was a small flow of water from the source here.
Well, as we finished our lunch and the "overnighters" began to disperse for their next stop we picked up a our garbage and gear and continued. This relatively easy 2.9 ml., section of the AT was pretty awesome w/ balds, trees, birds, flowers, and a readiness for bears. This readiness was on account of the fact that the recent bear activity in this region of the park has been noted and the Russel Field shelter; our next destination, was closed because of "aggressive activity". As was campsite #10, which we would be passing through along our descent from the AT after turning off at Russel Field. We heard on two occasions, what appeared to be large animals close by, in thick cover. The first as we approached Russel Field and then along the descent from the AT on Russel Field trail. Along this trail, probably 200 yards down on the left (just past the formal source) from the shelter we found a big puddle of water flowing, slowly, which I got water from.
This area was open under the canopy in most places as we walked this trail and were both delighted and saddened as we noticed the Huge Hemlocks destroyed by the woolly algid. Some great trees fallen while others still stand in skeleton form building mounds of mulch around the trunks as the bark peels from them. Mixed within this forest were some huge oaks as well. Portions of forest along this trail are considered part an "old- growth forest". Note that does not mean virgin forest. This trail intersects back w/ the Anthony Creek Trail, after a 3.5 mile fairly easy walk from where it began. A person on these trails will want to wear some hiking boots w/ good soles because of the rough nature of these trails due to horses and to a much lessor extent, hiker volume. Lots of rocks. Hey, we also picked up various pieces of plastic waste including empty retail water bottles. A great day w/ friends. Peace

Middle Prong

This day hike began around 9:30am at the Middle Prong Trailhead up the gravel road from The Institute at Tremont. The trail is an easy to moderate incline for the length I took it, 4 miles one way up to the falls, just before the Lynn Camp Prong Trail, and an easy 4 mile return. I say easy though good footwear should be worn on this trail because it is rough on the surface w/ rocks and gravel from the heavy travel and horses. This trail follows the old railroad route used for hauling supplies in and cut trees out during the time of the Little River Lumber Company. The last timber cut after the Park was established came out along the rails that once snaked through here.
I saw the old Cadillac parked here for the last time about 2 miles in (see the "lil' brown book" for more details). Mr. Ralph Hayes, whom I'd met while walking this trail soon after I moved here had first told me of this car and we looked for it some that day but didn't go far enough. Well Ralph, I found it.
Among other things to note along this moderate hike were the spots where houses and other structures once stood and where bridges crossed the prong. Theses bridges left evidence w/ steel cables and rock foundations. Along the way you'll see large rocks, small waterfalls, flowers, and assorted trees to enjoy as you walk. I saw deer, fish, bugs and birds. Lynn Camp Falls can be found at approx. 4 miles. These are really pretty and not traveled nearly as much as others do to the distance and they are not on the park issue trail map. They are found down a narrow spur to the right. I use the word "falls" in the plural because it is a cascading fall w/ at least three levels. This is a nice route to access the AT or just a RT dayhike. In the approach before the falls the trail begins to get steeper, and from past experience on this trail that grade increase continues pretty much until the AT. Peace

And Then it Rained....Tuesday the 8th

Another wonderful learning experience in the GSMNP! "Meg the (Mysterious) Hiker", a friend in from NYC (aka momma bear), and I, began this excursion from Clingmans Dome late in the afternoon last Tuesday. Look for Momma Bear's first entry soon regarding this hike. She also day hikes in the Northeast and we hope to have her share on her hikes from this region and the challenges they face.
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

Weekends away...

Hello, this weekends excursion began atop Clingmans Dome. Damn, I need to remember what the CD bypass trail is all about next time and stop starting my walks from here w/ a 1/2 mile up the cement walkway! Just as I was arriving at the AT someone asked "are you thru hiking?", to which I responded "know I'm just getting started". I missed that one! A few seconds later I understood what she meant and laughed at myself.
Soon after I began I started greeting hikers who were going towards the dome in varied sorts of clothing, gear and physical make-up. The first man had no shirt on and a log for a walking stick, the next was a short man round man "struggling" w/ the incline and rocks asking me how far to the next shelter. To which I replied that the dome was less than a mile and did not go into any specifics about mileage to Mt.Collins. Didn't want to scare him because he was tired and any of you who know that portion of the AT and direction he was heading know what he was facing in his shape. The next encounter involved two chaps looking determined as we exchanged greetings in our passing.
The winds were strong w/ gust approaching 30mph+, grayish sky, temperatures in the mid 50's, and the Knoxville forecast calling for the possibility of rain more likely Saturday morning.
The Flowers were were bright and plentiful. All sorts of colors and sizes were displayed over the next 3 days bringing feelings of peace, wonder, and appreciation of the little things.
After passing by Double Springs Shelter and some folks fixing some dinner I had the trail alone to myself until reaching the shleter at Silers Bald, at which I met some of, but not all, my shelter mates for the night. The wind was strong. "Rainman"; ask about him in the comments, was it appeared an experienced and impatient AT hiker I gathered over the next 14 hours, and he was hiking w/ 2 others, w/ a third joining them along the trail to Davenport Gap. Most of the folks I encountered at this shelter Friday night and those that passed through Saturday morning before I got out were calling themselves "thru-hikers". One man, "blackjack", remembered me from a couple of years ago and my first stay along the AT at Mt. Collins. His trail title and physical shape did seem familiar. I'll check my notes about that walk later. Saturday Morning I gave thanks to the "spirits that be" for the sleep I got and the opportunity to experience this windy, gray, morning. AT hikers began arriving as quick as the those I had met already had left, and I prepared my pack for the descent into "the valley below". And then it rained. This day's walk was via the Welch Ridge Trail, to Jonas Creek, and picking up the Forney Creek trail up to Campsite #68 (which has 2 sections a couple hundred yards apart). Along this 11 mile+ walk I saw lots of birds, a deer, squirrels and chipmunks and only 3 hikers in form just before I reached #68. Though there was a tent and fire at #70 a "dual-use" site. Here at this trail intersection I shed my rain gear w/ hope and a prayer. On a previous excursion I stayed at #69 which is a larger site w/ lots of water, though #68 gets you right to the base of serious climbing for the ascent back up Clingman's, I'd say 4000'+-, and water "a plenty". This is where I would recommend to begin most last day walks for this route or similar ones.


Sunday morning it looked like it had rained though the moisture was a combination of humidity, dew, and previous rain on the surface contributing to the humidity. I had some coffee, GORP, and began the 4 plus vertical miles to the CD parking area. Along the way I was giving the opportunity to experience awesome views, flowers and wildlife, w/ some peace and acceptance within myself. Thanks again to the spirits that be. Peace.

Blisters in the Back Country 02/08/08

W

This back country excursion began at the parking area for the West Prong trail head across the road from the main building at the Insitute at Tremont. After parking and "losing" my tent; as I had reservations in shelters the next 2 nights, I started my walk up Tremont road and the approx. 3.7 miles to Middle Prong Trailhead. It was a nice walk and only one car passed along the way. Once at the trailhead I continued up the Middle Prong Trail enjoying the full stream; Lynn Camp prong, which flows along side the trail, and the rock formations stacked beside it, in it, and over it as well. Just over 4 miles into this trail I came upon some day hikers who were very pleasant and told me of Indian Flats Falls, just ahead and to the right, down an unmarked spur. This was worth the detour of only about 150 yards and as I'm sure the couple I'd met new, it makes a great destination for a 8 mile+(RT) day hike. Indian Flats Falls (see pic) consist of at least three large falls cascading down into the Indian Flats Prong w/ lots of rocks to sit or lay on while appreciating the peace. All these "prongs" end up playing parts in forming the Little River. I took a few pictures and returned to the trail and up just a little bit connected to the Greenbriar Ridge Trail.

Greenbriar Ridge Trail continued the noticeable ascent up Davis Ridge which had just become more obvious of an incline back about 1/2 mile or so, as the previous trail ended w/ some consecutive switchbacks. Greenbriar Ridge was pleasant trail, one I'd rate as difficult for the novice, as the next 4 miles we're gaining some serious elevation. The Derrick Knob shelter, which is only 3/10's of a mile from where Greenbriar Ridge intersects w/ the AT, sits at 4890'.
Upon my arrival at the shelter I met, what would be the only other guest here, Josh and Shannon. They were old friends and it seems Josh, an AT sectional hiker had convinced his friend, who had never backpacked before, to join him. I wonder if they're still talkng? Ha, ha, As they were in the middle of, what is described by some, as the most difficult section of the AT and were hiking the next day through to Mt. Collins which meant some serious stuff! Hey guys please tell us how it went! I thanked Josh the next morning for introducing his friend to the Wild before they departed, and complimented Shannon for meeting the challenge. Rock on!

So, after reading in 'Hiking Trails of The Smokies', about how difficult the next 6.3 miles of the AT would be I quickly dismissed it as information for the beginner hikers, such as one of my new friends from Alabama. HAAAA! I'm the novice!! How little I really know. The AT between Derrick Knob and Spence Field was some serious "Stuff". I suggest reading about it in the previously mentioned text (p86-87) and heed any notes of practicality about the section to be hiked. Not that I did mind you, but I'm paying for it today. Well, that and another not so well thought out decision but more about that in a minute. Along this part of the AT there was no water basically, until you reach Beechnut Gap, at this point there is an obvious spur down off the AT to a big; at least on this day, broad, flowing spring. I passed a group of folks here who seemed to have been here before and were very pleasant as we shared greetings, etc... .
All along this portion of the AT, my excursion was very rewarding w/ the spectacular views both east into North Carolina, w/ Fontana Lake off in the distance, and west back over Tennessee, and Cades Cove (see pic). Throughout this there were "ups and downs" along the trail and most "ups" without switchbacks and involved often steep, extended inclines. Now I'm no light wieght yet these were/are strong challenges to ones strength, endurance, and determination, at times. How many of you reading this have hiked here, or somewhere similar, and asked yourself while in the middle of it "What the _____ am I doing?" Only to be smiling a few moments later as you look over a cliff at the valley below and answer your question w/ an affirmative smile and saying "because I love this"। Whatever "this" is. Endorphins, solitude, peace... . OK, so I get to the turn off for Bote Mtn. trail, 2/10's of a mile from the Spence Field shelter; which I checked out, and I have been toying w/ the thought of completeing my walk out today. I didn't do anything smart like review my map or consider what I had just accomplished and went w/ it, my initial thought, thinking "oh, the next 6 miles won't be a problem, heck it's all down hill, 20 minute miles and I'll be out before dark". After 1.7 miles into my descent I look at the map as I arrive at the crossroad w/ Anthony Creek trail to get a bearing on my estimated time of arrival and begin to realize what a potentially serious miscalcualtion I had made. It was just over 10 miles, not 6, out along Bote Mtn., to the West Prong trail and out to my car. Being the stubborn person I am sometimes, I marched on re-adjusting my ETA by at least an hour.
Practicing lots of acceptance about "who's responsiblity" it was for where I was at that moment. I enjoyed the trail and the various levels and types of forest I passed through, again see the previous referenced text, (p129). Upon reaching campsite #18, I was rejuvenated knowing I had "only" 2.7 miles to go, though this was tempered by a camper I spoke w/ breifly as I passed who told me it was "just over the top of that little mountain and then it's just down from there". Well "Them there" natural pain killers kicked in and I gotter done! Despite some developing blisters, sore legs and occasional personal mental abuse about some of my descisions that day, I was very pleased w/ what I had accomplished and offered lots of "thanks to the spirits that be", for the opportunity to experience what had been allowed me that day. Peace