tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66524327984733206452023-11-16T08:17:43.463-08:00PeterHikesAll things wilderness adventure...Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-80467030604470478212013-04-24T07:17:00.001-07:002013-04-24T07:17:30.460-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-7420713003994243542012-07-22T15:11:00.000-07:002012-07-22T15:11:19.396-07:00REMATCH! Northern Wind River Range Loop Take 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeM4j45_ccSnB0e40dSTtoFmgEtJJq9bdCvW3LnpvwIzbtRv_V3AYVRocY9WZh_xGc8PSw5xEV0Vcy-y_2WgUaUrmjnuL5v0SEFwDOLtezGZDqaPF6B6RNJNTpHXRzigHcaqn9bA3zKCI/s1600/delete+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeM4j45_ccSnB0e40dSTtoFmgEtJJq9bdCvW3LnpvwIzbtRv_V3AYVRocY9WZh_xGc8PSw5xEV0Vcy-y_2WgUaUrmjnuL5v0SEFwDOLtezGZDqaPF6B6RNJNTpHXRzigHcaqn9bA3zKCI/s320/delete+049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the story last time Mike and I attempted a week-long trip in the Wind River Range. A few years and a couple of months later we're ready to give it another go - this time with Ben, Andy and Tim in tow. </div>
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Read the trip report from the last attempt <a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/2009/06/two-trips-for-price-of-none-part-one.html">here</a>.</div>
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Check out our proposed route here: <a href="http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/351266">Interactive Map</a></div>
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Follow our progress right here on <a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/">PeterHikes</a>.</div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-71517417267078838292010-10-28T10:20:00.000-07:002010-10-28T10:26:07.363-07:00I'm famous!My good friend Victor is planning a hike to Delaware Water Gap and was poking around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NPS</span> website gathering beta for the trip. Check out what he stumbled upon:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533148463841478130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mpey4V9__56nU3zsc37v-BV38B2O1UjReixVZ24gaynNIQ1XebMGrBoJv_QwlK5pq6oDSEWU_dZqjwYtVW26ywmwV_ygNS9Kyz9rfNU-XVb3YIxK52u9XLVxtcyDwV47LFpkq5kunj9T/s400/DWG+Photo.bmp" border="0" /><br /><p>That photo was taken in 2004 on my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Appalachian</span> Trail <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">thru</span>-hike when Buddy and I stopped <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">into</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DWG</span> visitor's center. I vaguely remember a photographer following me around there, but had no idea this 7 year old photo even existed let alone was being used in the banner on their website. </p><p>Funny. </p><p>View the source here: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/things2know.htm">http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/things2know.htm</a></p><p>And I promise more posts are coming soon! Happy Hiking!</p>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-48451769778714064302010-06-17T06:16:00.000-07:002013-07-25T04:32:46.208-07:00Camping with Kids can be a Fairy Tale<div align="left">
Most grown ups I know are scared of sleeping in the woods - bears, serial killers, pooping sans porcelain - so how do you go about making young children feel at home away from home and foster a love of the outdoors? There are likely tons of successful strategies that have been employed over time by parents, like me, who hope that their kids will someday also be hiking partners, but here's what I used which worked wonders: Fairies!<br />
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I started by explaining to Fiona (6) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Isley</span> (4) that wood fairies live deep in the woods in the most beautiful places in the world. You see, these little delicate fairies need clean air and water and are afraid of the loud noises and crowds of cities and towns where people live (excepting of course tooth fairies who are very brave). That, I explained, is why you need to head for the mountains, where the woods are deepest and quietest to find fairy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">habitat</span>.<br />
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One of the biggest problems encountered by parents of young children on camping trips is that they get bored - QUICKLY. Food can be used to distract to a point, but most kids don't know how to entertain themselves around a campsite without some guidance. So I introduced a little story from my childhood which provides, excitement and wonder, fodder for exploration and creativity, and hours of busy activity. I explained to my girls that some children (including their dad, a long time ago) have learned that fairies are always looking for a new and wonderful place to sleep each night. When they find a house that really pleases them they've been known to leave a gift for whoever built it when they leave in the morning. The kids immediately set out to find the best rocks, the strongest sticks, the prettiest leaves, and the widest bark with which to build a fairy house that would be pleasing enough to a family of wood fairies that they might find a gift in the morning.<br />
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Beyond entertainment and creative play, this little story also provides an opportunity to discuss the principles of <a href="http://www.lnt.org/">Leave No Trace </a>(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LNT</span>). In their mindset of seeking to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">please</span> the fairies, kids re very receptive to hearing about how we only use fallen branches, that we should never litter the fairies beautiful forest with trash, and that fairies won't come if we make a mess of the ground around their woodland home. My kids wanted to use pieces of plastic and rubber bands that they'd found in the fairy house, but I explained that those things belonged in our trash bag and not in the woods and the fairies would be even more proud of us if we left the woods cleaner than when we came.<br />
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Now, your kids will want to see the fairies, but of course you can explain that fairies are so small and so fast that they can't be seen during the day. However, on summer nights, fairies like to play by pretending to be fireflies -although you can tell which ones are actually fairies in disguise if you look closely because they move a little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">faster</span> than the real fireflies. Despite all this, my kids are quite certain they saw at least one fairy who they named "the blueberry fairy"because she was a blue tint and was around the bushes I'd previously identified for them as blueberries.</div>
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The fairy story also helps to alleviate anxiety about going to sleep in a strange place. Just like Santa, the fairies won't come visit to check on the house you built unless you're asleep. Being preoccupied with a forest full of fairies prevents the worries about lions and tigers and bears from creeping into little minds.<br />
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Grownups need to have some foresight to bring along a little prize to stash in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fairyhouse</span> during a mid-night pee break (i used ring pops, but anything out of those quarter vending machines or a dollar store will work).<br />
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My girls can't wait to go camping again (at a place with fairies of course) and are already planning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">architectural</span> improvements to their fairy houses.<br />
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For backpacking trips with hiking involved, my plan is to get bags of gold-foil chocolate coins and toss them ahead on the trail suggesting that friendly wood gnomes hide their treasure along the trail. I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
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Happy Hiking!</div>
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Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-8635416764490289592010-03-18T17:17:00.000-07:002010-03-18T20:17:15.334-07:00Watch Out for Wolves (Protect them and yourself)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4PGFNBSBdBl7LcSO5GsV6Ngm6wCw_QuW049vyocVryzX0fs2dqTBVtKtl1ZjuYLKkSQ9Rx7SEezbauxGt-rFMjy8aaW2X6e0jwddHaWRk3GIzOVCbFdLmRrqilMukDYB0T2-sFKVHVkl/s1600-h/wolf4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450149753574548018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4PGFNBSBdBl7LcSO5GsV6Ngm6wCw_QuW049vyocVryzX0fs2dqTBVtKtl1ZjuYLKkSQ9Rx7SEezbauxGt-rFMjy8aaW2X6e0jwddHaWRk3GIzOVCbFdLmRrqilMukDYB0T2-sFKVHVkl/s400/wolf4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div>Wolves in America are in serious trouble. While this news is in no way new, today it is more true than ever as the headlines across the nation are splashed with reports of the first confirmed wolf-on-human fatal attack in the United States. Already on the shaky side of a recovery from severe endangerment, wolves will likely be vilified in the wake of the terribly unfortunate death of an Alaskan woman this week.</div><br /><a href="http://www.adn.com/cgi-bin/apps/assetDisplay/?ref=http://media.adn.com/smedia/2010/03/09/19/ChignikLake_loc.graphic_large.prod_affiliate.7.jpg&summ=&sec=244&width=394&height=444"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450151188530914866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzG69IGvSOQGMilNFtIfY0dZ_KGI6DzW-7EVqUwbAkefM-Y3idsMF2qI1cVSZ4yDApZKIEbkMRvBoMaDBppTBnkDSAjWpvwgKtXimrybvUdUppHoiN3iiiu9ddFX-8UklrKZrxfIO4COy/s320/ChignikLake_loc_graphic_large_prod_affiliate_7.jpg" border="0" /></a>According to reports, Alaskan teacher Candice Berner, 32, of Chignik Lake, Alaska was jogging when she was apparently attacked by 2 or 3 mature wolves. Berner was reported to be in excellent physical health although of diminutive stature at only 4'11" tall. Since she was listening to an mp3 player at the time of attack, it is assumed that she was unaware of the wolves' presence until they actually attacked. Berger had just recently moved to Alaska to teach Special Education from her native Pennsylvania. Her body was found by snowmobilers and showed evidence of a prolonged struggle with severe trauma to the throat and clear evidence that the bites occurred while the victim was still alive.<br /><div></div><br /><div>This is the first fatal wolf attack on a human in the United States and only the second alleged in North America. The first was an unconfirmed fatality in Canada in 2005 which is widely regarded by wildlife experts to have been more likely perpetrated by a Black Bear than wolves.</div><div></div><br /><div>Wolves have been teetering on the brink of extinction in North America mainly due either directly (hunting) or indirectly (elimination of prey habitat) to human activity. Three highly controversial reintroduction programs in the United States have shown varying levels of success. The first was in 1991 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when Red Wolves were reintroduced to their once native habitat after having been eliminated some 85 years prior. After 25 live births in the wild, the surviving wolves dwindled to a mere 7 adults who have since been assumed dead due to lack of contact. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450150078447298882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4j-Z3Rf9EpBlMxWvsBsu7Y3fVM3tzReH6wU7wul0JOHfywdmPXujQdbUJxtW5VDRKZL4eo3byyg3Lrv9oW5b9oy0RnEIVGGogikKI8aHdfuNRaisP17qYdMp9hcFXDDMfUcgwbLBAhQv/s400/wolf1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>The second reintroduction project was in 1995 where Grey Wolves were re-introduced to the Greater Yellowstone Eco-System of Idaho and Wyoming. This effort was met with a great deal of resistance from ranchers in the area. Efforts to include Montana in this reintroduction were<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSQ-u-kFURG75uRHYLJbLvEkdys3USFOxyb0SgDDoz6nvJ9yTBUnvo5EzJsDyNccof_aPB5fx9BlUwCc45ZV635rEYK2BBwO3T9RiwRu8A8PN-EemzYZlT16A1rbSbotprRXFbZ87yu3Y/s1600-h/Wolf-Hunting1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450150291622436306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSQ-u-kFURG75uRHYLJbLvEkdys3USFOxyb0SgDDoz6nvJ9yTBUnvo5EzJsDyNccof_aPB5fx9BlUwCc45ZV635rEYK2BBwO3T9RiwRu8A8PN-EemzYZlT16A1rbSbotprRXFbZ87yu3Y/s200/Wolf-Hunting1.JPG" border="0" /></a> blocked and a number of legal battles were fought in the name of keeping Wolves out of their former habitat. Today this reintroduction is largely successful with several strong, healthy packs roaming the Greater Yellowstone area. The battles, however rage on with land owners and ranchers fighting for rights to kill Wolves and biologists and environmental groups arguing the benefits throughout the ecosystem in having such a keystone species in place.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE0piq0HXfl-5cmkeePtGGGjdO22XxUvDf_VDjonNWv1c5yDsd7XgzjjAr59sVtuCXnDUkaQhr-7yOgRqgYk2F6t4DqH3YG4SXztK_cB7Pz1EtKjmBimgr1rXs9xq631dqq0wvMOP78sf/s1600-h/mexican+wolf.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450150488853027970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE0piq0HXfl-5cmkeePtGGGjdO22XxUvDf_VDjonNWv1c5yDsd7XgzjjAr59sVtuCXnDUkaQhr-7yOgRqgYk2F6t4DqH3YG4SXztK_cB7Pz1EtKjmBimgr1rXs9xq631dqq0wvMOP78sf/s200/mexican+wolf.JPG" border="0" /></a>The final reintroduction program was in 1998 in Arizona where Mexican Wolves - on the brink of extinction in the 1980s were captured and reintroduced in Arizona. Today efforts are halfway to their goal with an estimated 50 of the targeted 100 wild individuals now roaming parts of Arizona and New Mexico. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Wolves are a keystone species and a highly skilled predator. They hunt in sophisticated social groups and have highly refined techniques of prey identification and selection. While Ms. Berner's death is undoubtedly a terrible tragedy, it is an inevitable result of ever-shrinking habitat for wild animals. Wolves in particular have been squeezed wherever they have existed by human expansion into unsurvivably small areas. The wolves that killed Ms. Berner are currently being hunted to be exterminated, but it is not because they we in some way diseased or deranged. In their natural state, wolves target prey that is easily isolated, small enough to take down without risk of injury, and slow enough to not outrun them in pursuit. Any human, male or female regardless of size, jogging alone in Alaska meets all of these criteria. While anti-wolf groups will undoubtedly grab hold of these headlines to make a concerted case for elimination of wild wolves in America, surprisingly, Ms. Berner's own father is able to keep things in remarkable perspective: "They're just doing what wolves do," Berner said. "Their nature happened to kill my daughter, but I don't have any anger towards wolves." </div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450150929388725730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqyvSgBZTxPaU1W-Q-6dEf9HBkp1uYioYXs33KLw4hMP2acj5Hq2XQuS1ouczr30PWTppEn3TzMdS9qtKK0PrQfKuaH8Sw7-PiAbZ2_Orx52XlZI04YVUN6KYeABIfYXplSlgApY0f_t6/s320/wolf3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>So what can we learn from this terrible tragedy? Any time we travel into wild spaces we are taking a risk. As human development continues to expand exponetially and further encroach on previously wild areas, <a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/2009/07/barney-fife-v-booboo-shootout.html">encounters between wild animals and humans</a> become more and more inevitable. Any time you're in the habitat of predatory or potentially dangerous animals you need to be aware and take precautions. When in areas where mountain lions, brown/grizzly bears, or wolves are known to live, don't ever travel alone and always carry some sort of emergency deterrent such as bear spray. While bear spray will not guarantee escape from an attack, the highly concentrated pepper spray will buy valuable time by making each of these species think twice about advancing further. Always be aware of your surroundings - mp3 players and the like have their place, but can be dangerous distractions outside of town limits. Being aware may make the difference between being able to scare off a predator and not, or avoiding any number of other potential dangers. Respect the power of nature and give it your full, undivided attention at all times. Know the potential dangers of the situations you enter and learn the skills necessary to respond should disaster strike. </div><br /><div>Be safe out there.</div></div></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-20251807844296927132010-01-27T06:57:00.000-08:002010-01-27T07:33:10.369-08:00Wish Uwharrie Here<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo4LITBU_Dg">View the full trip video here</a></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431422466333372962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPELp-c9ZzvrTGWVPqxxtULG69I1xNNvfl8ZGJtmauldy7i3P4EoDBFMaE0eujNv6Tr_fzft_BkuH8Ku7h4XU4UFB-XQ-lO1En9SnaDF4WwSnbqoUI84KngGdeiaryVOTf_5ccOlntPs6/s400/SANY0167.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong><em>The Range:<br /></em></strong><br />Located in the otherwise flat central Piedmont of North Carolina, the Uwharrie Mountains are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs8fiO2c_LIPFqralYUXwpnGEPeOdxgca5vYpqT7bwwVjbZ3F7uhOByFZ22a6xCWVohlD92YTa0V57ZxR1wFLiLUpIt8aXQyWioOP65snemLEqNrbBzBUuG47HRwlexX70-xesGSgUV6L/s1600-h/SANY0238.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431437462585546194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 76px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs8fiO2c_LIPFqralYUXwpnGEPeOdxgca5vYpqT7bwwVjbZ3F7uhOByFZ22a6xCWVohlD92YTa0V57ZxR1wFLiLUpIt8aXQyWioOP65snemLEqNrbBzBUuG47HRwlexX70-xesGSgUV6L/s200/SANY0238.JPG" border="0" /></a>one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. Geologists estimate that the Uwharries once topped out around 20,000 feet, but erosion, at work since the volcanic origin of the range over 500 million years ago, has worn it down to a tiny fraction of those heights. Currently, the high point of this ancient range is only 1,119 feet above sea level, with most of the range standing between 300 feet and 900 feet high. At the time of their creation, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7-e3lV20LFYgyCRNTR8m-mFwivSoZXarAcDhM1QRvZUAK6SaGG5346y9q3K5PgtQIli0ptLIf5NhEMJAlb8snY-K_u_4ngVfK8rLvNWFKAEBL3kM9yE42YbbgTIEVZMaD4DwcSiixriP/s1600-h/SANY0111.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431422701478817794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7-e3lV20LFYgyCRNTR8m-mFwivSoZXarAcDhM1QRvZUAK6SaGG5346y9q3K5PgtQIli0ptLIf5NhEMJAlb8snY-K_u_4ngVfK8rLvNWFKAEBL3kM9yE42YbbgTIEVZMaD4DwcSiixriP/s320/SANY0111.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Uwharries once defined a portion of the eastern seaboard, but a slow, gradual rise east of the range has moved the Atlantic shore more than 150 miles over time. The smallest of the 4 National Forests in NC at 50,000 acres, the land was originally purchased by the Federal government in 1931 and dubbed the Uwharrie Reservation before being designated a National Forest by JFK 30 years later. The first fame for this range came as early as 1802 when it was discovered that a rock being used as a doorstop was actually as 17lb gold nugget found 3 years earlier in a mine in the Uwharries, Reed’s Mine. The discovery led to the nation’s first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_mining_in_the_United_States#North_Carolina">gold rush</a>.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Challenge:</em></strong><br /><br />This February 18th marks the 6th anniversary of the start of my<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1yfZf24H39W99O0DZFVo8DLVuY6vv9l7-1eobBWxvFWwsstlSJ9qRgv6ZUQDzefu1jUzET_jKSByicOlK2jh7jYZf-SrQEb-HMxZBDUqOcagA5fmd4clEsvf5hmKO10pjIhdjeKYwqLV/s1600-h/kg1b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431423355127372242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 122px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1yfZf24H39W99O0DZFVo8DLVuY6vv9l7-1eobBWxvFWwsstlSJ9qRgv6ZUQDzefu1jUzET_jKSByicOlK2jh7jYZf-SrQEb-HMxZBDUqOcagA5fmd4clEsvf5hmKO10pjIhdjeKYwqLV/s200/kg1b.jpg" border="0" /></a> Appalachian Trail Thru-hike. While I’ve remained a very active hiker in the years following, I had not done any thru-hike caliber mileage since. My goal for this trip was to see if I still had it in me by attempting to cover 42 miles in under 48 hours.<br /><br /><strong><em>Day 1: Surprises – Pleasant and unpleasant</em></strong><br /><br />I left my car at the Jumping Off Rock trailhead on SR1306 at 3:45pm heading south on the Uwharrie Trail. Immediately I was pleasantly surprised. The terrain was rugged, steep and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11c0Yp_astwcCSIZReHrB5OSfTstGg_57Tf0V4nq3oRXSYJkpFE4-g9DRvV9pNPY-zZ3ezJPRm7HPbfKrHJbsZQuAAfVxyfghdXEqV8OI2480JRQ7FG2rCw1NMWRmdBjAMJiO9k47Mwk7/s1600-h/SANY0179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431424434521440642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11c0Yp_astwcCSIZReHrB5OSfTstGg_57Tf0V4nq3oRXSYJkpFE4-g9DRvV9pNPY-zZ3ezJPRm7HPbfKrHJbsZQuAAfVxyfghdXEqV8OI2480JRQ7FG2rCw1NMWRmdBjAMJiO9k47Mwk7/s200/SANY0179.JPG" border="0" /></a>rocky and through the leafless trees I could see ridgelines extending in all directions. The forest was almost exclusively hardwoods in this northern section, and, apart from the marked absence of Rhododendron closely resembled the Appalachian Blue Ridge to the west. This first day I saw no one. I hiked in complete silence and solitude for an hour and a half, covering around 3.5 miles before setting up camp atop an unnamed wooded dome that would provide open views of both sunset and sunrise.<br /><br />The sunset was spectacular and seemed to be an omen of good things to come. As I watched the sun go down I built a small fire, cooked some dinner and listened to enthusiastic coyotes celebrate the unusually warm night.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431425351734723810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DEYmR4OopYb-gM3uwt7Iq__6r86AMonIj0nHKW2TaODYnt8VtFRPwy2n2mASQqzw1D928JnKTFFO-aktTVrQ-YyHt6pH1CaZ8w3vvD_jCJ8Qhv0EeXlUX_LrbPypbRd_A8RKFvZty0VT/s400/SANY0130.JPG" border="0" /><br />With the sun gone I turned my gaze skyward where the stars were out in force – the coyotes <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh26xN7R3r28Ogt1WYl5Esfkq0sopeQvPw74tiggb95sx7YBR-_IbAO76CIY7YtKc5OzulXg3W-SJ8h9KctZLGafgp1-jtVRdmdxtVRckY525tjaI04S2YLh7UvW2iNw4L5kIrWbXDMQ7/s1600-h/SANY0137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431427451727119970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh26xN7R3r28Ogt1WYl5Esfkq0sopeQvPw74tiggb95sx7YBR-_IbAO76CIY7YtKc5OzulXg3W-SJ8h9KctZLGafgp1-jtVRdmdxtVRckY525tjaI04S2YLh7UvW2iNw4L5kIrWbXDMQ7/s200/SANY0137.JPG" border="0" /></a>evidently enjoyed this too. Soon though, the coyotes’ song was drowned out by a slow, methodical, heavy crunch of footfall on dry leaves coming from the southeast. There were only two possibilities given the weight and stride: bear or man. I was alone and it was very dark, my only protection a 3.5” blade and a trekking pole. I sincerely hoped it was a bear since any human out this far, with no light, walking directly into my camp could mean no good. If it was a bear though, it was a big bear, and given that I was directly downwind, he may not know I was there at all. Without the benefit of wind, this bear’s primary sense would be returning a subtle blend worth checking into: stroganoff and campfire.<br /><br />T<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9yq18BZ6sVCe3DIyl48HCUuTvi8kPJ3qnIxjQsfDDf8HObGVb_2BcNt9Hln6d5Siyu9U2LfEXyUneXDjBm2ANr-5GvHNqsIThZ9Kr0Y47PlMkHeFYQfbd450o09IUoPeUZ72Gic6r1la/s1600-h/SANY0136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431427340475721762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9yq18BZ6sVCe3DIyl48HCUuTvi8kPJ3qnIxjQsfDDf8HObGVb_2BcNt9Hln6d5Siyu9U2LfEXyUneXDjBm2ANr-5GvHNqsIThZ9Kr0Y47PlMkHeFYQfbd450o09IUoPeUZ72Gic6r1la/s200/SANY0136.JPG" border="0" /></a>he official Forest Service signage would suggest that it was not a bear. Both at trailheads and online, bears are absent from the list of resident species and nowhere are there cautions regarding safe food storage while camping in the backcountry. I knew that black bears ranged the entirety of North Carolina, even occasionally passing through the cities of the central Piedmont as had happened this past summer with tragic consequences (<a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/2009/07/barney-fife-v-booboo-shootout.html">Click to see Blog Post</a>).<br /><br />Whatever the source of the crunch, it was getting very close and coming directly at my camp. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf32cZjisjjC0cgUrQ2H4xUdeNV5gIZkyXVrvBAoiG4UVHQwOkfwIjyMgFOc9_ky9eazG3GubC7N6VwZOZHVeU8d_ufDByNqpi0z7_y_lO1eRmw7rae2UIC2nZAB_GbyBi06C_TS8zLQi/s1600-h/SANY0146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431428063083077474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 92px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf32cZjisjjC0cgUrQ2H4xUdeNV5gIZkyXVrvBAoiG4UVHQwOkfwIjyMgFOc9_ky9eazG3GubC7N6VwZOZHVeU8d_ufDByNqpi0z7_y_lO1eRmw7rae2UIC2nZAB_GbyBi06C_TS8zLQi/s200/SANY0146.JPG" border="0" /></a>I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY-LaFoIVB5krgPMoEPj5KIAe7Vujd9FO417v8a5_RDEt9FtuDITfwig8hnegfh-ms7B0z4H_p3K6SYju_03AtuU3XVe45bfrESO9pN73FVq-G4gz-oVRzts4PCH-itbmBSWqy8bSsCpA/s1600-h/SANY0146.JPG"></a>turned to face the intruder and simultaneously turned on my headlamp and shouted. Fifteen yards from me was a large black bear standing on his hind legs (presumably to get a better sniff). He dropped quickly to all-fours and retreated a few yards, gave a look back and then continued back in the direction from which he had come. Needless to say, the next thing I did was hang my food.<br /><br /><strong><em>Day 2: The long haul</em></strong> </p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKqHLyNjbvvg3gVxuCSZYVGxCZF4KiAxmQefBM60I_TS0pMv962aWO42rMnhWuu4OoJaLUBo47YogUMnJcUPZ7JI0vnaSsvxxT0_olDQScimaIrGJ3JXs6-VNtuCipTEfMySgll5Cyh9b/s1600-h/SANY0152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431425855834114546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKqHLyNjbvvg3gVxuCSZYVGxCZF4KiAxmQefBM60I_TS0pMv962aWO42rMnhWuu4OoJaLUBo47YogUMnJcUPZ7JI0vnaSsvxxT0_olDQScimaIrGJ3JXs6-VNtuCipTEfMySgll5Cyh9b/s320/SANY0152.JPG" border="0" /></a>The night was uneventful after the departure of my interloping friend and the morning was warm and dry with a sunrise even more spectacular than the sunset the night before. After coffee I set off for my first 20-mile day in 6 years. My load was heavier than I would have liked it for this type of mileage due to some test gear that I was carrying, but the lack of prolonged ascents or descents in Uwharrie made 30 lbs very manageable.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLnF9SE7nv_QjHjhPY418DsXwUtcp1085B2xKyZNDdW86wU_GEE71JKCN8b-RaDe-ltASp49vI6r8MW4uq8zc3alXVEHJeKh4NoumTrqK3TO0jV0POnZ7l8NraD5w26E9L7R46XTc6Sqm/s1600-h/SANY0199.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431431817404204098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLnF9SE7nv_QjHjhPY418DsXwUtcp1085B2xKyZNDdW86wU_GEE71JKCN8b-RaDe-ltASp49vI6r8MW4uq8zc3alXVEHJeKh4NoumTrqK3TO0jV0POnZ7l8NraD5w26E9L7R46XTc6Sqm/s320/SANY0199.JPG" border="0" /></a>The terrain here is characterized by rolling ups and downs and wide open hardwood forests peppered with worn granite and quartz. While water was scarce along the first 4 northernmost miles, Day 2 brought numerous creek crossings. Occasionally the hardwood forest gave way to tall white pine stands, but common to both was a complete absence of underbrush. The result is a relatively unobstructed view deep into the forest in all directions.<br /></p><br />Despite the clear views there was a marked lack of animal presence in the forest. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YllMFnCV_4lgWJBWQow7UQTLpRiAe1BhyphenhyphenT6RRNgBBMvlLL5b_r973jJBAO9A68EiOb7rginjqzywpWsUUFx-bvGiWweA0xwAGzOvo50RMp8fGS7yIov7rujBJkqSGVhfLjbKHXFyCoYh/s1600-h/SANY0242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431432214349899234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YllMFnCV_4lgWJBWQow7UQTLpRiAe1BhyphenhyphenT6RRNgBBMvlLL5b_r973jJBAO9A68EiOb7rginjqzywpWsUUFx-bvGiWweA0xwAGzOvo50RMp8fGS7yIov7rujBJkqSGVhfLjbKHXFyCoYh/s320/SANY0242.JPG" border="0" /></a>Thanks to a sign at trailhead I did not have to wonder long for the reason: hunting season is November 7th – January 1st. Apart from my visitor last night it would appear that everything else with fur had been either blasted or scared out of these woods in the preceding months. Anyone planning a hike in Uwharrie during hunting season should wear plenty of blaze orange and use extreme caution. The best times to visit is early fall, winter, and spring. Summer temps and humidity are oppressive in this area and bring with them an abundance of parasites, especially mosquitoes and ticks.<br /><br />I maintained a steady 3mph pace as I crossed over Hwy 109 which bi-sects the Uwharrie Trail. I had the trail largely to myself with the exception of 2 parties of fellow backpackers and a handful of trail-runners. The terrain here lends itself perfectly to trail-running and the forest is the site of an <a href="http://www.raceuwharrie.com/">annual 8, 20, and 40 mile race</a>.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431433036104005426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSxbOc6WD9A8SXBHWdIhfdp-RsI3jWSajZ50vZM_v-e-WXXSbPNXvXV6arwng_XJGBAwLZqDOKXbP5M6QWAWbfL4wppuJ-FiUFgBPmqHG8Rwz853sFSiPNROnKPXxCyFHHNXODbgrSRrY/s320/SANY0220.JPG" border="0" /><br />Miles 10-14 are very mellow rolling hills while the remaining 6 miles of the Uwharrie Trail offer relatively more dramatic ups and downs (although the biggest elevation change is a modest 400 feet). The southern terminus of the Uwharrie trail is Hwy 24/27 where I crossed the parking area to join the Dutchman’s Creek Trail which would loop me out to the east before returning me to the Uwharrie Trail after 6 miles.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431433044584344626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml0CbUAWRYlz4-xRJmJUn_AZVoRlye2D_BQE5dJVCF1bx4a02DZaotxzfuKkCxwA7i8KllgoVqBC_R0PtHUBGhVfJdHntwLBqpiHfHbFsLqcnMoxC77UhfkrOzZO1Vcr0gOFqKj2APJ5k/s320/SANY0180.JPG" border="0" /><br />Several miles into the Dutchman’s Creek Trail I came across more evidence of bear activity some 15 miles south of where I’d camped the night before. Here the leaves had been mowed through in a five foot wide swath meandering through the woods. The prevalence of mature oak trees here provide an abundance of acorns for a variety of foraging animals. Sure did seem to be a lot of bears there for a forest with no bears in it.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzeLy2mekVcWuQ9OD3hUrYu9Yzmgx9jNZZNjw7_QbTwcdP1jcCeIXehKg9SQimSyUEUGfsorm7DgnnMLaXsUA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>I made it 5 miles into the Dutchman’s Creek Trail before settling on a campsite on another hilltop with panoramic views through the trees. One thing that’s great about Uwharrie is that because of the lack of undergrowth, backcountry campsites are practically infinite. You can close your eyes and throw your pack anywhere and chances are that where it lands will be a viable spot for a tent. My weather luck turned at dusk as heavy rain begins to fall so I settled into the tent and brewed up a pot of cheddar noodles with hot sauce and a cup of hot, spiced apple cider. With 17 miles of Uwharrie Trail and 5 miles of Dutchman’s Creek I had covered 22 miles with a 30lb pack on day 2 and feel surprisingly good. On the final day 16.5 miles would return me to the northern terminus.<br /><br /><strong><em>Day 3: Overflows and blowouts</em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8tJ5Ahmbeh0CC2Yf0bAvaUjS0kFtrpRpY881dMlNDnNSPyM9qm4IlhqjXUUPiwIsDkmrrxla9vmjw7jNqVUC5vHdVuJnUeXNKL-DRe_ARYAZM7WytpDOos8PE_IMrSzJIX7qhR57IsFE/s1600-h/SANY0221.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431435167929174322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8tJ5Ahmbeh0CC2Yf0bAvaUjS0kFtrpRpY881dMlNDnNSPyM9qm4IlhqjXUUPiwIsDkmrrxla9vmjw7jNqVUC5vHdVuJnUeXNKL-DRe_ARYAZM7WytpDOos8PE_IMrSzJIX7qhR57IsFE/s320/SANY0221.JPG" border="0" /></a>The rain continued all night, but graciously stopped soon after my coffee was brewed, so I quickly packed up camp and headed north. Immediately the effects of the night’s rain were evident as small streams became rushing torrents and mud holes became flooded valleys. The rain resumed shortly after I started walking and would continue to turn on and off throughout the day. Soon I rejoined the Uwharrie Trail headed north (Note: Dutchman’s Creek continues an additional 5 miles to the west and east from the first junction with the Uwharrie Trail to form a figure 8. I opted not to take the final 5 mile leg, of the DCT this trip.).<br /><br />Due to a combination of the dampness from steady rains and stream crossings, the 22-mile pounding of the previous day and the relative infrequency with which I get out on the trail, my feet began to fail on me. I treated emerging hot spots with duct tape reinforcements, but it was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPccpcP8Gg2R1P8rQ3oFympC9cqilRo4lylue4Ho6zrSi2EktS3nQUX4SHoYeL0bvqU_I4-s1TcrdnvOQjaqF8XnhpGIav1ooYsW4GNqmTxAYlY4ipmpOt7qNdMeG723vgVf4kDq0tG6X5/s1600-h/SANY0113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431435746585048626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPccpcP8Gg2R1P8rQ3oFympC9cqilRo4lylue4Ho6zrSi2EktS3nQUX4SHoYeL0bvqU_I4-s1TcrdnvOQjaqF8XnhpGIav1ooYsW4GNqmTxAYlY4ipmpOt7qNdMeG723vgVf4kDq0tG6X5/s200/SANY0113.JPG" border="0" /></a>not enough. By the time I reached the site of my first nights camp monster blisters were already well established on 8 of my toes and both heels and some were starting to break. The final 3 mile push was through seething pain from my right foot where my pinky toe had been mangled beyond recognition. Cresting the gap on the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYitlnZS0o2ymQ5EVervboTEEExv3jmn5P6S7hCkxix8HVkDXi6xQ20XpWzjlhqA_svjyZTN836iQGFQqoys7y_svcUKySQg-sC3ySw4P4sQf4cNM_Q9D08Sw67m7rfDGMe10BD2-J2xd-/s1600-h/SANY0232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431436361875813618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYitlnZS0o2ymQ5EVervboTEEExv3jmn5P6S7hCkxix8HVkDXi6xQ20XpWzjlhqA_svjyZTN836iQGFQqoys7y_svcUKySQg-sC3ySw4P4sQf4cNM_Q9D08Sw67m7rfDGMe10BD2-J2xd-/s200/SANY0232.JPG" border="0" /></a>shoulder of Dark Mountain I made the final downhill push to the trailhead to finish the 42-mile trek in just under 47 hours. Not bad in mid-January where days are short and 28 of those hours were dark and spent in camp.<br /><br />Overall, Uwharrie National Forest was a very pleasant surprise. For years I had put off visiting this area which is practically in my backyard, having written it off for low altitude and proximity to population. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkWpmYPbY6jNskXrZU4__AmQgAP8YJF2qtWBWcPMgk4iwES_N2vHqxUbE3EiATqksk94n_okWqTIFX_aSLlSB0yx1L_py4aKsTxgQBMNsyJatP3hKaPadGPlvqF0C8PYnJK77OA99ILTu/s1600-h/SANY0193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431437153401528770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkWpmYPbY6jNskXrZU4__AmQgAP8YJF2qtWBWcPMgk4iwES_N2vHqxUbE3EiATqksk94n_okWqTIFX_aSLlSB0yx1L_py4aKsTxgQBMNsyJatP3hKaPadGPlvqF0C8PYnJK77OA99ILTu/s200/SANY0193.JPG" border="0" /></a>What I found though was a very accessible and easily traveled stretch of wilderness with great character and ample opportunity for solitude. Variations on backpacking trips abound with shuttle options from 8-21.5 miles in length, loops from 6-20 miles in length and others such as my 42-mile lollipop trip that could easily be expanded by 4 miles by adding in the rest of Dutchman’s Creek.<br /><br />I did call the Ranger’s office to report my bear sighting and to recommend <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tAcTzDG3XmVr0sbuqU6nKWjC9x6bppXiPlVgcYVGrjtLhhnSb56XIWI8W_3UOz4aduXXL5W2bXhQenKBAYt6CFxTItjqA4k_pVyrlGv4wdfvpf0GFm3CwnnPyFeVx7IofMBlIF1uLPyE/s1600-h/SANY0121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431436358479171250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tAcTzDG3XmVr0sbuqU6nKWjC9x6bppXiPlVgcYVGrjtLhhnSb56XIWI8W_3UOz4aduXXL5W2bXhQenKBAYt6CFxTItjqA4k_pVyrlGv4wdfvpf0GFm3CwnnPyFeVx7IofMBlIF1uLPyE/s200/SANY0121.JPG" border="0" /></a>addition of bears and the relevant food storage precautions to the signage at the trailheads. Although the staff that I spoke with were all very excited that I’d seen a bear, they seemed to miss the part about it heading straight into my camp where I'd not hung my food due to lack of warning and I didn’t much get the impression it would result in any changes in practice. As for my feet, I limped around for a few days, but a week later I’m all healed although my toes are considerably uglier. Good to know that my 6 years of couch-surfing haven’t completely decimated my long-distance hiking legs.<br /><br /><p align="center">-</p><br /><span style="color:#66cccc;">The Hike: Starting from the Jumping Off Rock Trailhead at SR1306 hike south on the Uwharrie Recreation Trail (white blazes) to its southern terminus at hwy 24/27. Cross the parking lot and join the Dutchman’s Creek Trail (yellow blazes) for 6 miles (as reported) or 11 miles to intersect with the Uwharrie Recreation Trail (URT and DCT intersect at both intervals). Turn north and backtrack to SR1306.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#66cccc;">To the Trailhead: From Interstate 73/74 in North Carolina take exit #51 for Dawson Miller Rd. Head west on Dawson Miller Rd and take the first left onto Hwy 134 south. After 9.5 miles turn right onto Abner Rd. Turn left onto Flint Hill Rd/SR1306 and follow to the trailhead parking on the left.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#66cccc;">Ranger Contact: Uwharrie National Forest, 789 Hwy. 24/27 E., Troy, NC 27371-9332; (910) 576-6391<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#66cccc;">Maps: Gemini Maps' Uwharrie National Forest Map ($3.50) 910-461-5216; the National Forest Ranger’s Office in Troy (above) sells a </span><a href="http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/uwharrie/uwharrie_national_recreational_trail_map.htm"><span style="color:#66cccc;">map</span></a><span style="color:#66cccc;"> of the Uwharrie Trail for $4; or a combination of the Troy, Lovejoy and Morrow Mountain USGS quad maps cover the area.</span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-57167382815535507752010-01-12T06:44:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:51:06.741-08:00Sleep Tight, Sleep Light: Sleeping Pad Analysis<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17Vkr8XaqfTVTztAbMYUwFY-flmjeiIC6YKUxjZF1zGjSTOVbbhLvSw-9dSbcj34h2RfAF5eC08o-3VcexzyrpdU08usD_jOlvHll4vU5HY-y3eKWy0m1HOx4ix5pAm5qP87JZFg3m_D7/s1600-h/Panthertown4-08+113.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426340126800133554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17Vkr8XaqfTVTztAbMYUwFY-flmjeiIC6YKUxjZF1zGjSTOVbbhLvSw-9dSbcj34h2RfAF5eC08o-3VcexzyrpdU08usD_jOlvHll4vU5HY-y3eKWy0m1HOx4ix5pAm5qP87JZFg3m_D7/s320/Panthertown4-08+113.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Few pieces of gear can determine the success of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">backcountry</span> trip like a sleeping pad. Sure if its just an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">overnighter</span> you can endure anything, but being cold, uncomfortable and sleepless will make a big impact on your morale quickly. I've been in search of the right pad for a long time now and I'm sure I'm not alone. The goals? Find a pad that maximizes comfort and insulation while minimizing weight and bulk. Cost is a concern, but if the right pad comes along, the value of good sleep in the woods clearly justifies a one-time investment.<br /><br /><strong>Origins:</strong><br /><br />Like a lot of people I started my outdoor sleeping on a closed cell foam pad - specifically a <a href="http://www.cascadedesigns.com/Therm-A-Rest/Mattresses/Trek-And-Travel/Ridge-Rest/product"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">RidgeRest</span></a> by <a href="http://cascadedesigns.com/">Cascade Designs</a>.<br /><br /><div align="left">Practically unbeatable in the categories of insulation (R-value is 2.6), price (only $19.95 for a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXwNLMKaEoWFhOTJizlTwqHq_r77NdyMpF58FOjc3qWEhyphenhyphensYQgWwCPbmxoaVt10cLx5oxV0RUq2PKEQ6MMy-WYP2y0WgDBnxBztSMh7RxHwh1LxQb3HOVJJigRJf6sXjItahA_tI7wSRU/s1600-h/Uinta+Highline+Trail-6042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426341665043845634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXwNLMKaEoWFhOTJizlTwqHq_r77NdyMpF58FOjc3qWEhyphenhyphensYQgWwCPbmxoaVt10cLx5oxV0RUq2PKEQ6MMy-WYP2y0WgDBnxBztSMh7RxHwh1LxQb3HOVJJigRJf6sXjItahA_tI7wSRU/s200/Uinta+Highline+Trail-6042.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0J_lG0u0S5zwTFlW435r1nkpZIH4To5RLy0oKc5vEgEkTEUKrJ2Bo7LCGrcNV7Mjh2Zs_h9eudOGn_uiQ3wt1faX1QxwYwcPbduHaYvbqy_VGA1tByd1owdnon3IdCI0qKGmpHyrGnHq/s1600-h/SANY0114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426342289854415346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 91px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0J_lG0u0S5zwTFlW435r1nkpZIH4To5RLy0oKc5vEgEkTEUKrJ2Bo7LCGrcNV7Mjh2Zs_h9eudOGn_uiQ3wt1faX1QxwYwcPbduHaYvbqy_VGA1tByd1owdnon3IdCI0qKGmpHyrGnHq/s200/SANY0114.JPG" border="0" /></a>short), and weight (9 oz for a short). The drawback to this system is primarily in the area of bulk. The smallest you're going to get one of these things compressed is 20"x6.5". This means that the pad must either be lashed to the outside of your pack or used as a pack liner if your pack is deep enough and you have the room to spare. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Comfort is another concern as 5/8 inch of foam is not going to offer a cushy sleeping platform, but the difference between the comfort of a closed cell pad and a lightweight self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">inflator</span> is negligible. while there are other options in the closed cell category including blue-foam pads (a little cheaper), <a href="http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/fast-and-light/z-lite/product">Z-Lite</a> (a little more expensive) and others, they all share these pros and cons.</div><br />Despite the bulk, I have returned again and again to the closed cell pad. Mostly because of the weight savings, but also because of the added insulation and the negligible difference in comfort from self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">inflators</span>. If something could match the closed cell foam in weight and insulation but fit nicely in my pack and offer additional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cushion</span> I'd be sold - hold that thought.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426341448216200226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaobUyRJRAhBohoYtPGaaSjwzSWCWzAFxZTxmSttZ_bvmbws92XuzP2jQhxARgukFMTFAO0tBB1-S8CvgPNRX_e3W4rIS78UacIRUutcG8Ypjqhk2oWmE3WuwqDJVwgxTsoxFGhpEZq2KM/s400/Uinta+Highline+Trail-5983.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>The Self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Inflator</span> Era:</strong><br /><br />Next in my gear evolution came the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Thermarest</span>. I had an old 3/4 length "lightweight" self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">inflator</span> which I used happily for about 3 years until it completely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">delaminated</span> on the AT and became a giant, purple, oblong balloon. Most recently I've been using the short length <a href="http://www.cascadedesigns.com/Therm-A-Rest/Mattresses/Fast-And-Light/ProLite/product"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Thermarest</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ProLite</span>3</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCQ-Qb4Sr2cW1bm5gElXNZH8of9aGD8ThAzp0X97U2yZFQkCb4hUxwHh-kpYV1SwO3rv4i2jHYs7ED3np7qNlF7Ok9H5c4LS0JS71LJ60SXC8sKJJHYL-HVnEmfJ4_bJGTB1xUU2XXrPP/s1600-h/SANY0116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426342058526389602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 93px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCQ-Qb4Sr2cW1bm5gElXNZH8of9aGD8ThAzp0X97U2yZFQkCb4hUxwHh-kpYV1SwO3rv4i2jHYs7ED3np7qNlF7Ok9H5c4LS0JS71LJ60SXC8sKJJHYL-HVnEmfJ4_bJGTB1xUU2XXrPP/s200/SANY0116.JPG" border="0" /></a>This one is a clear winner in the bulk category as it packs down to the size of a standard water bottle (3.4"x11"). It is slightly more comfortable than a closed cell foam pad at a thickness of 1", and gives up a little in warmth (R-value of 2.2).<br /><br /><br />Weight is the area where the self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">inflator</span> slips against the closed cell foam pad. For comparable length pads, the ultralight self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">inflator</span> is nearly 50% heavier than its foam counterpart (13oz for the short length (*newest model cuts this by 2 oz to 11oz)). While a few ounces is not all that much on it's own, it adds up. A few ounces here and a few ounces there there and pretty soon you're carrying a 50lb pack for a 2 day trip. There have been other attempts in the self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">inflator</span> category, but none have done anything remarkable in terms of saving weight. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69opQa9SHq7zVL-dpQg_XpR9uIPI7BX5f0fcspJ3fP7cZalHInIRmCjux2ym-Epg1d0EQ4tV8bcZD1E2fpvUQTxLrovBQ49aEo_wsdh3CDMzy2LjuGIijP8Evo1eBhPyWGWn0dqmkGf8y/s1600-h/SANY0135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426610790279255442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69opQa9SHq7zVL-dpQg_XpR9uIPI7BX5f0fcspJ3fP7cZalHInIRmCjux2ym-Epg1d0EQ4tV8bcZD1E2fpvUQTxLrovBQ49aEo_wsdh3CDMzy2LjuGIijP8Evo1eBhPyWGWn0dqmkGf8y/s200/SANY0135.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another consideration is that while a self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">inflator</span> can puncture, a foam pad cannot. A patch kit weighs about nothing, but when a fellow trail shelter occupant flings a glob of flaming, molten <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">plasticware</span> on your pad and melts a hole the size of a soda can in your pad on a night when the temps drop to single digits, you'll wish you had foam (<a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/2009/09/good-ol-rockytop-hoar-frost-optional.html">yes, it happened</a>).<br /><br />Finally, a self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">inflator</span> costs considerably more than a foam pad - like 3-5 times more.<br /><br /><strong>The Air Mattress Revolution:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bigagnes.com/">Big Agnes</a> broke the two-way sleeping pad race open when they introduced the <a href="http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/AirCore">Air-Core </a>and <a href="http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/InsulatedAirCore">Insulated Air-Core</a> pads. These pads promised comfort on a whole new level with a full 2.5" of thickness!<br /><br />The Air-Core offers similar <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">compressibility</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ProLite</span>3, and a bunch of comfort for just $44 for the short. The trade-offs come in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">insulation</span> (R-value is 1, summer use only) and in weight (16oz for the short).<br /><br />The Insulated Air-Core adds a layer of <a href="http://www.primaloft.com/outdoor/index.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Primaloft</span></a> synthetic insulation to the Air-Core to bump the R-value up to an impressive 4.1 - good enough to fully insulate from temps as low as 15 degrees (F). <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Compressibility</span> and comfort are still superb, but the wight jumps to 18oz and the price creeps up to the $79 of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Prolite</span>3.<br /><br />Other companies also have introduced variations on the air mattress including <a href="http://www.pacoutdoor.com/splash_pdfs/sleeping_pads09.pdf">Pacific Outdoor</a>, but weight remains an issue.<br /><br />Enter the <a href="http://www.cascadedesigns.com/Therm-A-Rest/Mattresses/Fast-And-Light/NeoAir/product"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Thermarest</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">NeoAir</span></a>. At 2.5" thick it's got the comfort of an air mattress. With an R-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKtNgYEthQQPkbarD4bbj0uvWM3mzY1ikT8aRZVQW0N1HP51vsCDSuRJaqvsNef_MBp1V4qyYQpYgcfjo63Bny8qAb9C8SDki0LUeGD-hWsDZtI948pgQokWA7NFxpac3zDznW8C_-9bx/s1600-h/SANY0122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426604177941469714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 95px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKtNgYEthQQPkbarD4bbj0uvWM3mzY1ikT8aRZVQW0N1HP51vsCDSuRJaqvsNef_MBp1V4qyYQpYgcfjo63Bny8qAb9C8SDki0LUeGD-hWsDZtI948pgQokWA7NFxpac3zDznW8C_-9bx/s200/SANY0122.JPG" border="0" /></a>value of 2.5 it insulates as well as a closed cell foam pad. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Compressibility</span> reaches an all-time high with a packed size of only 9"x 3.3" (small). And weight is equal to that of a comparably-sized foam pad at a mere 9oz. With a $119 price tag (small) the investment is significant, but for me the combination of benefits far <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">outweigh</span> the one-time investment. The only other concern is vulnerability to puncture. Patch kits are available and weigh next to nothing, but initial reports on durability seem to indicate that these things aren't as brittle as they might appear. When I'm hiking, I'm totally unaware that my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">NeoAir</span> is in my pack, but when I lay down for the night it becomes the most fantastic and important piece of gear I own.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSwI2eVHo4muHmtUwsddU7YBrp_Rw_3Mu3Fz6drNEL88UHzv4eLSzZ7BvBGyE3qOFJ2rF99Jha6AShhCD1B1Qc0rOi-nhkthWurPrd_-n4q3Y6_tKGzBTV7oCh5SabW0RJ2q3nL_CPJMl/s1600-h/SANY0112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426345643962844130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSwI2eVHo4muHmtUwsddU7YBrp_Rw_3Mu3Fz6drNEL88UHzv4eLSzZ7BvBGyE3qOFJ2rF99Jha6AShhCD1B1Qc0rOi-nhkthWurPrd_-n4q3Y6_tKGzBTV7oCh5SabW0RJ2q3nL_CPJMl/s200/SANY0112.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ_z7IHPL-FFzYyRUR2FP2hMdJf78_set4vIjRvzxTOnjgpPYAJ9tB66U4-V0peBLwC5L4_Ifg5x75ZvDp_d9ZfBkCJfL5EhTJ7wrb4ojBs3CwLGQlllnIJfr2o8e9R_CHx8BQpx2aLkI/s1600-h/SANY0126.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426345814571849138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ_z7IHPL-FFzYyRUR2FP2hMdJf78_set4vIjRvzxTOnjgpPYAJ9tB66U4-V0peBLwC5L4_Ifg5x75ZvDp_d9ZfBkCJfL5EhTJ7wrb4ojBs3CwLGQlllnIJfr2o8e9R_CHx8BQpx2aLkI/s200/SANY0126.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Pad Sizing:</strong><br /><br />You may have noticed that nearly every pad I've mentioned in here is a short pad. I'm 6' 2" tall, so it's not a matter of matching my height. Rather, I have always found that it makes much more sense to me to put my pack under my legs at night to insulate and pad them from the ground rather than add another 30%-50% in weight only to have to shove my pack somewhere else in the tent anyway. This may make more sense for men than women since the concentration of weight for men is at the top (shoulders) whereas most women are heavier in the middle (hips). However, it's simply a matter of preference and an easy way I've found to trim another few ounces off my load. </div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzF4UxXKWc7FEc06z369do4YNkFBvKQ6TY1H9_EsHHHM46kzCte_JhTfFO5vBoZcU8xySjwgyg4CGAba-KBYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><div align="left"><br />Happy hiking and sweet dreams.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos 3&4 (c)2008 </span><a href="http://howephoto.us/"><span style="font-size:78%;">Steve Howe</span></a> </div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-32198899166309934132009-11-17T13:07:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:50:39.522-08:00The Best Laid Plans (Blah Blah Blah) Part II<div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9WgakqGFSg">Click here to see trip video</a></span></div><br />So the October Smokies Loop did NOT go as planned (yes there was more than a little foreshadowing there). Instead of a 30 mile loop in 50 degree weather it was a 20 mile out and back in 30 degree weather with rain, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snain</span>, sleet, and snow. Its no big deal really as the goal was just to spend a few days hanging out and backpacking with an old friend and mission accomplished there. But it just goes to show that my <a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/2009/10/best-laid-plansget-eaten-by-bears.html">last post </a>about the unpredictability factor in backpacking trip planning was right on.<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405188195213735122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzrsnGdKFbH2zhyphenhyphen1nUMeMe5x02UaXJHNWieWvLcm8IJ6OyI7nfRNK1d1FmlGnpVxYQW4j81ND6vjmZQmG7YU1QhQLpcwjRaBgtXbYQAgfBKl0PtTbw7NaM6bNZChjMv5SEGtILWGOb7Sm/s400/SANY0135.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Due to heavy rains and delayed planes (hey - that rhymes!) on Friday, we decided to start out Saturday morning rather than camping at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">trailhead</span> (Cosby Campground is closed for renovation anyway). The rain, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">forecasted</span> to taper off early Saturday stayed with us as we left Cosby and headed up the Low Gap Trail towards the Appalachian Trail. </div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405187735202477426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo8do82IHs96Pa2EJkgTp9m5s5xIZz-NAT8peq9MoB6SZ5e4ZS6fvEpbRSjJa-lIcfzrXvGkauyxCSzJsy_4MIvLgvINTNbXYvPJ-6NmZaa6RxPsCl6_whn6thiQ_qr9Njfp3BRJ7rzaZ/s320/SANY0007.JPG" border="0" />On the 2.5 mile climb up to the ridge we followed well-graded switchbacks up through large stands of hardwoods and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rhododendron</span> alongside tranquil and picturesque streams as a constant drip and heavy mist kept us company. After about 1.5 miles we began to see small <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9mFYZ0Of3KHsUOhE9RryJPggCRHZ7ZX-voG5rUa9ahkcxkrLfR3VjflLXThyphenhyphenfZKOaehCic523vfs8ovFyCfL0C-_c3gKCMVaiOx4K_8-EaO1hyg4kmZ4L8lbIIQf1trz5iPORj3pC7Fo/s1600/SANY0053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405502124267653298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9mFYZ0Of3KHsUOhE9RryJPggCRHZ7ZX-voG5rUa9ahkcxkrLfR3VjflLXThyphenhyphenfZKOaehCic523vfs8ovFyCfL0C-_c3gKCMVaiOx4K_8-EaO1hyg4kmZ4L8lbIIQf1trz5iPORj3pC7Fo/s200/SANY0053.JPG" border="0" /></a>patches of icy snow which gradually spread, as we climbed, to fully cover the ground. By the time we reached the intersection with the Appalachian Trail the snow was two 2" deep.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip57MOuZyzYCcum9-Tvue-rhanKYJsEgNzevZuNdXs1jtZ1pSNowrc8EiqNK6KYSnjM6Y4K9fmK-AhS3sxyx0iAxj8d35Db28JyvtmZednLjHfUeRNkFoy4gKvp-JsAegZYKlBP40666RK/s1600/SANY0038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405501622121592994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 108px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip57MOuZyzYCcum9-Tvue-rhanKYJsEgNzevZuNdXs1jtZ1pSNowrc8EiqNK6KYSnjM6Y4K9fmK-AhS3sxyx0iAxj8d35Db28JyvtmZednLjHfUeRNkFoy4gKvp-JsAegZYKlBP40666RK/s200/SANY0038.JPG" border="0" /></a> At this intersection we had a choice: head south on the AT before descending into Walnut Bottoms via a 7.5 mile scenic route or cross the AT and descend 2.5 miles to the campsite. As the constant sogginess began to settle into our gear and bodies we decided on the easy road and headed for camp passing a set of fresh bear tracks and several old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">homsestead</span> sites along the way. The precipitation continued as we descended, but changed from snow back to rain.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJufBIGP5TseG0R_zeydpqrmouNv6rqHbaggtCcnM21lFrW7WmICVAPylx9BOioPbXFLvNmT5X_HWpiE3NPx8LBmZRVqVh8Dtl6DcFtC_7RZ3Q8r_eB4AyxMEthGwZFvNMNeiJ2rQ4ReJ/s1600/SANY0074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405506360669763570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJufBIGP5TseG0R_zeydpqrmouNv6rqHbaggtCcnM21lFrW7WmICVAPylx9BOioPbXFLvNmT5X_HWpiE3NPx8LBmZRVqVh8Dtl6DcFtC_7RZ3Q8r_eB4AyxMEthGwZFvNMNeiJ2rQ4ReJ/s320/SANY0074.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lower Walnut Bottoms Campsite is situated along the bank of the picturesque Deep Creek and is 1/4 of a mile downstream from Upper Walnut Bottoms Campsite - a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">horsecamp</span>. There were 6 other parties sharing the sprawling site with us on Saturday night, but most stayed tucked away inside tents hoping for the end of the rain to come soon. We made a valiant attempt at getting a fire started, but it was slim pickings on firewood and 2 days of constant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">precip</span> had rendered all deadwood soggy. The temperatures never made their way above 35 degrees.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvA3qvn5ntgQ62j0hhRxQrNeB9MJsfipZrtiB5BzwPAhzY48aEGRZZTs7OgEtGa5MfALYTWhbIE0q7A8P27oNWuwMi8KI5cW0CCpcCY6I1jJ_-kyGZ_8w5TGfDMnw8AgXTz4-aHm_dvLZn/s1600/SANY0090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405510834693021666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvA3qvn5ntgQ62j0hhRxQrNeB9MJsfipZrtiB5BzwPAhzY48aEGRZZTs7OgEtGa5MfALYTWhbIE0q7A8P27oNWuwMi8KI5cW0CCpcCY6I1jJ_-kyGZ_8w5TGfDMnw8AgXTz4-aHm_dvLZn/s200/SANY0090.JPG" border="0" /></a>The next morning we awoke to a welcomed lack of rain and with cautious optimism watched as patches of blue sky began to appear overhead. We packed up, geared up and headed west up the Deep Creek and Camel Gap Trails to the Gunter Fork Trail. The hike was along Deep Creek for the first mile and a half and pleasantly flat with streams and their cascades as our constant companions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS9ha2RAcsXhdh0I7W-EULv7xLWnEw8-Wjr421Lj91opIg5sFfRLZOmSr4ss-fiNewIVz1pjx97n8aQtekH_vyy9pyXyreQk7dJq0An9teL1jSbUalUdW-A9I7QUVo0UkYUy8tmNXE0EC/s1600/SANY0091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405511229604476578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 84px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS9ha2RAcsXhdh0I7W-EULv7xLWnEw8-Wjr421Lj91opIg5sFfRLZOmSr4ss-fiNewIVz1pjx97n8aQtekH_vyy9pyXyreQk7dJq0An9teL1jSbUalUdW-A9I7QUVo0UkYUy8tmNXE0EC/s200/SANY0091.JPG" border="0" /></a>When we arrived at the Gunter Fork Trail we were greeted with a warning: "During Times of High Stream Flow Gunter Fork Trail Impassable." Only 50 yards into the trail we found out why - the first of several fords required wading the icy cold stream. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0xeQSUin0uWzUpaUIHNvg-zWTkZbR8N1zf_5s3dMiLXO9z1rPbm5asF82OuAi3oUKxEXg0vnZ56qKvnceeI5ZWzFQIobxh5x1Qzu98aewdM8mwe-TUkDt29pBpD1hOq7qkvR7zm8xqoP/s1600/SANY0097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405511981738055042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0xeQSUin0uWzUpaUIHNvg-zWTkZbR8N1zf_5s3dMiLXO9z1rPbm5asF82OuAi3oUKxEXg0vnZ56qKvnceeI5ZWzFQIobxh5x1Qzu98aewdM8mwe-TUkDt29pBpD1hOq7qkvR7zm8xqoP/s200/SANY0097.JPG" border="0" /></a>This day the depth fell at mid-thigh for Zack and I (both a little over 6 footers), but in higher water it would have been REALLY sketchy. The first wade went off without a hitch and we were able to navigate the remaining crossings by employing extreme <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">rockhopping</span> techniques - saving us from having to brave the icy water barefoot again. Despite the frequent stream crossings, the trail was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">enjoyable</span> as the scenery painted with autumn color was beautiful. As the trail gradually climbed we saw the return of the snow, lingering on the trees and ground from the previous days' precipitation.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaySP00Bya3HrspM8Da5Xmwub2vVuSo2O5VTHCmHS5SbTbkAQPS1QLqWzFJIyOJrn0e6MLkodxnaztx0RasPz_CXbWRzDizlGPVqYb082S_qQ328ysiOp36lfq10jRVPTIqEPZ-aY7WSV/s1600/SANY0117.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405520107364351810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaySP00Bya3HrspM8Da5Xmwub2vVuSo2O5VTHCmHS5SbTbkAQPS1QLqWzFJIyOJrn0e6MLkodxnaztx0RasPz_CXbWRzDizlGPVqYb082S_qQ328ysiOp36lfq10jRVPTIqEPZ-aY7WSV/s320/SANY0117.JPG" border="0" /></a>We were blown away when we stumbled upon a breathtaking waterfall, unexpected and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">unindicated</span> on the maps. The falls which we estimated at just over 100' overall consisted of a 15' falls at the top followed by 85-90' of smooth, sliding-rock cascade over red-hued quartzite. Framed by deep green <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Rhododendrons</span> and the red, orange and yellow fallen leaves, it was quite the hidden gem.<br /><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='226' height='173' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfvpNcnWDAZSt9FKmejih0URCuA2aBTJPpIAPqyjejjCQo3GfnWKkuVmO8wKp3b-lxzzUwYuZGKFIEcsgUlA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p7yhFqupULp2rehM1FhdSWW_vWjyvP6eqmUolcDd07EuTM8rFwsdRVGy6Bz06tA9mSd1iC8yHNffJr9iBQmhuZMVexfYLGUzXFbKpLAZNBt9JdwrvW2foxbjgHdlUcsRgW25f-0YKcax/s1600/SANY0123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405847153166706290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 114px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p7yhFqupULp2rehM1FhdSWW_vWjyvP6eqmUolcDd07EuTM8rFwsdRVGy6Bz06tA9mSd1iC8yHNffJr9iBQmhuZMVexfYLGUzXFbKpLAZNBt9JdwrvW2foxbjgHdlUcsRgW25f-0YKcax/s200/SANY0123.JPG" border="0" /></a>After the falls the grade of the climb became more pronounced. In fact, over the next 2.5 miles we would gain nearly 3000' in elevation. With that elevation gain came colder temperatures and more snow. Breaks in the trees along the way provided dramatic views of clouds and snow blanketing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">steep</span> ridges and valleys dappled with reds, yellows, and greens. Footing was slick, trees blocked the trail due to heavy snow and ice, the trail was steep and going was slow. </div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapF9WNb4oPUY3D98uwvk_JTXmqXLtx_A4bjftOeQecNCEO1hgon3JluY4rNkNcsMqVEKIvWfJT9tdAq5Bgeld1v8y_rhUMjw9rWjVYLG6N7jGewe_-FwmDEthtJjejv0cHAzCb3is1398/s1600/SANY0141.JPG"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapF9WNb4oPUY3D98uwvk_JTXmqXLtx_A4bjftOeQecNCEO1hgon3JluY4rNkNcsMqVEKIvWfJT9tdAq5Bgeld1v8y_rhUMjw9rWjVYLG6N7jGewe_-FwmDEthtJjejv0cHAzCb3is1398/s1600/SANY0141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405848045243769138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapF9WNb4oPUY3D98uwvk_JTXmqXLtx_A4bjftOeQecNCEO1hgon3JluY4rNkNcsMqVEKIvWfJT9tdAq5Bgeld1v8y_rhUMjw9rWjVYLG6N7jGewe_-FwmDEthtJjejv0cHAzCb3is1398/s200/SANY0141.JPG" border="0" /></a>By the time we reached the ridge and the intersection with the Balsam Mountain Trail the snow was 4" deep and it was late in the afternoon - decision time. Option A was to boogie on as planned on the Balsam Mountain Trail, covering the same amount of ground we'd done so far (in 6.5 hours) with only 3 hours of daylight remaining on a 6000' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ridgeline</span> in 4"+ snow to reach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tricorner</span> Knob Shelter. We'd then be left with about 9 miles out on Monday followed by a 5 hour drive back home. Option B would be to turn around and backtrack - a blow to my pride, but all downhill with only 2.5 out the next morning. The only barriers in the way being several stream crossings including that frigid barefoot wader and camping sans permit at the same site we'd stayed at the night before. I definitely felt the "Summit Fever" pull to soldier on and finish the loop, but I knew it was the wrong decision. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3RyRI0egIdnofOkyn3L9_eu4Lf9VQVFojQg7aLrm5sH5elybx7OQWQfnvTPBCCmKoEb9oq9h_Waw5nk5MiIwy57bmGmyii1MOxtqFqo82Ir5b4gvv5hpS95pER96dGguxtT4ZbYUyaEQ/s1600/SANY0146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405848203824092466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3RyRI0egIdnofOkyn3L9_eu4Lf9VQVFojQg7aLrm5sH5elybx7OQWQfnvTPBCCmKoEb9oq9h_Waw5nk5MiIwy57bmGmyii1MOxtqFqo82Ir5b4gvv5hpS95pER96dGguxtT4ZbYUyaEQ/s200/SANY0146.JPG" border="0" /></a>We turned around and I was immediately relieved that we did - the pressure was off, concerns for safety were gone, and we could get back to just hanging out and enjoying the wilderness.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">We chose a drier spot for our second night at Lower Walnut Bottoms - complete with our own private waterfall. This time we were able to get a campfire going and warm and dry ourselves and our gear. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EU5mO-zhkrSdM0OLdQWFfmnhW1Vm2wQ_DqXNsvDVhQCcCFRn2V5mSkgMDhqiIdsm4SUyRCLZCjwOMetMKQkg0mNKUIlCnJ11yUZjlyM8l278fCTiIXb04Xi8ruXGyh7870QhyCtGLvdq/s1600/SANY0174.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405848858204786290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EU5mO-zhkrSdM0OLdQWFfmnhW1Vm2wQ_DqXNsvDVhQCcCFRn2V5mSkgMDhqiIdsm4SUyRCLZCjwOMetMKQkg0mNKUIlCnJ11yUZjlyM8l278fCTiIXb04Xi8ruXGyh7870QhyCtGLvdq/s320/SANY0174.JPG" border="0" /></a>The next morning the sun was out early as we headed back out on the Low Gap Trail. I came upon a Black Bear cub sitting in the trail, scratching himself. He noticed me and ran off before I could snap a photo. He looked like he had been born in the most recent spring and was getting ready to experience his first winter. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">As we climbed back above the snow-line the sun was melting the snow and hoar frost off of the trees above and it was raining down on us in big, soggy snowballs. That, combined with steam rising off of the streams along the trail, created a surreal scene. </div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRc4Hq0vsKinDq6JWl6DhR5Ku685f4cEpri9I1LJSHgtO40TAa9Ov9hCkZlezJKVChWOPawRJaEbue8v0dOw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Once we reached the AT, the descent went very quickly and we reached the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">trailhead</span> in good time, driven by the promise of a series of impending fast food binges on the way home.<br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">All in all the trip was a success. While we didn't complete what would've been a pretty stellar loop, we got to spend 3 days and 2 nights in the Smokies which is always a treat. Above all we got to catch up and share laughs which was the main goal anyway. I also learned a little about myself as a trip planner and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">backcountry</span> guide, my expectations of myself, and of others. I really need to make a clear distinction between camping trips with friends where the goal is to hang out in the woods and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">thru</span>-hiker "death marches" where the goal is to tackle major miles on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">backcountry</span> expedition. Trying to mix the two rarely works. </div><br /><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyDQQYQOzJfzjat-K_d7FmZcELpYIbuakTsMvAgiIRIVLVvwCPRIkSMmelNbrajXqjSAcnnfIoLmbm0tk6kmQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>My next trip I'm gonna <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">untether</span> my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">thru</span>-hiker legs and cover some serious ground. I'm thinking about maybe a 50+ mile loop in a long weekend on the AT/Iron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Mtn</span> Trail in the Mount rogers NRA in VA. I'll keep you posted. Speaking of "posted" - I promise to be better with the posting frequency. I've been slack, but I've got another Smokies Loop report in the works that I'll try to get out ASAP.<br /><br /><div align="left">Thanks for reading and Happy Hiking!</div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-51210023951477107982009-10-12T12:14:00.000-07:002009-10-13T05:50:23.385-07:00The Best Laid Plans...Get Eaten by Bears<div align="left">"One of the best things about trip planning is having something on the horizon to look forward to and daydream about - makes the desk job a little more bearable. But as the saying goes, "even the best laid plans often fall through," and this week that aphorism slapped me twice like my pimp.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391816812684832706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKpMbEGqmHyVh65HLnjH-BIqUbG3ZQKlrMlj2VQRXbEF6mlhz5bm-Lr5gF7EgiY77Bj4DqoqQKcuhqKUM6qK8Vfw-BdbxEsO44OBQNvhz1A3DkaPVwIBihlpNt5zMYjI7vkf93D_OPh4r/s400/9-06SmokyHikeandB-Days+c023.jpg" border="0" /> </div>This week I'm headed to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a 3-day, 3-night gear testing, GPS-mapping backpacking trip with good buddy Zack. The smokies pose a greater trip planning challenge than some other destinations due to the Park Service regulations therein: specifically that, like Yellowstone, Glacier and others, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">backcountry</span> camping can only occur at designated sites and shelter, some of which require permits. I had several guiding thoughts as I analyzed the maps: First, my partner on this trip had never been to the smokies so I wanted to hit some cool spots as well as highlight the diversity of the landscape; Second, Zack's full-timer as a teacher at sea-level in Alabama rendered him mileage-shy and so I had to consider his plea for sub-ten-mile days. Upon identifying a trip that fit the bill with both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fontana</span> Lake and Gregory Bald as scenic anchors I booked reservations for three sites in the southwest, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Twentymile</span>" region of the park well over a month ago.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391807382932767074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnuysxjOieTOoWVN3vM4tKvhWsq-Em_w3xhUprxD-RzcOA4YjGh1W4GiSnfFK6vb8eSKl-OIRtFHjolxFBS4enF5OfwZX0Gl7bx62pEgDvFIXA-nHUfK9PTclwg7iyQgC0GAjiFfcAnch/s400/OctSmokies.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Original Itinerary</span></em></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">BUT, Friday afternoon I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">received</span> a voicemail message from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NPS</span> at the Smokies' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Backcountry</span> office indicating that my reservation would have to be cancelled as my destination for Sunday night, Sheep Pen Gap Campsite (#13), had been closed for an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">undetermined</span> amount of time due to "aggressive bear activity." Two thoughts immediately crossed my mind: 1) Great, now I've got less than one week to re-plan, and re-reserve this trip, and 2) BEARS? COOL!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYydO4S0o-_oas35-zXzHPiAbpuVDtoWNKalAeUxFPlKpUOveslksM36fffq2Q9Ls4Tgu6oOr8gBAm1u9rNI-ZtFFNRN_M2yjaKF2Voq0sD_qtBurLz595AuUsRHPVb1_QcdJ0gKTsKFf/s1600-h/R14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391817384713430818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYydO4S0o-_oas35-zXzHPiAbpuVDtoWNKalAeUxFPlKpUOveslksM36fffq2Q9Ls4Tgu6oOr8gBAm1u9rNI-ZtFFNRN_M2yjaKF2Voq0sD_qtBurLz595AuUsRHPVb1_QcdJ0gKTsKFf/s200/R14.jpg" border="0" /></a>I worked quickly to identify no fewer than four additional 30-mile loop trips that did the Smokies justice: Cosby to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tri</span>-Corner to Walnut Bottom, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Elkmont</span> to Double Spring to Miry Ridge, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Chasteen</span> Creek to Pecks to Cabin Flats, and Pin Oak Gap to Mt. Sterling to Petty Hollow. Each of these trips worked on 10 or fewer miles per day and offered great variability in terrain touching both lush, bio-diverse stream valleys as well as lofty mountain ridges. Monday <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">morning</span> at 8am I was on the phone with Buck at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Backcountry</span> office rattling off campsite numbers and dates like I was relaying coordinates for a bombing run - ALL FULL, back to the drawing board.<br /><br /><p>I analyzed the five trips that had been shot down for any potential <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">reversibility</span>, knowing that Sundays are easier to score campsites than Saturdays - was it possible that I had a more popular site as my Saturday <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">destination</span> that could be swapped with my Sunday pick? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtCx7xxkHD3nBtuyC1ZaMnopP4JSM63uhRNiU-7wOX7TEw5q8x2npF907a3m0_nSGdpbOM3zZVrelrPTO4KCdFzTHeeH6KUt47cpjWskdJPKKC0FrQm6araeuWHUDoVWxtm1F58TMsDwc/s1600-h/gsmnpoct2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391819868333831074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtCx7xxkHD3nBtuyC1ZaMnopP4JSM63uhRNiU-7wOX7TEw5q8x2npF907a3m0_nSGdpbOM3zZVrelrPTO4KCdFzTHeeH6KUt47cpjWskdJPKKC0FrQm6araeuWHUDoVWxtm1F58TMsDwc/s320/gsmnpoct2.JPG" border="0" /></a>Not really, mileage became the issue here and I didn't want to have a super-short <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">first</span> day and then have to rush to get out on Monday. But then I saw it: Cosby to Walnut Bottom to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Tri</span>-Corner and out via Snake Den Ridge. Mileage total is 29 with 10 and 10 Saturday and Sunday and 9 out on Monday. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Stream bottoms</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ridgelines</span> galore! With my heart in my throat I called Buck back for the 3rd time of the morning and asked tentatively, "Hey, Buck it's Peter again - Is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Tri</span>-Corner open on Sunday?" He responded with a bit of a snort and, "I doubt it!" but then quickly rescinded his skepticism and rejoiced along with me as the reservation was locked and loaded.</p><p>So now all I had to do was satisfy my own curiosity: What <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">happened</span> at Sheep Pen Gap Campsite that required it being closed to Camping? I asked Volunteer Buck, but he didn't know. I checked on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">GSMNP</span> website under News, but found nothing. The campsite is listed as closed under the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">backcountry</span> closures sections, but again no details. Finally I got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">ahold</span> of Ranger Randy who was able to shed some light. Apparently the bears in the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8OQ1xnZ0pk4bcIxCC88DaDm9oHxXYrRUtn5OPC-QoQsjdGP8YKKEdeziE2DPIGHANped-69tF7j55xT1Aks5u9HAx3bemal_9sN-cn-bqfcSG_4LFw58SHuOf8TTrN9_idTtooS83ky9/s1600-h/bears_car1a.jpg"></a>area had been conditioned enough by accessible human food that they were now taking things to a new level. Bears in the area were robbing tents in broad daylight and refusing to leave the site even with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">humans</span> present and making a bunch of noise. A grizzly not being intimidated by humans is completely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">natural</span>, but a Black Bear turning up its nose when confronted means one thing: habituation. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391822766896910034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 369px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBL_c_6BrzCiFKl0QLmRsv2Jb92PIfTWMsnZ_iwAyFuIip5Vh3uOPoGGEzNV4kcy2k9NtZW5pJ8rfpAEgse3IrsX5rXJFrlfFLXSaMpz3Gx-Ah7hJqZIqk4dB_SBMMrzG-3THoy9lgHAJn/s400/bear.JPG" border="0" />While Randy couldn't provide any further details on what had led <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">to</span> these bears being habituated,the duration of the closure, or whether the bears would have to be relocated, it was abundantly clear that my plans had been shut down due to the carelessness and irresponsibility of other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">backcountry</span> visitors. So what can be learned from this:<br /><p><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bebearawaresw.org"></a><a href="http://www.bebearawaresw.org/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391861120938316050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj56OAEwIPSZCkNgYDRTzTS-XqtPtLqO_Q81DAWvh9HoRzlqUMup8-4MSOgNm6gBoMcMAKnTZoAvRqE0msdX-YoZE1wXoDmOxkKSzER_utX5RTmMXWnXWCBggLf1VWa5g70lcL3kRH_njR/s200/page%252010%2520copylg.gif" border="0" /></a>1) Hang or store your food appropriately when in bear country. Bears have noses that are 2100 times more powerful than a humans and they are VERY motivated by their appetites. Don't leave anything that smells good laying around and certainly don't sleep with it.</p><p>2) Keep a clean camp. Learn and practice <a href="http://www.lnt.org/">Leave No Trace <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Principles</span></a>. </p><p>3) If you see a bear in the distance do not approach it. Keep wild things wild.</p><p>4) If you have a face-to-face encounter with a Black Bear do not run. Back away slowly, make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">yourself</span> seem big and make lots of noise. The goal is to scare the bear away and that should not be difficult.</p><p>5) In the VERY rare event that you are attacked by a Black Bear, FIGHT BACK! Hit it with everything you can grab. Remember, you are 160,000 times more likely to die in a car accident that at the hands (er, paws) of a bear.</p><p>So now the plan is to explore the far Northeast section of the park instead of the far Southwest corner. I am reminded frequently by this pastime that flexibility is very important in life. Even now that out itinerary is set (let's hope) there are a lot of outside factors in backpacking that can have a big impact on a trip's outcome (see my article: <a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/search/label/Wind%20River%20Range">Anatomy of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Beatdown</span></a> to see what weather did to our recent Wind Rivers, WY trip). Hopefully we won't be eaten by bears as I'd look pretty stupid after offering all of this unsolicited advice.</p><p>While I'm at it, here's some trip planning advice: When planning a trip with others form a distance one really great way to share information with friends, family and trip partners is by making a map and itinerary in the form of a .<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">jpg</span> file which you can e-mail to people. If you don't have any fancy mapping software, simply search around the web until you find a map of where you want to go. Then you can us<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaB1UM8SYNK17nmsCQgkNfl-aUPJc79Rhl4TdBzJHD1zUM-GUKBoLyeDCCNMp0T_vARghv8GXWth34fMcLo5hY_y4gsgN3WkFIO2wizYNADWVYwN8ENFoT3aX97db_tzRWx59UpqS4A23-/s1600-h/untitled.JPG"></a>e that button on your keyboard "Print Screen", that you, if you're like most people have likely always wondered, "What does this do?" When you push the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKonc15oHyJWi4OFASxrJNj7hGvSV6bREGXVo2MBRstWy1twXhqMO3rp6IAllZi4IKWaFhqIA8AX3gPNMEq5W8DGkV5q4i9ompxdqNueXLi52_H2av5JdB4EGejwgy_KwkSbFh_VKfYUk/s1600-h/untitled.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391862719554954434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKonc15oHyJWi4OFASxrJNj7hGvSV6bREGXVo2MBRstWy1twXhqMO3rp6IAllZi4IKWaFhqIA8AX3gPNMEq5W8DGkV5q4i9ompxdqNueXLi52_H2av5JdB4EGejwgy_KwkSbFh_VKfYUk/s200/untitled.JPG" border="0" /></a>"Print Screen" button it copies a photo of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">whatever's</span> on your computer screen onto the clipboard (screenshot). Then open up whatever generic drawing program comes with your computer - for PC users it "Paint" stored on your Start Menu under Accessories. Now click paste and voila - your screenshot appears, map and all. Now move your screenshot around until only what you need is on the screen and reduce the width and height (image attributes) to fit your map. Use the <span style="color:#000000;">drawing</span> and text tools to edit your proposed routes and make notes and then save as a .<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">jpg</span> file. You can now e-mail this .<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">jpg</span> to friends as a small e-mail attachment. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391820237212286338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIQOwhZ-41OfB84Bvo6IQPSXCdIwaBl9j7Wc2DL6pnvE6Z-uiNVXxrHzm9Su5ykE8lQM9Ns7qxTxIE-1A_jtMDIAEgKKAkFzbOzsChcIZrDtO2and7UEsEGWFbCNRPNfa6IcxR4XNrOJ5/s400/gsmnpoct2topo.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Have I mentioned I'm available for trip planning for a small fee...?</p><p>Happy Hiking! </p>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-13711524702300371022009-09-22T12:45:00.000-07:002009-11-24T07:44:09.799-08:00Good Ol' RockyTop (Hoar Frost Optional)<em>Sample some of the best the Smokies have to offer on this rugged 30-mile backpacking loop: from the lush forests in the Middle Prong Valley to the summits of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RockyTop</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ThunderHead</span> Peaks. Whether you go on the coldest weekend of the year or not is up to you.</em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390597331676052354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2BVXpXrJ0a6ULpiq1WxAPB5tKADafpGbKKYDjpaFgYJs35MdH_ROJm3LrTS1F8fo7eXbvus_C5caKHFJpiZbLs25MHjdluV40smD57tdF9jStDh_YVmuceXFHL-8g2I3Frr5a8KmmqHo/s400/SANY0058.JPG" border="0" /><br />This 30-mile rugged loop begins from the Great Smoky Mountains <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Institute</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tremont</span> on Middle Prong Road near Townsend, TN. Plan your arrival carefully as you'll have to come through some pretty tourist-choked areas surrounding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gatlinburg</span>/Pigeon Forge and traffic can be nuts. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8HYlnGpCKK26Hm2jUS3nizJiY_xicRsjbBvDUjd7SKi5omDtPWcRdbNysjBpn2z8kZBOsAY6S2UEk_CfxC4emNmKVi0zz-O2XXHjzmlcGA4p7vRy9l1vGpbwa0A_7QiI70obYLkZVLhH/s1600/climbview.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406726976550498978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8HYlnGpCKK26Hm2jUS3nizJiY_xicRsjbBvDUjd7SKi5omDtPWcRdbNysjBpn2z8kZBOsAY6S2UEk_CfxC4emNmKVi0zz-O2XXHjzmlcGA4p7vRy9l1vGpbwa0A_7QiI70obYLkZVLhH/s320/climbview.JPG" border="0" /></a>Equally grueling for us was convincing an overzealous ranger at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">trailhead</span> that I wasn't carrying any contraband. As we were getting packed at the car a ranger vehicle <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">squealed</span> into the parking area and out jumped a hyper-active and hyper-suspicious ranger. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">What'd</span> you just put in your pocket sir?" He challenged as he swooped down on me from his Explorer. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Umm</span>, AA batteries for my GPS." was my response. After showing him I was not, in fact, carrying any grenades or cocaine he moved on to permits which we had covered, but still got a, "We'll see about that," and a call to headquarters to verify my reservations. Hopefully you can avoid this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">unpleasantry</span>, but regardless, once you're permitted to get started, you'll head up West Prong Trail and continue onto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bote</span> Mountain Trail, climbing 3000'+ over 9+ miles. Along the way you'll pass camping along West Prong and enjoy periodic views on the climb up the ridge.<br /><br /><br />On this Saturday in January it had been 10 degrees <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMoBfaQHS5jqdg7bLSNZQeNkPsXT9NFYjUfuupqs3GuzXQF_JJs4NoWdgz6wI54Cg9oo3GsNbhl1MtaK0P54A3jOl8jyzUDEy_N2bVx_na7HRLJoUsjoCjiVKZl__uSZZzL46PUYpHjQd/s1600/SANY0042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407004196296860722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMoBfaQHS5jqdg7bLSNZQeNkPsXT9NFYjUfuupqs3GuzXQF_JJs4NoWdgz6wI54Cg9oo3GsNbhl1MtaK0P54A3jOl8jyzUDEy_N2bVx_na7HRLJoUsjoCjiVKZl__uSZZzL46PUYpHjQd/s200/SANY0042.JPG" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Fahrenheit</span> the night before and even with periods of full sun it was cold. We hits snow about 2/3 of the way up, and it was several inches deep by the time we crested the ridge.<br /><br />At the top of the climb we turned right onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT) and then an immediate left to arrive at Spence Field Shelter (keep a clean camp and be sure to hang your food on the provided cables - this shelter is frequented by some of the Park's 1500+ Black Bears).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu2Aya669dLLJTEyOb1UA2vhRps3ien4vliTzYFh0Pp8X5sDjEPc5XirZJ8PPxRJGSWqrhGlbg4nSzu6wWf2FeAAQrrluxnZJMhp31kJfzYYMVciyF0aBOhbJwUAprZI8YZXvNdRsapOr/s1600/SANY0034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406990779210554834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu2Aya669dLLJTEyOb1UA2vhRps3ien4vliTzYFh0Pp8X5sDjEPc5XirZJ8PPxRJGSWqrhGlbg4nSzu6wWf2FeAAQrrluxnZJMhp31kJfzYYMVciyF0aBOhbJwUAprZI8YZXvNdRsapOr/s200/SANY0034.JPG" border="0" /></a>It was nearing dusk when we arrived and the temperature was dropping <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">quicky</span>. We did our best to gather dry downed limbs for a fire in the shelter's stone fireplace, but nearly all surfaces were glazed with ice and snow. To this point only my brother and I had made in to the shelter. We had passed several parties on our climb who were descending having thought better of spending a night over 5000' in 10-15 degree temperatures. Just as dark fell though we were joined by a foursome of lawyer/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">outdoorsmen</span> from Tennessee. They watched with skepticism as we attempted to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">get</span> a fire started (they had gone without the night before), but rewarded us with grilled steaks, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">teriyaki</span> vegetables and sips of scotch when we succeed. We all survived the night with the unfortunate exception of my self-inflating sleeping pad which was the victim of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">burning</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Tupperware</span> mishap at the hand of one of the Attorneys. He was gracious enough to trade out his identical, excepting the nickel-sized <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">burn hole</span>, pad for mine in the morning (yeah, after I slept flat on the wood floor).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs2u26IJiVoQXnBZKWSrgOZZhO5xas-z-7XNlh_CpA6amP_PGPEuZ7TputrjpOoGdRnl57hRb2qh5HnxTGduNHqjDAsI5W4GA1IQnxsvSb0lKqbaR9Uch7tQSLwYRS8gjrVHTJaJ_wlTQ/s1600/SANY0035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406991286888730242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs2u26IJiVoQXnBZKWSrgOZZhO5xas-z-7XNlh_CpA6amP_PGPEuZ7TputrjpOoGdRnl57hRb2qh5HnxTGduNHqjDAsI5W4GA1IQnxsvSb0lKqbaR9Uch7tQSLwYRS8gjrVHTJaJ_wlTQ/s320/SANY0035.JPG" border="0" /></a>Leaving the shelter the first thing to strike us was the sharp crunch that each step made as a thick crust of ice had glazed the ground. The shelter and ridge were engulfed in icy clouds.<br /><br />Backtrack to the AT and follow the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ridgeline</span> up and over some of the better known (and better named) peaks in the park: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">RockyTop</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">ThunderHead</span>.<br /><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxDK9pHKTUyaKrxzcGn-_i7k-6aWJZz0kZUk0R9JxQ6i7QYGEerBdX3fW4O90duQ8UgbfOh8mTZx6fLHm1y4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><br />The ridge through this section of the AT is spectacular. Even socked in by clouds the views were breathtaking as breaks in the clouds revealed dark and frosted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">ridgelines</span>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEAO2ljsgWse0q1pi9AA5wKLN1ppsljxdcNlpM2gwwfOdYFS_oJmWe7rnb9cJT0WPY6TA4kEpoYgUQ223beMqXWYyTIaq_Thbf51ATkWP_8AIQakB1GzGxXRY8N6d4ARTdjKF4tw7cVWL/s1600/SANY0076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407690931173941682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 151px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEAO2ljsgWse0q1pi9AA5wKLN1ppsljxdcNlpM2gwwfOdYFS_oJmWe7rnb9cJT0WPY6TA4kEpoYgUQ223beMqXWYyTIaq_Thbf51ATkWP_8AIQakB1GzGxXRY8N6d4ARTdjKF4tw7cVWL/s200/SANY0076.JPG" border="0" /></a>In better weather views into North Carolina and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Tennessee</span> drift off into seemingly endless National Forest lands. The terrain varies between balds, rocky ridges and hardwood forests. The bitter cold and strong winds continued as did intermittent snow showers, although the temperatures eventually soared into the mid-20's and the sun made <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">punctuated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">appearances</span>.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406992605451752418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kZNGCP9eUYvDhngvTY7WC8jJXOQSpHvk1p3GH7RrznfrzCVezePkUWrGCQULnWClPHx9_iKR47O15M5Qn5A_McaSjgYzXmDGFMqJ7OcxlKNzmaKy_7ZUD6sX_y8o03wu46asTnfI05Tc/s400/SANY0048.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUqRFe2LXoNNZIUgfpNZWOah0Ms_aDXqsvm04-oCJe3WSpjIbDPnVd4o9kHv2udjomXPqEXyZ68Ebp-IQiC_UvMmcQ-vgH8LnNz6ifIsSj0VVffHx4pEw-drcawNc4VaoTG11jlb5IohO/s1600/SANY0085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407693696215743554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUqRFe2LXoNNZIUgfpNZWOah0Ms_aDXqsvm04-oCJe3WSpjIbDPnVd4o9kHv2udjomXPqEXyZ68Ebp-IQiC_UvMmcQ-vgH8LnNz6ifIsSj0VVffHx4pEw-drcawNc4VaoTG11jlb5IohO/s200/SANY0085.JPG" border="0" /></a>Continue to follow the AT to Derrick Knob Shelter where a reliable spring offers a refilling point for water bottles. Not long past Derrick Knob Shelter turn left onto the well-graded Green Brier Ridge Trail. After descending <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Greenbrier</span> Ridge, turn right onto <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8tWe9qev7ApS1csdE9SNUIVMAD1fyBZETZ7iCQOtHBpPIQtgRdjfLIdvCeYf18NTr0pdfs40cKU8_CRL7mYv1uWXeH214o01sS_Q6_tEIVoIaSYMBMtrXnr59HHVyZAjm1poEn28uA3D/s1600/SANY0107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407691076582759826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8tWe9qev7ApS1csdE9SNUIVMAD1fyBZETZ7iCQOtHBpPIQtgRdjfLIdvCeYf18NTr0pdfs40cKU8_CRL7mYv1uWXeH214o01sS_Q6_tEIVoIaSYMBMtrXnr59HHVyZAjm1poEn28uA3D/s200/SANY0107.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lynn Camp Prong Trail and continue to second night's camp at Campsite 28.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I thought that there was a chance that our second night might be at an elevation low enough to be below the snow-line, but it was not. The presence of the snow, however, allowed us to see tracks of coyotes, elk, and black bear that had all traveled the Lynn Camp Prong trail that day. We camped at the relatively small site, situated by the modestly sized stream that borders it. We had a good fire and warm tea as it snowed for the last several hours of the day. </div><div></div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVmqcRUMbqwm2RF9hDXVN-ZYjIyAj5Uhk6KOIlOXv6RlFqSKeLTTHNVQMOykjipVICzV5WZBAvbyvZNdnlCw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><div></div><div>On your final morning, backtrack to the last intersection and turn right onto Middle Prong Trail which skirts the Middle Prong of the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9eM-cihmTzMEPVw667jscLfVgbFPnKpW4PZ-WGahQt7Uc0Du2Y_8pmKfTyHx_ak9r7ET33ESJ4FyrVZuV_JguKyxTq2YjcbmEUVmCNKWQvlhcfo-qaGIKDdUuBmIk7JgJfrh8F2j8U0M/s1600/SANY0124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407691254855738306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9eM-cihmTzMEPVw667jscLfVgbFPnKpW4PZ-WGahQt7Uc0Du2Y_8pmKfTyHx_ak9r7ET33ESJ4FyrVZuV_JguKyxTq2YjcbmEUVmCNKWQvlhcfo-qaGIKDdUuBmIk7JgJfrh8F2j8U0M/s320/SANY0124.JPG" border="0" /></a>Little River and showcases several of its cascades along the way. The trail here is flat, wide and leisurely and the river is beautiful and dramatic. Continue 4.1 miles on Middle Prong Trail onto the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Tremont</span> Road (gravel) and continue on the road an additional 3 miles back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">trailhead</span>.<br /></div><div><br />For this trip's complete photo album <a href="http://peterhikes.shutterfly.com/3800">click here.</a> </div><div align="center">-</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;">Permits: Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit for all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">backcountry</span> camping in the park. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Backcountry</span> permits are free and are available at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Smokemont</span> or any other Ranger Station or Visitor Center in the park. Campsite 28 does not require reservation and is on a first come, first served basis, while the Spence Field Shelter requires a reservation. If your itinerary includes a reserved site, you must call the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Backcountry</span> Reservation Office at (865) 436-1231 to make reservations. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Backcountry</span> Reservation Office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></div></span><div></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;">Contact: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Backcountry</span> Information Office at (865) 436-1297 (open daily from 9:00 a.m. until noon); <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Backcountry</span> Reservation Office at (865) 436-1231 to make reservations (open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily); </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm"><span style="color:#66cccc;">http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm</span></a><span style="color:#66cccc;"> . </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;"></div></span><div></div><div><span style="color:#66cccc;">To <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Trailhead</span>: From I-40 west, exit 386B to Alcoa Hwy/US 129 to Townsend entrance of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">GSMNP</span>. Go to the Y-int and turn right towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Cades</span> Cove, then left over bridge onto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Tremont</span> rd for 2 miles (cross 2, 2-lane bridges). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Tremont</span> Inst. (permits avail. here) is on left and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">trailhead</span> is across on the right.</span></div><div><br />Check Back! <span style="color:#66cccc;">GPS Beta coming soon at:<br /></span></div><div><a href="http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=503128"><span style="color:#66cccc;">http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=503128</span></a></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-18619118405180865482009-09-16T07:44:00.000-07:002009-12-01T11:27:33.828-08:00Panthertown Crown Loop, Nantahala NF, NC<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagj7U1MI3yvf7ClPLBACnzsKU2cJRpRmtiTojhzRrcicrLfSIqacKN-xOKcgIc5SkmhNxxuwdYMF0rysHhNN8JsPuLSUs1ByDzXJxCuYfXR2vaRzYJ1TJ8ZQcdLYbRnjLrLRp9xp8ebET/s1600-h/coverview.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382231525976443410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagj7U1MI3yvf7ClPLBACnzsKU2cJRpRmtiTojhzRrcicrLfSIqacKN-xOKcgIc5SkmhNxxuwdYMF0rysHhNN8JsPuLSUs1ByDzXJxCuYfXR2vaRzYJ1TJ8ZQcdLYbRnjLrLRp9xp8ebET/s400/coverview.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tucked in the southwest corner of North Carolina is a little piece of Nantahala National Forest land called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Panthertown</span> Valley that, with its exposed granite domes and myriad waterfalls, is often referred to as the "Yosemite of the East." This loop hike highlights all that this area has to offer including seven of its cascades. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382420252986112130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsQsH5CePO-zirWddVl2rTIwoMQ2JtjiQEdNcyT9UoivLEfpc5TCW2yzeYJh_-InkM_01ymwcnpLxPIMQYweFWxZW5FFLrqg1aUMJWHnylVx0LT3XY6ArRzoM-76WN1whoY_kEpm6cLqm/s400/2nd+to+last+falls.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Panthertown</span> Valley is found at the headwaters of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tuckaseegee</span> River on the NW shoulder of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Toxaway</span> Mountain about midway between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cullowhee</span> and Cashiers, NC. The valley is relatively flat at about 4,000' in elevation, with several exposed granite domes rising upwards of 600' from the valley floor.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382420548438868914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlKg1bBrZKTgospa21sBMF6vttS8s5n7yMuU9HgOXfyfD_GQ1GenRaIymvuOAoU_TXNiMXSKjH9nb0rzl3ESslLwdCb-XZCmvfU4Nf9HeKmFf160sznZzkBOCjbcK83NO4applpR3J9hU/s400/cool+light+view+pine+fore.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHqM4yajl9exOh497BlqS7-cXlV4Iqmbj0sQgeqcC9iI-LZrxINfG0sbeCmDQG0K51QGkhfmo_mJt8Xxq2PlA2cFeqtUXsBartwoxugOujPp-QM-m9ZdUEoKLvflsEW7s20zAmQuCb8mh/s1600-h/mike+stepping+stones.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382423196700261234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHqM4yajl9exOh497BlqS7-cXlV4Iqmbj0sQgeqcC9iI-LZrxINfG0sbeCmDQG0K51QGkhfmo_mJt8Xxq2PlA2cFeqtUXsBartwoxugOujPp-QM-m9ZdUEoKLvflsEW7s20zAmQuCb8mh/s200/mike+stepping+stones.JPG" border="0" /></a>Part of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nantahala</span> National Forest, the 6,300 acres comprising <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Panthertown</span> Valley was acquired by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">USFS</span> only recently in 1989 and still has substantial adjoining wild private land. Prior to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">USFS</span> ownership the land was logged extensively by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Moltz</span> Lumber Company. Next ownership went to regional power giant, Duke Energy, who built high tension power lines through the heart of the valley before selling the land to the Nature Conservancy for $8 Million. It is this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">powerline</span> that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">bars</span> this region from being designated a wilderness area, however the trail system is still quite primitive and ample opportunities for solitude exist. Those attempting this loop should be cautioned that there are no trail markers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">routefinding</span> can be a challenge. Study maps of the area closely and bring a compass and/or GPS and know how to use them to navigate. </p><p><br /></p><span style="font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410349506814862610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLy4GGuOvvx91qD-R9tadU3a6gEyzxnKFK-oYSpSNNleuqrmxkCDB9VPhmkg3tXCa1Q1zspAxzN9IprJtqZxudAHtgWTJvIvy45IXD8IFscD4B31_UBgk2y_zgqGxe2gopr7tHqwI2W_k/s400/panthertown_map.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Trail starts at Parking on the west side and follows the orange track. </span><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/highlands/panthertown/panthertown_proposed_trail_map.pdf"><span style="font-size:78%;">Click here for the source of the original map.<br /></div></span></a><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5HTPEFZzd8rZq3NoJkeSL_8BxPaljFhVKFyNQ5WWT4L6H4pnGFDaORw-ULmsVeQyZMrDdzD8_ZRl7Yz3U8kURsPWXgvsxOfcjocJoeHOJK3Qp-K0xM5BgUJkYaRqGXLO1H7XvaJnXjY6/s1600-h/mikegranitelook.JPG"></a><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6IOJN9cn29OzGDHMPZcIGzCVEDLq1tw5yBZiDHGNYmR5iUdg9znESnDySVCc65fabeT9JxxrnRJiGktD9F7wyQoylWky0ltobkRiEeHDNdA3c7O1Jk0PB7Tn0deqDM7YCgyomtzSKPrA/s1600-h/mikegranitelook.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382425087827931538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6IOJN9cn29OzGDHMPZcIGzCVEDLq1tw5yBZiDHGNYmR5iUdg9znESnDySVCc65fabeT9JxxrnRJiGktD9F7wyQoylWky0ltobkRiEeHDNdA3c7O1Jk0PB7Tn0deqDM7YCgyomtzSKPrA/s200/mikegranitelook.JPG" border="0" /></a>This hike starts from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Breedlove</span> Road <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">trailhead</span> on the westernmost rim of the area. Leaving the parking area you'll climb along the ridge leading to the summit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">BlackRock</span> Mountain with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">occasional</span> views of the valley and opposing cliffs and ridges. Upon reaching the summit you'll turn to drop into the second-growth forests of the valley which mix pines, hardwoods and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">rhododendrons</span> along ridges and stream valleys. </div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDTEO2XRRsUOVIxvGkD-HHmBXK7-LkPnDSBQrCnNu9ecKvwR8ntJwyrtk9CW65Jo0SQsdLxVbl4ULoF6nI8P2bC18LpOhSC2BBLZEwbuvNMAGqsUtO6CQBiHCB3_FSQLLcYcSml3X8xRV/s1600-h/falls2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382232037269354642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDTEO2XRRsUOVIxvGkD-HHmBXK7-LkPnDSBQrCnNu9ecKvwR8ntJwyrtk9CW65Jo0SQsdLxVbl4ULoF6nI8P2bC18LpOhSC2BBLZEwbuvNMAGqsUtO6CQBiHCB3_FSQLLcYcSml3X8xRV/s200/falls2.jpg" border="0" /></a>After crossing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">powerline</span> cut you'll soon come to the first of seven cascades on this hike as well as the first of several fords. Use caution in crossing here as you are at the top of the falls and the wet rocks are very slick. Short, quick and obvious scrambles off the main trail will bring you to the next two (and increasingly impressive) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/8lXhW2wlBpU">falls</a>. </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFsx7N3cU0Tm8TSUhgSdv7lNL5kZzM16YBy_GbT4BNU3JH1zl6ahIFZCbfwvR5co7ycLqzENtK0ZL9jTwptBihHc5RsVsoTkmAAV0wW01GX7l7mHMeVcvbXSjQEeuc-BtV3jC023o0w0Z/s1600-h/schoolhousefalls.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382415518993921250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFsx7N3cU0Tm8TSUhgSdv7lNL5kZzM16YBy_GbT4BNU3JH1zl6ahIFZCbfwvR5co7ycLqzENtK0ZL9jTwptBihHc5RsVsoTkmAAV0wW01GX7l7mHMeVcvbXSjQEeuc-BtV3jC023o0w0Z/s200/schoolhousefalls.JPG" border="0" /></a>Next, after crossing back under the power lines arrive at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">SchoolHouse</span> Falls which boasts a sandy beach and Olympic size swimming hole before starting up the ascent of Little Green Mountain. The open summit of Little Green Mountain rewards the climb with sweeping views and blueberries in the late summer. For many, the open granite slabs of the summit are a destination for low-impact camping with sunrise and sunset displays. </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382415904892270034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXjfzmYx4MlAwnFh6_K9VpxPL1Dgticxp3W-aLAchFqDZmTY62GWHaQYJFjuuCUp8mwM9qtFlJDS0LiMMvYrIx2acVp0a2MBCGKhkCccQ0ZCxELRYqRysB-D4s9Y7kZoSyvlgqzGYshtS/s400/blue+granite+view.JPG" border="0" />The granite domes of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Panthertown</span> were formed as bubbles of molten lava cooled nearly </span><span style="font-size:78%;">one billion years ago forming the smooth granite which have been exposed by erosion. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">-</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHFz4BYdWGH_scGTj7LpOfR8Fo4KMoHI9NpOgBTRXUGlNS_ytkOelRxvrwJyDRHlrNQATBFqrrJB1rmhiVBVufjk0gvQnetJs_FoqKBwnl84XQLVHr_0nvpUy9lCabB96nVQDX7xIM1XU/s1600-h/slefp+hike+mike+climb+big+green..JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382416234429264034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHFz4BYdWGH_scGTj7LpOfR8Fo4KMoHI9NpOgBTRXUGlNS_ytkOelRxvrwJyDRHlrNQATBFqrrJB1rmhiVBVufjk0gvQnetJs_FoqKBwnl84XQLVHr_0nvpUy9lCabB96nVQDX7xIM1XU/s200/slefp+hike+mike+climb+big+green..JPG" border="0" /></a>Descending off of Little Green the next stretch offers ample opportunity for wildlife <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">viewing</span> as you pass through forest on a gradual traverse of the Southern section of the valley and a gradual climb up the flanks of Big Green Mountain. While the ascent and summit of Big Green are under mature canopy, exploration of short side trails can result in rewarding viewpoints and potential stealth campsites (if you bring you water). The descent from the summit is steep and ends at an old logging road in a campsite-rife pine flat. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382416614260304402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidAkLaOR_vN609cehumD-mq1a_ej788n_coD3EarAA9XuUKHqAjqj4Kss5sNU70wejLM1KIz6MAo2qHU7QOK9VyfMnEKkVaoza-NcyGm19QXkTptuzxNPZhmyWG1AIDJyW4FNTrCBjCyh/s400/back+big+green+view.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaBEm_ljoZL_r9-IGRS99rFqLtSzD4XnfTP-bGeEnDRPd3gzzMjYq0sxfw6CjuQSPV1u8BFHB6LW5qdzhusb8fe_VQaDVoDliiHADmdcLO0OVTgYKTIkdifExnfTFVpNIPg-fPmbltWS-/s1600-h/downstream+late+falls.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382419945670438946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaBEm_ljoZL_r9-IGRS99rFqLtSzD4XnfTP-bGeEnDRPd3gzzMjYq0sxfw6CjuQSPV1u8BFHB6LW5qdzhusb8fe_VQaDVoDliiHADmdcLO0OVTgYKTIkdifExnfTFVpNIPg-fPmbltWS-/s200/downstream+late+falls.JPG" border="0" /></a>Heading west you'll come across three more of the falls on the loop: the fifth is a several-hundred yard-long gradual cascade, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RuP_Xl1Vw5AT6_CDyELMZjUxV4Em9aBaVN8VYJThhLPymJwPeiBnBKtxobkO2-IQV_RqFE136yynWPSTDKP4sGkOz41klG50lB0B9Okoz2zalkVdut4ABW_66cJdXjMFUZ-Am8PLp7oV/s1600-h/lastbigfallsmikeview.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382419382980515650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RuP_Xl1Vw5AT6_CDyELMZjUxV4Em9aBaVN8VYJThhLPymJwPeiBnBKtxobkO2-IQV_RqFE136yynWPSTDKP4sGkOz41klG50lB0B9Okoz2zalkVdut4ABW_66cJdXjMFUZ-Am8PLp7oV/s200/lastbigfallsmikeview.JPG" border="0" /></a>the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/6hqj25FY4bc">sixth</a> is a 10 foot tall, six foot wide drop, and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/WI524PalWYk">seventh</a> plunges a dramatic distance in a narrow, but steady stream. </div><br /><div align="left">At the top of the final falls its a short climb further to reach the wide, gravel roadbed which returns to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Breedlove</span> Parking area. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">At just about ten miles, this loop is an excellent weekend introduction to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Panthertown</span> Valley, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">sampling</span> both its peaks and valleys. However, given the nebulous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">network</span> of trails, one could easily spend much more time here and explore all corners of this lush and geographically unique area.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">For the complete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Panthertown</span> photo album <a href="http://peterhikes.shutterfly.com/392">click here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="color:#66cccc;">The Hike: From Breedlove Parking Area: </span></div><span style="color:#66cccc;"><div align="left">Take trail 488 uphill from parking area (left of gate) * bear right at the 1st intersection to stay on trail * follow ridge and turn right near the summit of Blackrock Mtn * descend ridge to intersect trail 448A and turn left * turn right onto trail 491 and arrive at 1st ford and falls on the Tuckaseegee River * bear right on the first connector trail past ford * turn right on trail 486 and at !/4 miles and 1/2 miles descend obvious steep side trails to the right to reach falls 2 and 3 * continuing on trail 486 reach Schoolhouse falls with large pool and beach at its base * bear right just past the falls to ascend trail 485 to the summit of Little Green Mtn. * bear left at the summit to descend the south side * turn left on trail 453 * turn right at next intersection onto trail 469 and ascend Big Green Mtn staying right to continue on to the summit * from summit descend steeply to intersect trail 453 and turn left * take immediate left onto trail 450 and arrive at next falss within 1/4 mile * turn right at ford and quick left to continue onto trail 450 * bear left onto trail 449 and reach next falls within 1/4 mile * bear right at falls to ascend beside impressive final falls * connect with trail 448 and turn left to return to gate and parking* </div><div align="center">-</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#66cccc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Trailhead</span>: From I-40 take I-26 East to exit 40. Follow NC-280 west to US-64 near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Brevard</span>. Follow NC-64 through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Brevard</span> to Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Toxaway</span>. Turn North (right) on Cedar Creek Road and follow for approximately 2.2 miles. This will be about 1.9 miles East of Cashiers. Turn right at the brown and yellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">USFS</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Panthertown</span> sign on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Breedlove</span> Road. Follow for approximately 3.5 miles to gate and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">trailhead</span> parking. (Lat:35.16898 Lon:-83.04012)</span></div><div align="center">-<br /></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Ranger Contact: US Forest Service, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Nantahala</span> National Forest - 828-526-3765 </span></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-44113302725490925092009-08-26T06:31:00.000-07:002009-08-26T12:31:43.036-07:00Backcountry Lemmings: 'Into the Wild' Pilgrimage Blunders ContinueSince publication of the bestselling account of the travels and death of Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McCandless</span>, "Into the Wild," by Jon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Krakauer</span> and the release of the film by the same name directed by Sean Penn, a previously little-known corner of the Alaska wilderness has seen a boom in its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">backcountry</span> traffic.<br /><br /><br />"Into the Wild" chronicles the inner conflicts, Kerouac-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ian</span> travels and ultimate demise of a well-to-do recent college graduate who abandons his worldly possessions to roam free and ultimately try his hand at survival in the Alaska wilderness near Denali National Park. His final destination was an old, abandoned, 1940's era bus that had been scrapped along the Stampede Trail near the borders of Denali NP. The bus had been converted over time by hunters and hikers into a makeshift shelter with a pipe stove and bunk and it was here, 22 miles from the road that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">McCandless</span> lived for a short while before dying of starvation related to poisoning form foraged vegetation.<br /><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374267481243091922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezj3x9y9RbFF3wtirBOqnfTVEUANEN8paCSxGy8o-910DxZEgA7oM-REfsACYkPBmsV4S58ayRUT9yhSHADu6z-xZNfuQ0pQrrrNx75AFPbZHFnev-TclvSjH73161xrPJWxU7kU92wh2/s400/9d443467-3aca-44e8-8198-fccbbff08dfe_hmedium.jpg" border="0" /> The "Magic Bus" <span style="font-size:78%;">Photo by Associated Press</span> </p><p>The "Magic Bus" as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">McCandless</span> dubbed it, has become a destination for fans of the book and movie who are curious to see the location or wish to pay homage to the story's protagonist, but many, like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McCandless</span> are woefully unprepared for the trip. </p><br />The most recent lemmings to demonstrate their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">backcountry</span> ignorance on a national stage were 19-year-old Donald Carroll from Illinois and 21-year-old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Jia</span> Long He from China. They set out on the 22-mile trek in cotton street clothes with only minimal food and no equipment. According to a report by the <a href="http://www.adn.com/">Anchorage Daily News</a> the pair set out on Friday and were last seen by hikers along the trail. On Monday, after being several days overdue, the pair were rescued via helicopter and were reported to be cold, wet and hungry, but otherwise fine. While the trip itself is not particularly arduous, it does require a level of preparation and skill beyond the typical <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">looky</span>-loo tourist. The crux of the trip is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Teklanika</span> River which swells considerably in warmer months with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">snowmelt</span> from the surrounding mountains and presents a significant challenge to hikers seeking to cross. In fact, it was this river that ultimately sealed the fate of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">McCandless</span> who crossed initially when the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Teklanika</span> was only a small stream before the melt. When he fell ill and attempted to find egress from the wilderness the river had swelled considerably and presented as impassible.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374273102177325042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 390px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgl_TZ_R3kR2aMfqfs4ioOD4XMepI4iaa58fK8-XA7nx4SEpYb9WjaT3yht0zwewo75_qR4oNhqcPJU-SKGpwdeEH94KMogLoOwhReIjLSYCF0WxxzLaZbzE-DycKR3qV6UPCUuCAZ3Ez/s400/745-25Denali_StampedeTrail_graphic_large_prod_affiliate_7.gif" border="0" /><br />Lessons to be learned?<br /><br /><ul><li>First of all, know your ability level. Carroll and his companion clearly had no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">backcountry</span> skill at all. These types don't belong beyond a car-camping tent-site until they gain some knowledge and experience, let alone in the Alaska <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Backcountry</span>. </li><br /><li>Second, dress for conditions. Cotton = Death. While synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">lycra<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90_M3u-uBrNRqUehC-KN6gHhQeVtmH_a-AXUvQ1gCAOlObxnyxJmYyAahgmYL9OAlmN3KFfQVndUXAM9N_h9j0g1Il7zTuDk1kwyGvZTekwuKn6S2g2suW3DP_m0hjtxxMfCTFG6UdJ9u/s1600-h/MtRogersEpic11.08+284.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374286824965038978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90_M3u-uBrNRqUehC-KN6gHhQeVtmH_a-AXUvQ1gCAOlObxnyxJmYyAahgmYL9OAlmN3KFfQVndUXAM9N_h9j0g1Il7zTuDk1kwyGvZTekwuKn6S2g2suW3DP_m0hjtxxMfCTFG6UdJ9u/s200/MtRogersEpic11.08+284.jpg" border="0" /></a></span> and natural fibers such as wool continue to insulate when wet, cotton actually pulls warmth from your body when wet. This can occur even from perspiration. Hypothermia results from a drop in body temperature of only 3 degrees which can occur in even relatively mild conditions. Don't wear cotton (jeans, t-shirts, socks), even on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">dayhike</span>. The best bet is to dress in layers and add or remove layers as needed to prevent chill or sweating. Base-layer + insulating layer + outer shell (weatherproof) is the best formula for success (hey, its what the <a href="http://www.backpacker.com/august_2003_feature_special_forces_gear_test/articles/6543">Navy Seals </a>use!)</li><br /><li>Protect your feet. According to reports, Carroll was wearing tennis shoes with plastic bags covering them for the 22-mile trek in wet conditions. During my 7-month AT <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">thru</span>-hike I learned repeatedly that there are times that there's nothing you can do about wet feet - it happens. Even Gore-Tex footwear gets wet. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4J4LYJ15R0SfP6u5A1hF-cTS_bMH3D1YwosESdyWpSQVKTHqj4og48Dgjrzf9vAE7H5bzPTqrmv-pgUDAUz9J5LyUsVT_-PBMQJJ8nCGevxQNWcsrNlOxIuuG7Vz4F86xTV0rr_wqkj6/s1600-h/j73.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374284982781585730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 161px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4J4LYJ15R0SfP6u5A1hF-cTS_bMH3D1YwosESdyWpSQVKTHqj4og48Dgjrzf9vAE7H5bzPTqrmv-pgUDAUz9J5LyUsVT_-PBMQJJ8nCGevxQNWcsrNlOxIuuG7Vz4F86xTV0rr_wqkj6/s200/j73.jpg" border="0" /></a>The key is to dry your feet out when you can and don't let them stay wet. Bring at least one change of socks and let your feet dry out in camp at the very least. Wet feet can draw heat from your core quickly, not to mention how quickly wet skin gets damaged while supporting a load over miles of rough trail. </li><br /><li>Put gas in your tank. Bring adequate food and make sure that it includes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">carbs</span> for instant energy, fat for stored fuel and protein for building and repairing muscle. One great ultralight and effective diet plan is one developed by Epic Adventurer Andrew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Skurka</span> for his 6,875 mile Great Western Loop (<a href="http://www.andrewskurka.com/advice/nutrition.php">click for details</a>). </li></ul><p>Perhaps the most pathetic detail about this story is that this is not the first rescue for Mr. Carroll in Alaska....THIS SUMMER! In June he texted Rangers (yes, hes wa that close to civilization) for rescue after getting soaked while hiking near Mt Healy in blue Jeans and a Sweatshirt. The Stampede Trail requires no permit nor special arrangements for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Backcountry</span> Travel, so this will likely not be the last rescue story from the "Magic Bus." I personally think these people should be charged for the Search and Rescue effort including use of the helicopter. People who are reckless in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">backcountry</span> endanger not only themselves, but the professionals and volunteers that have to save them. Carroll has been warned by Alaska Rangers that if he's spotted hiking in Alaska again that he will be arrested. Sounds fair to me. Hike safe and happy trails.</p>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-71076647253985508012009-08-17T09:20:00.000-07:002009-10-13T05:58:37.723-07:00Gettin' Loopy in Shenandoah: Rocky Top to Big Run<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50wNF1ptmD3AW-RcYwl0utKv4ZSU66eSKCVOFrfMlHdLOZFERcozpJPMkAjUh30kGdTC0H4wkLbXFtDn-rLBfsTKK4eIK-P90w1I7EWt5LqZA_56dhsBbRFJ6fVJFxL4bWk5eA2flW8fS/s1600-h/SANY0118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371732234152248898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50wNF1ptmD3AW-RcYwl0utKv4ZSU66eSKCVOFrfMlHdLOZFERcozpJPMkAjUh30kGdTC0H4wkLbXFtDn-rLBfsTKK4eIK-P90w1I7EWt5LqZA_56dhsBbRFJ6fVJFxL4bWk5eA2flW8fS/s400/SANY0118.JPG" border="0" /></a> In the Southwestern section of Shenandoah National Park is a seldom-travelled loop hike that offers an incredible sampling of what the park has to offer (wildlife, rocky ridges, trout steams, lush forested valleys) without the crowds and traffic that can take the "wild" out of the Shenandoah wilderness.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371732429762153250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsb2vY6wNko-vJi3WJ2bjUFexFm7XPXnirMRYg4SSJMND1CuymhER3BsI48H5YUJuP5hSRwN5gQ8Z38-x-HxFpQaKIeTWHBzaQw87koxr7knLjYNm0xW5XfF6AoApgbqB_MeZUkpuf0s8/s320/SANY0096.JPG" border="0" /> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkL-CNuloSDJEexjKBK37bWfMBvFvNKAq5FSMO3nOThJ-1_3kXhzXXdvapLkdy10FGrgz4jg9E7aMTNHC4ClVKTNu8X4zhijc6s2sHbN2qggGPlh8YyPviIrCIQ_gTd2epJLOb2t6mnAh/s1600-h/SANY0090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371733007236167746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 101px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkL-CNuloSDJEexjKBK37bWfMBvFvNKAq5FSMO3nOThJ-1_3kXhzXXdvapLkdy10FGrgz4jg9E7aMTNHC4ClVKTNu8X4zhijc6s2sHbN2qggGPlh8YyPviIrCIQ_gTd2epJLOb2t6mnAh/s200/SANY0090.JPG" border="0" /></a>This 14-mile loop begins and ends at the Brown's Gap Parking at Mile 82 on Skyline Drive. From there it follows the yellow-blazed Big Run Loop Trail for 1/2 mile to its intersection with the blue-blazed Rocky Top Trail (left). From here its approximately 5 1/2 miles of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ridgeline</span> before dropping steeply into the lush valley created by Big Run and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">righthand</span> turn onto the yellow-blazed Big Run Trail. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4_S6gHlyJh80h3wmcfIuNpjQmVqZEGEKTOGxbGGgGBOm73sLVD1xkj6n_hqlQSk0AkvmVIUEorKL-Y06CblRuUL_juOvQHj29oDrHsGDSLp4Yxd3zeIes6F2hNmVB-JtH2vGgzAm1qS4/s1600-h/swift.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371732805926073266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 79px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4_S6gHlyJh80h3wmcfIuNpjQmVqZEGEKTOGxbGGgGBOm73sLVD1xkj6n_hqlQSk0AkvmVIUEorKL-Y06CblRuUL_juOvQHj29oDrHsGDSLp4Yxd3zeIes6F2hNmVB-JtH2vGgzAm1qS4/s200/swift.JPG" border="0" /></a>Along this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ridgeline</span> section keep your eyes peeled for the numerous inhabitants of the park. We saw lizards (fence swifts), whitetail deer, black bear and timber rattlesnakes in this section, the latter of which can be a VERY unpleasant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">surprise</span> if you're not paying attention.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='411' height='355' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwMBvdEImy9NGgHS-CRsvBWlDRg37SQRAjdKvByUOWgWm9xUtgFrLSX9w49kAYEyby_tYyXCkvnZl2JakjXKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OoXKpG1aV10R_o39pwoBjDP-qCNf42VUC8TOKbqvnwA0FUWVXxEVa5ueWBsOg1KlPqrKoyGG228-Ao2XHTYCIDIIgclC-2nhWsTqb7TgBq6107hUNzGd1zh9cwd_uYVWNzDlre25pOqM/s1600-h/SANY0133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371754383072642658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 83px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OoXKpG1aV10R_o39pwoBjDP-qCNf42VUC8TOKbqvnwA0FUWVXxEVa5ueWBsOg1KlPqrKoyGG228-Ao2XHTYCIDIIgclC-2nhWsTqb7TgBq6107hUNzGd1zh9cwd_uYVWNzDlre25pOqM/s200/SANY0133.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2ZQEtKtN-XRPleU2s1njehDPtnTpNzJPI2_W32SfE_O4vwJLOUc7jX4PQM4voy6fjpZsvT0aDHhzA8ldj6G00E850Q2T4Ja4yukc6mZ2c6ioyDIo7sWl6BVPv5SjNuLfPKPF4Z5tIZIK/s1600-h/SANY0109.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371754482180864434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2ZQEtKtN-XRPleU2s1njehDPtnTpNzJPI2_W32SfE_O4vwJLOUc7jX4PQM4voy6fjpZsvT0aDHhzA8ldj6G00E850Q2T4Ja4yukc6mZ2c6ioyDIo7sWl6BVPv5SjNuLfPKPF4Z5tIZIK/s200/SANY0109.JPG" border="0" /></a>Pack plenty of water as this ridgewalk offers none, but we did find a veritable bounty of ripe blueberries and blackberries (mid-August). Some of the terrain here is rugged and rocky due to an intense fire that burned this ridge in 1986 and apparently damage topsoil to such a degree that parts of this forest have yet to begin to recover. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXfCdDeaZdZtXCoeG2Xhonh2E-41W5wfCyoKCHbZGQ-hnZ-Lt5hTmIJrvIp89HtnfuV0sheeBR9lG781lZ5AGURRD0fMDs0fe9VWcAMURHB3cgq8d92R7w6nrwOarYE6yEP5iEcQarsVa/s1600-h/SANY0136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371755112322818706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXfCdDeaZdZtXCoeG2Xhonh2E-41W5wfCyoKCHbZGQ-hnZ-Lt5hTmIJrvIp89HtnfuV0sheeBR9lG781lZ5AGURRD0fMDs0fe9VWcAMURHB3cgq8d92R7w6nrwOarYE6yEP5iEcQarsVa/s200/SANY0136.JPG" border="0" /></a>Other sections of the ridge have fully recovered and host a mature canopy with ample shade while still others have slowly begun to re-establish vegetation with low-shrubs and young trees. The result is an ever-changing canvas complete with fern-carpeted tree-tunnels as well as open rocky vistas. The descent to Big Run is a long, rocky traverse (1400 vertical feet) that is exposed to afternoon sun and gets hot in the warmer months and can make for sore feet by the time you reach the water.</p><p align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Approximately</span> 1/2 mile after turning right onto the yellow-blazed Big Run Trail is the only bridge on the trip and the intersection with the blue-blazed Brown Mountain Trail. Primitive campsites of varying sizes can be found up and down the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">streambank</span> here with the larger spots located downstream from the intersection. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371755708441526066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha16OfVXXJlMD8dDkQIP1F7o13y1WzIHxptxrxIamaFQysV0zv3ulqzEiOe4LloipCFDmXaWkxsiirkBGbG3SRgJzxPmZXu6VIOVO1eAFhDKLrg1ig6scOUZPnX9DXPirQ4CZXx1bUIU6m/s400/SANY0163.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="left">The next day is as dark, cool, and wet as the previous day was exposed, hot, and dry. Build time into your itinerary to fish (VA fishing license required - Creel limit is 6 trout over 9 inches), swim, and explore this area. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371756881101389362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgv8_MVODY58t1gq_BzTiXo1PdtnSNZGaemUxoBSHKurrlYY3Vvs63FFBU_g1axsu-Us-OLtb8yqp2jUUT5N-CV5esd_XKRH3H2lvkVk47Q_VcfzxETOlWsglm8IB4E1MZLmuSq2Maojj/s320/SANY0151.JPG" border="0" />At one point I bushwhacked up a ridge and sat quietly on a rock to observe the forest away from the trail. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RuneeBZOYD_JIhnmVbDdE3ECr98AN0gwtRalqsNJxfWv9-M5z2UciJorydkqWch-wAGAM5EhyIzQNloaESmhgIIfon0jvDczYsvdG5cMjewlJEoWZyZPecrtvTARNyufXFopi3XnrYjk/s1600-h/SANY0161.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371762343926613730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RuneeBZOYD_JIhnmVbDdE3ECr98AN0gwtRalqsNJxfWv9-M5z2UciJorydkqWch-wAGAM5EhyIzQNloaESmhgIIfon0jvDczYsvdG5cMjewlJEoWZyZPecrtvTARNyufXFopi3XnrYjk/s200/SANY0161.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd4SKHn-zRi_4VSjazVU6AXJuKDtMlDvFK_GRyGSjRzWun0iMcomicIfcqQ2Xnd3wZdKcPM_ZZus8N25Ohl8XbGf4Ny8Yixo0WyZVkS2-6ogi3JkUr7kaqKB8Bbu38E_IlUAMVCQMJLi3/s1600-h/SANY0178.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371762452642140946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd4SKHn-zRi_4VSjazVU6AXJuKDtMlDvFK_GRyGSjRzWun0iMcomicIfcqQ2Xnd3wZdKcPM_ZZus8N25Ohl8XbGf4Ny8Yixo0WyZVkS2-6ogi3JkUr7kaqKB8Bbu38E_IlUAMVCQMJLi3/s200/SANY0178.JPG" border="0" /></a>Within 45 minutes I was treated to a yearling male black bear who passed less than 50 feet in front of me while foraging on insects under rocks, hickory nuts, acorns and pecans. There is so much wildlife in Shenandoah that on my Appalachian Trail <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">thru</span>-hike I saw 5 bears in one 2-hour period one morning. Taking some time to sit quietly, watch and listen can yield some huge payoffs.</p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9og26x5s-vQE_IW6SK7vrxYfLZB_jsIi23jAqPj3bwgA34hf_bj1rBJi4-jhy48aeU9gcc0eOSyC3FtOiLAawHU5cOmdM9hC_dDMFCZlO9mtJZFZQLMKnKoPARZpTAwebpHce2jyhrqXq/s1600-h/SANY0171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371763483063358946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9og26x5s-vQE_IW6SK7vrxYfLZB_jsIi23jAqPj3bwgA34hf_bj1rBJi4-jhy48aeU9gcc0eOSyC3FtOiLAawHU5cOmdM9hC_dDMFCZlO9mtJZFZQLMKnKoPARZpTAwebpHce2jyhrqXq/s200/SANY0171.JPG" border="0" /></a>The trail crosses Big run a total of 8 times on its gentle climb to the intersection with the Big Run Loop Trail. Ample primitive camping opportunities exist within 1/2 mile of this intersection and an epic fishing hole (approximately 50 brook and rainbow trout with about 1/3 over the keeper size) at the second ford after Patterson Ridge Trail splits left from the main trail. </p><p align="left">The final two miles is a steep climb on the Big Run Loop Trail (Yellow Blazed to the right) back to the original intersection with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rocky Top</span> Trail (straight) and back to the parking lot via Big Run Loop.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371753834689524258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7OR61tddl8_cXPgELjFkPsjPXzP4GeaPNcvQrA9xBLOJNJUuHrXAael_TOQXaY7fGwKKKlelMFHkB1eKv8iqc26PLXsxZCOW_mwtruytgdvBEa0CDlFkgiZmVyZvs2wqlvpkhfAS4Oa8/s400/bear.JPG" border="0" /></p>Entrance to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/shen">Shenandoah National Park </a>requires a $15 dollar per-vehicle entrance fee and is valid for 7 days. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Backcountry</span> camping requires a free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">backcountry</span> permit that can be obtained at entrance stations and various other sites along the Skyline Drive.<br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='143' height='107' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxEDH_blJy4zn0MqEu8FoTV7Vct80TEXHiYKBYpnjzCvwIuYc1_3fwNm6uYMPZQj1mUEbmQGYyxrI_ZO0UbTg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="center"><a href="http://mrhyker.tripod.com/snp-rockytop-bigrun.jpg">Click here for a map and vertical profile from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">midatlantichikes</span>.com</a></p>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-2534642579465278972009-08-10T06:30:00.000-07:002009-08-12T12:12:08.708-07:00Repel Mosquitoes Without Repelling Brain Cells<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06vrv85p6wR3s2rofM5svwpfrXeBkgL06qU7YI_2vPbes6uVUfDP6aPZFvDFUF2nDJnxCZKWlCm-e2kfMznKnOAgsBSgiMEs2pObkUX3MazhTQ8FIQXUSNA1cJSmD2jfGsmuVwR1_Wf7o/s1600-h/bug+bite.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368683119406435682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06vrv85p6wR3s2rofM5svwpfrXeBkgL06qU7YI_2vPbes6uVUfDP6aPZFvDFUF2nDJnxCZKWlCm-e2kfMznKnOAgsBSgiMEs2pObkUX3MazhTQ8FIQXUSNA1cJSmD2jfGsmuVwR1_Wf7o/s320/bug+bite.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Its summer time and if you’ve been hiking, camping, or outdoors at all this year, chances are you’ve run into some of those bloodsucking wee beasties that are the bane of many an outdoor adventure: mosquitoes. For most people choice of repellant is a no-brainer: you pick up some spray or lotion containing DEET (N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), slather it on and fuhgeddaboudit. However, this no-brainer may actually be pushing you towards actually becoming a “no-brainer” by causing lasting cognitive deficits by damaging neurons in some key areas of the brain. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369077530817105986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3trTJcmPSJJU6pOPo-uqPENsWe528jtmudCpbFb_SHnIgcFwOytTOUUeF_NmH6jXMlZOUGtLK0EX8WIhxH9YhfOhvGK1yi-yQGb5yhWa52V4JYXh5EhchxNfpvf0eqyqhmpweRNs1ay1/s320/highlineskeetertxt.JPG" border="0" /><br />According to <a href="http://www.quantumhealth.com/news/dangers_of_DEET.html">The Duke University Medical Center News Office</a>, studies have shown that use of DEET can result in brain cell loss and significantly impaired performance in tasks involving muscle control, coordination and strength. In addition, research shows evidence of significant neuron degradation in areas of the brain controlling movement, focus, learning, and retaining information. One disputed demonstration of the risks of prolonged DEET use is the so-called “Gulf War Syndrome” suffered by veterans returning from military service in the “Desert Storm” campaign. Standard issue for soldiers in this campaign was a 75% DEET insect repellant. The symptoms reported by some soldiers are consistent with those effects found in studies on long-term exposure to DEET.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwSjb0tg6DNtij78miZAg2Znn4y6yWvfgzbM-j-YvjZXOqO5LVvnUhKQo1qSjsQfz03Amqs9899q4nmciDS3IvWqZRR1OztzswFGLSlTDtVWa2mz__T2maVvnU3J5_eMSjpRZmcigM5mw/s1600-h/SANY0081.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZvOc2LA9-k5mvrSpEX7I6slcdzq3LHHSXK-VmbQ-vjZTHE1Njhcsnzzqf22nF9KXH8zkj0jDhccEP5wO-x5P41d6lhDtMWIJnuU5CajMNrEmJzPvd2LTIi36yXT4Zqkw4DvSeQ6wxuJO/s1600-h/skeeterclose.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369156985218382610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZvOc2LA9-k5mvrSpEX7I6slcdzq3LHHSXK-VmbQ-vjZTHE1Njhcsnzzqf22nF9KXH8zkj0jDhccEP5wO-x5P41d6lhDtMWIJnuU5CajMNrEmJzPvd2LTIi36yXT4Zqkw4DvSeQ6wxuJO/s200/skeeterclose.JPG" border="0" /></a>Researchers caution that the potential effects of long-term exposure to DEET include breathing problems, sluggishness, pain in the joints and muscles, loss of memory, headache, muscle weakness and shakiness. Risk of these effects seems to be amplified when DEET is paired with some types of medication (including OTC) and other pesticides (such as permethrin). Researchers urge limited exposure for adults and strongly discourage use of DEET on children.<br />The good news is that there is an extremely effective alternative that is plant-based, natural and carries no risk of melting your brain: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. Of the three active repellant ingredients approved by the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm">Centers for Disease Control (CDC)</a> as effective against mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus (DEET, Picaridin, and Lemon Eucalyptus), Lemon Eucalyptus is the only one that is plant-based and natural. </div><div><br />I can hear the skeptics mumbling now, “Great, Tree-Hugger, I’m not going to donate a pint of blood on my next trip just so I can be Earthy and Natural…”, but this stuff really works! Science, Semi-Science, and Not Even Close to Science Personal Anecdotes follow:<br /></div><div><em>Science</em><br />According to a study published in the <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12097535?dopt=Abstract">New England Journal of Medicine</a>, M.S. Fradin and J.F. Day showed the average time of protection for Lemon-Eucalyptus Oil base repellant to be 120 minutes with a maximum of 317 minutes. This is compared to an average result of 302 minutes for a 23.8% DEET product.<br /></div><br /><div><em>Semi-Science</em><br />In June 2007, <a href="http://www.backpacker.com/">Backpacker Magazine</a> published a repellant comparison using the same “arm-in-cage” technique as the NEJM study (its semi-science because the only used one tester (victim) in the study). In this test, the Lemon Eucalyptus lasted 240 minutes before the first bite, out-performing the 30% DEET product by a full hour! While two concentrations of DEET above 30% (34.4% and 100%) outperformed the Lemon Eucalyptus, it also melts plastic and brains. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368690679592436290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO5ppRQB8Fn8HlFthNBkOsw6Mo-GYm1yvs6VFHxzAib3ni9Nk9PcWSkDRDpKj6sy4xK8OYdQ6ov3zutLonjgJKpbh-ypMpLIEPugQlJ6ZzC5MDYBRDe8fO1AxUawYVxytIhZ5zR715cy1/s320/Uinta+Highline+Trail-6025.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><em>Not Even Close to Science Personal Anecdote</em><br />In July 2008 <a href="http://www.backpacker.com/blogs/the_pulse/323">Steve Howe </a>and I spent 8 days on a thru-hike of Utah’s Uinta Highline Trail. An excellent repellent testing ground, the High Uintas provided the backdrop for an informal repellent face-off between Steve’s DEET and my Lemon Eucalyptus (which Steve slandered on night one). The results? I win. Seriously though, while the skeeters were ever-present, barring the wind-ripped high passes, I had no problems with bites while fishing alpine lakes or meandering mucky moose marshes. I did, however, out of sheer laziness, borrow Steve’s DEET on our final night out. While I did not suffer any bites, I did wake up with an extremely swollen and painful left eyeball, complete with gory broken blood vessel giving the effect of an ocular stab-wound. (again, it melts plastic and brain cells).<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw1hTtQOujk8ngy3t-e-kOTQlS6IyhyzWJTaet3vXbANo9rJcsHj0Zmbi3bxxcLU-Iwy-85_VCwMw0FWFI6M5uGT87KZFCXAWnQXw-aer5a4Zs4Wd885jXG1IiGfw8Q_YVGvywW2pTTuQ/s1600-h/SANY0072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368687513609672338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw1hTtQOujk8ngy3t-e-kOTQlS6IyhyzWJTaet3vXbANo9rJcsHj0Zmbi3bxxcLU-Iwy-85_VCwMw0FWFI6M5uGT87KZFCXAWnQXw-aer5a4Zs4Wd885jXG1IiGfw8Q_YVGvywW2pTTuQ/s200/SANY0072.JPG" border="0" /></a>In addition to not making your brain or tent melt, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil actually makes stinky hikers smell better and is derived from a natural, renewable resource (see my blog on the trees in the Smokies for why that’s a good thing). Its also lacks the greasy feeling that other repellants, lotions, and balms can have). Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is currently available in a repellant produced by <a href="http://www.repel.com/ProductCategories/Insectrepellents/LemonEucalyptus/">Repel</a> (who is not reimbursing me in any way (but I’m open to offers)) and comes in a 4oz pump-spray bottle for a MSRP of $7.25. Seems like a no-brainer to me...</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Top Picture Public Domain. Fishing Picture (c) Steve Howe, All other (c) Peter Rives including the one of a skeeter biting my leg (dedication!)</span></div></div></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-29839071298491634332009-07-30T12:10:00.000-07:002009-12-04T08:11:26.478-08:00Happy Birthday, Smokies: 75 and Balding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEk_RDyQ6bCDsFZHRp0_og0yCurbu5rcQhY65siliQmcQV_pUs_e-bnzTOQTkwOeHKfcJi2MrPnojqJZaRVDvLHu5krAI-_F7kCH7cgKWrfNMrOYFb0CEOU3rDU6EtpLTpUnxhDVqW3am/s1600-h/SANY0028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364419402573921874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEk_RDyQ6bCDsFZHRp0_og0yCurbu5rcQhY65siliQmcQV_pUs_e-bnzTOQTkwOeHKfcJi2MrPnojqJZaRVDvLHu5krAI-_F7kCH7cgKWrfNMrOYFb0CEOU3rDU6EtpLTpUnxhDVqW3am/s200/SANY0028.JPG" border="0" /></a>This past week was both a fun time of memory building with my family, and a terrible tease all at once. While my wife and I had a wonderful week with our two little girls at DollyWood in Pigeon Forge, TN the tease came in driving directly through the heart of one of my favorite backpacking destinations: Great Smoky Mountains National Park.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364437394756840562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbmF8X24sNx-YZQt9RrIf72C8TBH9XOh4LQprUSFAzHLfaGvCXZHpSx3Azkc4x7-vyWL28Far-V0TUQ1O9MCAMAPCA2HKxkHkdpTK97FtuID5_tM0dROTGy3takYiZrVidaMjlvUWch5k/s320/9-06SmokyHikeandB-Days_c031.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Smokies turn 75 years old this year (the park, not the billion-plus-year old mountains) and it remains the most visited national park in the nation. However, as we stopped at the crest of the range at Newfound Gap (both to assuage the cries of, “I’ve gotta PEE!” and to indulge my desire to reminisce on the AT) I noticed something troubling that has been more apparent each time I return to the Smokies: dead trees. Turns out there are 3 causes for the die-offs that are all interrelated: BWA, HWA, and Acid Rain. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364417678826871330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCySSYGF0vNZIrpweMMehmqnoat4QwFSGeWnP8AYtN_DvgzibSkl7C-CCvS_Py2oB6d-yUNdAnqDKcoWJITm-cnn0axTIIBJY4CeI8y-Lm7RVKPIJQ9z6cHhdDecUPccYAN5MLZhbj8ew/s400/9-06SmokyHikeandB-Days+B082.JPG" border="0" />BWA stands for Balsam Woolly Adelgid, an insect that arrived on trees from Europe and spread into the Smokies in the early 60s. The primary target of the BWA is the Fraser Fir which is indigenous only to the Southern Appalachians, farmed for use as highly sought-after Christmas Trees, and was once the dominant tree in the uppermost subalpine zone of the 5000+ elevations in the park. By injecting adult trees with a toxin, BWA renders the Fraser unable to absorb nutrients and it effectively causes death by starvation. To date 95% of the Fraser Firs in the park have been killed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEovaIJVYWeV85B_G1izh7RcOaTULpMDUsGeQr0mDv5-FOcsVb8CDbSJvWCxDONZ7NkQZk0Y4flLJQVtDe_AzBqMfFNN8qxuSCJCX1pE-VdW6If198LV71CmqaUkJ-LtXoIXmscaxWiQf2/s1600-h/smokiefathersday07+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364420120697686978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEovaIJVYWeV85B_G1izh7RcOaTULpMDUsGeQr0mDv5-FOcsVb8CDbSJvWCxDONZ7NkQZk0Y4flLJQVtDe_AzBqMfFNN8qxuSCJCX1pE-VdW6If198LV71CmqaUkJ-LtXoIXmscaxWiQf2/s320/smokiefathersday07+069.jpg" border="0" /></a>HWA stands for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid which is another bug and a newer threat. This bug is of Asian descent and wasn’t discovered in the park until 7 years ago. As the name suggests, this pest targets Hemlock trees which grow at elevations below the Spruce-Fir forests at the crest of the range. Hemlocks account for some of the largest living trees in the park, with some in old-growth groves that are over 400 years old. Unfortunately every hemlock in the Smokies has already been affected by HWA. A difference between BWA and HWA is that HWA affects trees of all ages whereas BWA only affects mature trees. While this is good news for Frasers (the 5% that are left anyway) it is really bad news for Hemlocks and the ecosystems that depend on them (pretty much everything below 4500’).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFwy9ez0w13TrysTAODhocQ7gzFxgqaxCMgdvKomjeZCT1Kb2PNROH7lPZAL-sVLIsFiTVj2EseSZ-XrmoB39jCLabyWF2d-9MvVN0uB2efFAdF9-RbYy_fnAjSCxkMPesMu2SdfBv5uR/s1600-h/9-06SmokyHikeandB-Days+c019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364420715536662434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFwy9ez0w13TrysTAODhocQ7gzFxgqaxCMgdvKomjeZCT1Kb2PNROH7lPZAL-sVLIsFiTVj2EseSZ-XrmoB39jCLabyWF2d-9MvVN0uB2efFAdF9-RbYy_fnAjSCxkMPesMu2SdfBv5uR/s200/9-06SmokyHikeandB-Days+c019.JPG" border="0" /></a>The third cause is Acid Rain, or perhaps more appropriately: Acid Clouds. The number one offender here is coal burning power plants to the east of the Smokies which pour tons of harmful pollutants into the air every day, not the least of which is sulfur. The highly acidic emissions from these plants results in clouds that condense and hover over the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains with measured Ph levels as low as 2. Coal Power is the single greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in America, and a major contributor to smog and acid rain.<br /><br />So what are the solutions?<br /><br />For BWA several ineffective treatments were attempted prior to discovering an effective one in the 1980s. A fatty spray applied to the trunks of trees has proven effective in prevention, but by the time it was discovered, the vast majority of the park’s firs had been infected. The other limitation to this treatment’s effectiveness is that trees must be treated individually and the altitude at which these trees grow often present access issues.<br /><br />For HWA, the initial approach was a treatment with chlorinated nicotine, but like the BWA treatment had limitations in terms of practical implications of treating trees individually. As a result, the park service began to explore alternative means of treatment and have recently begun using a small beetle which is a natural predator of HWA. While it will never be a complete treatment, it is hoped that this sustainable, biological treatment will be effective in controlling the spread of HWA.<br /><br />The solution for reduction of acid rain is obvious: fight coal power, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, support green power initiatives. And here is where the interrelatedness comes in: fighting the source of the acid rain will also help to stop the spread of these Woolly Adelgids. How? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-IYIO1lWgrI_LNgzoysMcRM8Pe6uoYdTQVBHzEnlpmdFHAi8P8MWv41uNoMZFBy442q27eqmEWpaKIEc_IsDNjLlGYo3q8bhE2l8An3i1e2IhSFj1FvrZtxVB5CgDRI-C57GzatFZmtp/s1600-h/SANY0048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364617967854012626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-IYIO1lWgrI_LNgzoysMcRM8Pe6uoYdTQVBHzEnlpmdFHAi8P8MWv41uNoMZFBy442q27eqmEWpaKIEc_IsDNjLlGYo3q8bhE2l8An3i1e2IhSFj1FvrZtxVB5CgDRI-C57GzatFZmtp/s200/SANY0048.JPG" border="0" /></a>The recent spread of Woolly Adelgids and increase in their devastation is a direct result of global climate change brought on by the buildup of greenhouse gasses. Research has shown that as climate change results in warmer average winter temperatures, the lifespan, reproduction rate and habitat range for Woolly Adelgids are all growing. Because of the buildup of greenhouse gasses, these insects are able to survive winters, reproduce more times per year and survive in higher latitudes and altitudes than ever before.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364418687200471410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08pBNN2AgEkIeamQGzw4NBllsJCsGi2_H25VjBzESWQvHnRQR1oZxgwms09v7IdnmFnjAV_vWI9Kjs5irAhc0jHLlfBL9Ds1UiIetdahGtt2StcMDPFshfdX3KU0mPbtdHZmuQzgRsOnn/s400/9-06SmokyHikeandB-Days+c020.JPG" border="0" />To get involved and work to fight climate change at home and in your community follow the following links:<br />Natural Resources Defense Council: <a href="http://www.nrdc.org/air/default.asp">http://www.nrdc.org/air/default.asp</a><br />Sierra Club: <a href="http://www.sierraclub.org/">http://www.sierraclub.org/</a><br />National Parks Conservation Association: <a href="http://www.npca.org/">http://www.npca.org/</a><br />We Can Solve It: <a href="http://www.wecansolveit.org/">http://www.wecansolveit.org/</a>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-70638063133337912292009-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:002009-12-01T10:55:33.088-08:00Linville Gorge: North Carolina's Deepest Secret<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361329478243600290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHXoa2HXjQ4TLTKteIEHC9uZ-g0_zEdI9Gzxrk0ZQbf3NXurVfq26BM1i_I32nR9oV4m23LibF6KIG0S6xtyrKc7_ZGxDJR0zakQyHA09GPDGFYKxURrn1e9YhJTE_PJKndBI1jfYK3Of/s400/DSCN0844.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />"So you've been here before?" I'm asked as we travel down I-40 towards Morganton, NC. "Lots," I reply, considering the significance of my response. You see, I'm the type of backpacker who likes to plan a trip that thoroughly samples what an area has to offer and then I'm done with it - been there, done that. Not so with the 12,002 acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Despite countless day hikes, dozens of overnights and a good measure of multi-day treks, I know with a profound certainty that it will be quite some time before I'm finished with “The Gorge.”<br /><br />Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Linville Gorge offers some of the most rugged and wild terrain in existence in the eastern U.S. It is increasingly rare to find opportunities for true solitude so close to civilization,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdWLN_0x1NUR29RHzOJrWyqH4VSc9WWHiSQkVON9ZMfOMIwCNJrGHgoYmDn7R4KCqKefAi8J74alDLY34t_WMxgAFG4H9JUvLp4VocFFmp2E4iCVqwzLm0Rj-_TqlBzbDS2mH9ZYQqdlu/s1600-h/linvillemastermap.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361329819567865602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 353px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdWLN_0x1NUR29RHzOJrWyqH4VSc9WWHiSQkVON9ZMfOMIwCNJrGHgoYmDn7R4KCqKefAi8J74alDLY34t_WMxgAFG4H9JUvLp4VocFFmp2E4iCVqwzLm0Rj-_TqlBzbDS2mH9ZYQqdlu/s400/linvillemastermap.JPG" border="0" /></a> but with easy access as close as 17 miles from I-40, the Gorge somehow offers its visitors insulation from crowds, city lights, and traffic sounds.<br /><br />As we leave the trailhead at Wolf Pit Road in the Southeastern corner of the wilderness the initial climb immediately reveals one of the Gorge's constant dynamic processes: fire and regrowth. Lush vegetation and wildflowers flourish in the rich soil left behind by the charred trees from several recent fires. A mile later though, we merge onto the North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), and leave the fire-scarred slopes of Shortoff Mountain in exchange for the sweeping vistas along the cliffs of its summit.<br /><br />Elevations<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-O02ij5kjjgBl-_bMyRd4lARZ25V17-omyquqDTgvx5RMG8fzuj_cjH8cmfzomLIA_qErsZ9JA75z4J_C27m_y5OpRqqbiElpS-7-G19Cy6kM2WDQwbOhVgTGbnwA6OjHjKAKlg-nkQd/s1600-h/DSCN0898.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361330203680647618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-O02ij5kjjgBl-_bMyRd4lARZ25V17-omyquqDTgvx5RMG8fzuj_cjH8cmfzomLIA_qErsZ9JA75z4J_C27m_y5OpRqqbiElpS-7-G19Cy6kM2WDQwbOhVgTGbnwA6OjHjKAKlg-nkQd/s200/DSCN0898.JPG" border="0" /></a> in the gorge range from 1300’ to 4040’ and the walls are often steep, providing dramatic scenery, rock-climbing opportunities, and ideal nesting sites for the area’s Peregrine Falcons.<br /><br />Linville Gorge was one of the first formally designated National Wilderness Areas upon passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964. Prior to that, the Gorge’s steep walls had been highly effective in protecting the resident wildlife, old-growth forest, and Cherokee people for whom the Gorge and several of its prominent features were held as sacred. Few explorers of European descent ventured into the Gorge at all until the recent past, due in part to the experience of the Gorge’s namesakes John and William Linville who were scalped by the Cherokee residents of the Gorge in 1766. Today the Cherokee are gone, but the old-growth forest of oak, maple, hickory, locust, poplar, fir and Carolina hemlock remain as well as ample fauna including black bear, deer, squirrel, raccoon, grouse, turkey, vultures, herons, owls, osprey, hawks, woodpeckers, salamanders, lizards, copperheads and timber rattlers, trout and small-mouth bass.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZs9IDcHvSvt7u9E9d-kBMCW6ENrsG40gUGSsVK3kkYRpao4aabJXYaCAN5tntgqTj5eR9G-666KvAQ7Sz4pXNtT4v9uGCw7tOop4IP2JXQfNL-OCMnqO0R1t5l_4DvXcNOojbutzkmc1/s1600-h/DSCN0905.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361330947719468066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZs9IDcHvSvt7u9E9d-kBMCW6ENrsG40gUGSsVK3kkYRpao4aabJXYaCAN5tntgqTj5eR9G-666KvAQ7Sz4pXNtT4v9uGCw7tOop4IP2JXQfNL-OCMnqO0R1t5l_4DvXcNOojbutzkmc1/s200/DSCN0905.JPG" border="0" /></a>Continuing north along the Eastern Rim of the Gorge on the MST we are guided by three of the most prominent – and popular – features of the area: The Chimneys, Table Rock and Hawksbill. Several trailheads are found at the base of these three iconic summits which <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpYFVxsis-FrDO4aTwc_9IjfTwX_VT5_3qMGAXKKQlxGSpd2N7CbGpiUYexjdyTOUrCeGj1b4Ar7g4i5BPwFWaKgQIf0vfD0gJCPThlbuPXzgbrfXcDHYHUl4n39NiO9otAqRvkuBd2af/s1600-h/DSCN0904.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361331246490803954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 157px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpYFVxsis-FrDO4aTwc_9IjfTwX_VT5_3qMGAXKKQlxGSpd2N7CbGpiUYexjdyTOUrCeGj1b4Ar7g4i5BPwFWaKgQIf0vfD0gJCPThlbuPXzgbrfXcDHYHUl4n39NiO9otAqRvkuBd2af/s200/DSCN0904.JPG" border="0" /></a>draw a steady flow of day-hikers. Like many of them we cannot resist the craggy playground of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=SuDRIpnSCC0">The Chimneys</a> and after exploring its pillars, crags and caves, we decide to stay and enjoy the jaw-dropping 360 degree vistas. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK5e7UmlszeuTTdgSbOfcHYht-V3IxH4HStobK0BOASmDfYUzUmK5B4AhXpV9U6e22JimWnE5wlT9oWoX7QT8ibbC-NB3QANy_nHmpHuNbnuwCOHwmMoj2zquZtlTG_3b2zs6tQAcdi2C/s1600-h/DSCN0971.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361331872756512802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK5e7UmlszeuTTdgSbOfcHYht-V3IxH4HStobK0BOASmDfYUzUmK5B4AhXpV9U6e22JimWnE5wlT9oWoX7QT8ibbC-NB3QANy_nHmpHuNbnuwCOHwmMoj2zquZtlTG_3b2zs6tQAcdi2C/s320/DSCN0971.JPG" border="0" /></a>We’re well rewarded for our site-finding prowess by both sunset and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=_RsXocoZYQ8">sunrise</a> with uninterrupted views of the Gorge, Lake James to the South, Mt. Mitchell (Highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6684’) to the west, Grandfather Mountain (elevation 5946’) to the North and seemingly endless misty ridges to the East. In the morning we’re tempted to summit Table Rock via the one-mile spur trail, but skip it in exchange for better chances at solitude along the primitive Little Table Rock Trail and beyond. After listeningg the muffled roar of the river for the past 10 miles, we decide it is time to get a close-up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJLFLHHb_4T5Y8QiLGOUrJRjbYwtJHqyipnJM_g3_NFxekhRRH5XyQpV1yR6IJ8U2-GFfbchPcM0ALq-KO-RmLYX_NOZ6HONGWMlSpBqcsvf1q0YwXOGM7VivVZXfus9zdFuY4TZBHnfV/s1600-h/DSCN0999.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361333198510242162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJLFLHHb_4T5Y8QiLGOUrJRjbYwtJHqyipnJM_g3_NFxekhRRH5XyQpV1yR6IJ8U2-GFfbchPcM0ALq-KO-RmLYX_NOZ6HONGWMlSpBqcsvf1q0YwXOGM7VivVZXfus9zdFuY4TZBHnfV/s320/DSCN0999.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Linville River snakes approximately 13 miles through the gorge, descending from the dramatic triple drop of Linville Falls 1200’ to the Gorge’s southern terminus near Lake James. Shadowing the river nearly the entire length is the Linville Gorge Trail (LGT). The LGT can be accessed from the east via the Spence Ridge Trail and from the West Rim via a handful of steep, but popular trails. While some trails in Linville Gorge are tamer than others this is a true wilderness; signage is scarce and trails are rarely maintained. Excellent fitness and backcountry skills are a must – with route-finding paramount. These truths were illustrated in living color when we met a local backcountry SAR team on the MST en route to a hiker in distress. The victim, described as a female physician in her mid-thirties, had been hiking with her husband when they found themselves at the bottom of the dead-ended Cambric Branch Trail. Facing extremely steep terrain, slow going and stifling humidity ushered in by a tropical weather front she had begun to experience heart palpitations and was fading in and out of consciousness. Later reports revealed the source of the problem: extreme dehydration.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrxYn2ZwzzQxQbc7Fmw885NCvngFQnxjNbwHMSHufqV3HVoULpDvKQC1WPqtn3NHHFKDXgYP7O0zfj_evhWorR4p4E2wwLMXgtsGRa5bwK9AsTg5Y4J6gJpYg3cpikjJGxivqkaQn_AZB/s1600-h/DSCN1004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361333577396536498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrxYn2ZwzzQxQbc7Fmw885NCvngFQnxjNbwHMSHufqV3HVoULpDvKQC1WPqtn3NHHFKDXgYP7O0zfj_evhWorR4p4E2wwLMXgtsGRa5bwK9AsTg5Y4J6gJpYg3cpikjJGxivqkaQn_AZB/s200/DSCN1004.JPG" border="0" /></a>Crossing the river at the only bridge in the gorge at the Spence Ridge Trail we turn left onto the LGT and immediately set our sights on finding a primo swimming hole; Cathedral Falls. Ducking under the archway formed by two dump-truck sized boulders we stagger spellbound into what, in any other location, would be the most popular swimming hole in the state. Today, at the bottom of this dramatic cut in the earth, it’s all ours. Our little oasis has 5’, 10’ and 15’ rock jumps into seemingly bottomless pools, a polished river-rock beach, several bouldering routes, and a cave/falls combo that boggles the senses. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrMm3DF833NiQEEn6QEpN1_hhRVGiceH8cURpFg0GnOGyiMj0y5bvRatvs-IULgIWcK5NNuvnxv7abNCbWknT5vJMO8iD44JuoRS7sX1hfZskE1TPUPHbdlF6hFmCjExSW77MV3JZstd8/s1600-h/DSCN1007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361333957253698834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 91px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrMm3DF833NiQEEn6QEpN1_hhRVGiceH8cURpFg0GnOGyiMj0y5bvRatvs-IULgIWcK5NNuvnxv7abNCbWknT5vJMO8iD44JuoRS7sX1hfZskE1TPUPHbdlF6hFmCjExSW77MV3JZstd8/s200/DSCN1007.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUuYPb1X0X_SJbwbsgjOgFROWIDQFPZRAgoELzgxpzRPvL7vBusuQAPyi8COx7F4g5N5CZ4U4yw6A1g2TffhNa23JL9eD0e6pd3MQ3aC2NhrHc3wrcoZ_nFfOBFS5USGuz4hpCGLXUGwX/s1600-h/DSCN1011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361334046068423042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 91px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUuYPb1X0X_SJbwbsgjOgFROWIDQFPZRAgoELzgxpzRPvL7vBusuQAPyi8COx7F4g5N5CZ4U4yw6A1g2TffhNa23JL9eD0e6pd3MQ3aC2NhrHc3wrcoZ_nFfOBFS5USGuz4hpCGLXUGwX/s200/DSCN1011.JPG" border="0" /></a>After lunching, basking, swimming, scrambling, and diving we reluctantly pack up to move on. There is clear evidence of the abundant trout population just below the surface, but the sun is too high for the fish to be interested in eating, so I keep my fly rod holstered for now.<br /><br />Heading south on the LGT we crane our necks to see the cliffs above where we had spent the day prior. The navigability of the trail along the river varies considerably. Some stretches feature difficult-to-travel trail strewn with blow-downs. Other sections are wide and clear with occasional high-impact areas located at the base of each of the Western Rim descents from Kistler Memorial Highway. Unfortunately, some of these sites see more than their fair share of trash as weekend-warriors descend steep trails from the rim laden with heavy amenities and are unwilling to pack the load out on the uphill return. Still, on this peak season weekend in the heart of the gorge, we see more wildlife than humanity which is just fine with us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE9JN3tnEY9-3FXNFvo_H6MLGRNqwT4T4yjTJ79ay9qGZWisV_O6HC2aN0urMDzcsMtaXrLMVy5886U5dMmH2RGFmAMdIY-EH5ogF7Oa0WMfwTbMzIKf9P0wWMkM3DLdYs4NzNAAAOlA_/s1600-h/DSCN1027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361367653907433666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE9JN3tnEY9-3FXNFvo_H6MLGRNqwT4T4yjTJ79ay9qGZWisV_O6HC2aN0urMDzcsMtaXrLMVy5886U5dMmH2RGFmAMdIY-EH5ogF7Oa0WMfwTbMzIKf9P0wWMkM3DLdYs4NzNAAAOlA_/s320/DSCN1027.JPG" border="0" /></a>The northern section of the Gorge – explored in depth on multiple previous expeditions - is defined by the tight and serpentine canyon-like walls and impressive cascades resulting from the river’s navigation thereof. In addition to the powerful Linville Falls at the northern terminus of the Gorge, a major highlight in this section is <a href="http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=319249">Babel Tower </a>– a prominent pinnacle of rock rising from the center of the Gorge, wrapped in 300 degrees by the winding river. It was from a ledge on this tower that I enjoyed panoramic views of the Leonid Meteor Shower in 2001. Below the tower is a locally-renowned swimming hole with a corkscrew waterslide and 10’, 15’, and 40’ cliff jumps.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaWfchSdhNjrzUYWeVymPTrpy0pm5F0xcGoHDxjJ48DLSGP0dVXWLQwO9QI8UL3n3TseGR9R-yxKdjcS9rUx0VEPK2Fd46lrwjNHyJTkD_-9TgP5WybvKuA08xD9hmFhU3TJCKjMxHpE-/s1600-h/DSCN1038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361367336635078418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaWfchSdhNjrzUYWeVymPTrpy0pm5F0xcGoHDxjJ48DLSGP0dVXWLQwO9QI8UL3n3TseGR9R-yxKdjcS9rUx0VEPK2Fd46lrwjNHyJTkD_-9TgP5WybvKuA08xD9hmFhU3TJCKjMxHpE-/s200/DSCN1038.JPG" border="0" /></a>Passing the southernmost of the Rim to River trails, Pinch-In, I employ some of my prior scouting and suggest we seek out a tried and true <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=aGjfqGrBhu8">campsite on an island </a>in the river. Crossing the tree that served as our bridge, we settle into the important business of fishing, swimming, pitching camp and cooking. With three of the river’s natives caught and released, a swim under my belt, and a full belly it was time to retire.<br /><br />Showers during the night bring a quick three foot rise to the river’s level at our island. Safely out of reach of the murky rapids we pack for the final day in the Gorge. The southern end of the LGT is actually a dead end; private property at the mouth of the gorge has prevented the Forest Service from establishing an outlet to the trail. To exit the gorge on the southern end requires traversing out of the bottom of the gorge on the west side and intersecting with the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQq7o8RtCdxrq_YIqJDvuJmzhVSLNPQynv4ZMFU1DGfy0gfuVEw9Y-vM3QhITo3eBz7bMEiMAyql1fRrmgOfs2g5pOnMa5A3QOIS1Rg4y7ZvJT3m6JVrdYMZhpm52PeULFTEwfrXEeW9A/s1600-h/DSCN1066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361366871001311906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQq7o8RtCdxrq_YIqJDvuJmzhVSLNPQynv4ZMFU1DGfy0gfuVEw9Y-vM3QhITo3eBz7bMEiMAyql1fRrmgOfs2g5pOnMa5A3QOIS1Rg4y7ZvJT3m6JVrdYMZhpm52PeULFTEwfrXEeW9A/s200/DSCN1066.JPG" border="0" /></a>MST. A newly blazed, but heretofore unsanctioned trail achieves this traverse in a mile – simply follow the LGT until you meet blue-circle blazes which ascend to the Southwest. Seeking to kill some extra time and tempt fate, our party opts instead for a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHBX5ANuaiH6cfHcMPnUIn1uwKML8MK-y_pTyR0Tuw45i_RhFVqYiu9E0Wj45u6kmmVezCu2DBHDgAi6HfDi-188lUIigrrsd0hL70AYDFokQYkvmgJDOIwxHTLXz8w76l8Wt1rAz-x2s/s1600-h/DSCN1026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361366285348347266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 102px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHBX5ANuaiH6cfHcMPnUIn1uwKML8MK-y_pTyR0Tuw45i_RhFVqYiu9E0Wj45u6kmmVezCu2DBHDgAi6HfDi-188lUIigrrsd0hL70AYDFokQYkvmgJDOIwxHTLXz8w76l8Wt1rAz-x2s/s200/DSCN1026.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=FZurDIx6p-s">cross country traverse </a>across the steep slopes below The Pinnacle. We’re at once rewarded by views the cliffs below Shortoff and an intimate perspective on the deep forest of the southern gorge and punished by the rugged terrain and numerous obstacles. All present and intact we arrive at the MST and turn East to complete our loop. Only two details stand in our way: a ford of the swollen Linville River and an 1800’ climb up Shortoff Mountain.<br /><br />Having watced the river swallow the beach where we’d pumped our water the night before, we are concerned about the ford ahead. It doesn’t help when a northbound backpacker points to his navel saying, “It was up to here on me, but I was lucky – I crossed yesterday.” Arriving at the ford our fears are reinforced as the river appears the color of chocolate milk with no indication of the slightest riffle at the prescribed crossing point.<br /><div align="center"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxtv4XbdzJLncUvKpk98XgZhnbkxC0wrS7leoDHyAB4RvRARclM-fu7YEUzD82IbVT5WxmX-TMhxGNVLuKKIA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div align="left">After thorough scouting though, we find a promising route linking a rocky island and a prominent riffle to cross. Although the current is powerful we are able to cross without incident, mostly at knee level with a waist deep dunk at the far bank.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95iooF4FO6OASfgx60xUlNcp1MHomFmK0cspaN6w_DceBYUFGHrjrc9DLX1i6zE5uJ5HtMTRB4h0fVn4mDbz8CpKLHXudWeKeTVsmzhyphenhyphenTMwBPuSwLopRRcrDeSrpqhNjOC7mnAm8dSEPG/s1600-h/DSCN1094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361336068803112226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95iooF4FO6OASfgx60xUlNcp1MHomFmK0cspaN6w_DceBYUFGHrjrc9DLX1i6zE5uJ5HtMTRB4h0fVn4mDbz8CpKLHXudWeKeTVsmzhyphenhyphenTMwBPuSwLopRRcrDeSrpqhNjOC7mnAm8dSEPG/s320/DSCN1094.JPG" border="0" /></a>The final climb brings satisfying closure as we return to the fire-scarred yet resilient slopes of Shortoff Mountain – the prominent Southwestern punctuation of Linville Gorge. The new growth is studded with vibrant wildflowers, offerring a sharp contrast to the charred remnants of trees which reflect the late afternoon sun. Descending the final leg of the trail back to the Wolf Pit parking area our aching bodies and high spirits remind us of the punishing beauty of the trails of Linville Gorge.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Hike: Linville Gorge Loop – 22 Miles</strong> <a href="http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=379572"><span style="font-size:78%;">Click Here for Interactive map and GPS Downloads</span><br /></a><span style="color:#339999;">Starting at Wolf Pit Road parking area ascend the Wolf Pit Trail turning right onto the NC Mountains to Sea Trail (white circle blazed). Continue North on the MST along the Gorge’s East Rim along Shortoff Mountain, up and over the craggy formations and sweeping views (and stellar camping) of the Chimneys and to the base of Table Rock (a 1 mile spur trail leads to the summit). Next bear left onto the Little Table Rock Trail followed by another Left at its junction with the Spence Ridge Trail which drops to, and crosses, the Linville River. Once on the West Side of the River turn left onto the Linville Gorge Trail (LGT) and parallel the river headed south between the plunging walls of the Gorge. After5.5 miles on the LGT, you’ll pass the remains of an old homestead and crossing a tributary the trail beings to climb. Turn left onto the Blue-Blazed, 1 mile connector and follow the traverse to reconnect with the Mountains to Sea Trail. A left onto the MST will bring you down to the River for a 60 yard-wide ford followed by a 1800’ climb back to the shoulder of Shortoff Mountain and the Wolf Pit Trail. A right here will return you to the parking area following a one mile descent.</span><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br /><span style="color:#339999;">From Interstate 40 in North Carolina Take exit 105 for NC-18 toward Morganton/Shelby. Continue on NC18/Green St./NC181 for 6.5 Miles and turn left onto Frank Whisnant Rd/NC-1250. Follow Frank Whisnant Rd/NC-1250 for 2.5 miles and turn right onto NC 126/Yellow Mountain Rd for 6 miles. Turn right onto Wolf Pit Road and follow to parking area at its end.</span><br /><strong>Red Tape:</strong><br /><span style="color:#339999;">A permit is required to camp overnight on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays between May 1st and October 31st. No more than 10 people per group. Maximum length of stay is 3 days and 2 nights. Call the Grandfather District Ranger at 828-652-4841 or 2144 to secure a permit.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#339999;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#339999;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#cccccc;">More information and data on Linville Gorge and its trails can be found at:</span> <a href="http://www.linvillegorge.net/">http://www.linvillegorge.net/</a></span></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-76370430463874907832009-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:002009-07-22T05:45:20.821-07:00My Tent Quiver: 1, 2, & 3 Person Shelters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V1w8c_Ic7eY-RCNE05jGQaXW5Yix58M898wgxJQOCsHvm5PXjqwx5siwfbpd9MOQSR_nOfbkqZK0kmcbT7fAQHW8Gk60fjtBccdTF8y1kjORmQNbHOoOGbL3NsP0Bry1y7d3CSB4WQGo/s1600-h/JTSJTrip+291.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361000972362883090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V1w8c_Ic7eY-RCNE05jGQaXW5Yix58M898wgxJQOCsHvm5PXjqwx5siwfbpd9MOQSR_nOfbkqZK0kmcbT7fAQHW8Gk60fjtBccdTF8y1kjORmQNbHOoOGbL3NsP0Bry1y7d3CSB4WQGo/s400/JTSJTrip+291.jpg" border="0" /></a> The tent. THE quintessential piece of camping equipment (sort of). Here are my standard go-to tents for 3-season (and southern 4-season) trips and the "why" behind these choices:<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><strong>The solo: </strong><a href="http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/SeedhouseSL1"><strong>Big Agnes SeedHouse SL1</strong></a></div><div align="center">.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5YAm2-ChyphenhyphenSgP6cHDvypjg1xga04klH6AcbD7-dpbWrM_iPzrMX0zW5yztYMcMxDcNTB3qaKkEj5nV9hsi2uG3yTJTHyIgzYNsOohWp0Dc_4Y8bIzuehfLsCIihCqye1fFNRfsna2Z_5o/s1600-h/y26.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361011714049789202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5YAm2-ChyphenhyphenSgP6cHDvypjg1xga04klH6AcbD7-dpbWrM_iPzrMX0zW5yztYMcMxDcNTB3qaKkEj5nV9hsi2uG3yTJTHyIgzYNsOohWp0Dc_4Y8bIzuehfLsCIihCqye1fFNRfsna2Z_5o/s200/y26.jpg" border="0" /></a>This tent has been my go-to solo tent since 2003 for 2 simple reasons: weight and functionality. This little badboy is freestanding, super-lightweight, bugproof, long enough for tall folks, stormproof, has a vestibule, as a fastpack option (footprint and rainfly only when bugs are not of concern), you can sit up in it, and its an<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqKG8FLfHrTBCUWL5DQ2vD_oVeeQ3sc0ltyZ9duEAaDnwREo5NpnOkY31ITjy7Vccqyf0n5kJqBJeLPzbXIvuL9Ta2CHCtArF4mu1o5wL-bT65YwRxL0A3tuBEjf6fvkXQsYAFDd-XEMO/s1600-h/e37c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361001479077958946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqKG8FLfHrTBCUWL5DQ2vD_oVeeQ3sc0ltyZ9duEAaDnwREo5NpnOkY31ITjy7Vccqyf0n5kJqBJeLPzbXIvuL9Ta2CHCtArF4mu1o5wL-bT65YwRxL0A3tuBEjf6fvkXQsYAFDd-XEMO/s200/e37c.jpg" border="0" /></a> awesome stealth green for low-impact camping. At just a hair over 2lbs for the whole tent and considerably less for the fastpack option this is just about the lightest freestanding solo tent out there. The bathtub floor keeps out splash from driving rain and ample guyout points allow for a super-taught pitch when conditions (rain and/or precip) warrant. It <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizmtpeK4DMaIYlFPuq4_2cd931hj_ikvtolaE63a7M7feVOwEfZruP7BE4C-BEUh8aUkj1oUnmE_pBcaWcUa_dG7UfVsJv7vVw-uYBUg157Eyib4UrBHk0OrS2_-TvWHfCS0Xzrh1F24t/s1600-h/IMGP1460.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361005316805560914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 67px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 89px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizmtpeK4DMaIYlFPuq4_2cd931hj_ikvtolaE63a7M7feVOwEfZruP7BE4C-BEUh8aUkj1oUnmE_pBcaWcUa_dG7UfVsJv7vVw-uYBUg157Eyib4UrBHk0OrS2_-TvWHfCS0Xzrh1F24t/s200/IMGP1460.JPG" border="0" /></a>should also be noted that this tent comes in 2 and 3 person versions as well that perform just as admirably.<br /></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>The Double: </strong><a href="http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/"><strong>Six Moon Designs </strong></a><strong>Europa II</strong></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNctMplND3qXrYxyjGttcjkQ_aHqYAeT1EI3MBxDULuCT5jK3sV2JjLgATjqbHiun3M70VKWbBW_vU_aVkUjtBI1iZY1c0aTlKXoBSewU6wSg0RiH47TeldbtE4h55GL3fTlQAowdc7_Mb/s1600-h/e91.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361009900756067986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNctMplND3qXrYxyjGttcjkQ_aHqYAeT1EI3MBxDULuCT5jK3sV2JjLgATjqbHiun3M70VKWbBW_vU_aVkUjtBI1iZY1c0aTlKXoBSewU6wSg0RiH47TeldbtE4h55GL3fTlQAowdc7_Mb/s200/e91.jpg" border="0" /></a>With enough space for two adults, all their gear and a dog <em>inside</em> you'd expect for a shelter to come in weighing more than 4 lbs - howzabout less than 2 lbs? Now don't get too pumped because the Europa II is no longer produced. The one I have is from 2004 and has been discontinued (although I can't imagine why), but there are others out there that are similar. <a href="http://www.golite.com/">Golite</a>, <a href="http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/">Six Moon Designs</a>, and <a href="http://www.tarptent.com/">Tarptent</a> are all manufacturers that produce a similar shelter using trekking pole support(s) to save on weight and guylines to provide tension and structure. While a step up from a tarp in that these shelters offer bug protection, these shelters are minimalist. In fact, the Europa doesn't <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1StLOiZSUW3OnVUMIxBF4icwJMjXuQfPbuavEIfrVGMAsPplEMpWkAttz538i6NXWjQ4P_pH5qSe51eilByGTysGlLH7t4CcmJ630zAl04kEQGo4F4obR_10MtTnKjQ9hmku5GPZFhkb/s1600-h/f24.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361010089338423778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1StLOiZSUW3OnVUMIxBF4icwJMjXuQfPbuavEIfrVGMAsPplEMpWkAttz538i6NXWjQ4P_pH5qSe51eilByGTysGlLH7t4CcmJ630zAl04kEQGo4F4obR_10MtTnKjQ9hmku5GPZFhkb/s200/f24.jpg" border="0" /></a>even have a front door! However, despite the light weight and simple lines, these things stand up very well to the elements and when pitched correctly can (from experience) withstand tropical storm rain, hail, up to 2" of snow, and 20+ mph winds. With ample venting, these shelters also have negligible condensation problems, even with a single wall of non-breathable sil-nylon. The closes thing to the Europa II that I've found currently in production is the <a href="http://www.tarptent.com/squall2.html">Tarptent Squall 2</a>. Its a little more robust (it even has a door!), but still weighs in at a mere 34 oz. </div><div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>The Triple (sort of): Black Diamond Skylight</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUWJhENJHAHCs6rhNFt7Brk0UPR39mvrRr6r8CDD8rw6ONxmbj7NWgUOfSZNsV1SJS2oijgyXmcyk5OhYD6fwSODUnzOmo_pv2VkeiqTHJr6p9YjER6kT1Up_ObfXqnkW3jtjIoJU0Ikp/s1600-h/SANY0247.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361010952646701346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUWJhENJHAHCs6rhNFt7Brk0UPR39mvrRr6r8CDD8rw6ONxmbj7NWgUOfSZNsV1SJS2oijgyXmcyk5OhYD6fwSODUnzOmo_pv2VkeiqTHJr6p9YjER6kT1Up_ObfXqnkW3jtjIoJU0Ikp/s200/SANY0247.JPG" border="0" /></a>Alright so the 3 person status of this tent has to be qualified because I've not yet tried to cram 3 people into it with the exception of myself and my 3 and 5 year old little girls. I think its safe to say that it'd be a friendly fit for three, but with a decent vestibule, great head space and ample length it could certainly be done. Now enough qualifying: Black Diamond makes an <em>awesome </em>line of single-wall tents called their <a href="http://www.bdel.com/gear/tents_overview.php">Superlight series</a>. By eliminating the traditional double-wall (body and rainfly) design using waterproof breathable <a href="http://www.nextec.com/">Epic by Nextec</a> fabric, Black Diamond has been able to offer more tent for less weight. With the Skylight you get a 2-3 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel6ULh42oy3lZxeWyZE122EXo3E1njP38IsW_lRiiCPclz-JmL_Pjt1yNRyeHS71xdQoMGKOt5GZvnhBvIhPH3KmKz2rL10GpFWoL-pGJO5CXE6KrByvnyax8GgqvU6zIK_2q7HHjq7at/s1600-h/JTSJTrip+181.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361011124055182866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel6ULh42oy3lZxeWyZE122EXo3E1njP38IsW_lRiiCPclz-JmL_Pjt1yNRyeHS71xdQoMGKOt5GZvnhBvIhPH3KmKz2rL10GpFWoL-pGJO5CXE6KrByvnyax8GgqvU6zIK_2q7HHjq7at/s200/JTSJTrip+181.jpg" border="0" /></a>person, freestanding shelter that guys out tight enough for 3+ season use. The vestibule is a good size and the best feature is that the front 2/3 peel back for mesh-only ventilation and views in good weather. At just a hair over 4 lbs. this is my heaviest tent by far, but 4lbs. is still ridiculously light compared to most industry standard 2 person tents, let alone 3 person tents. With the supplemental seam-sealing recommended in my <a href="http://peterhikes.blogspot.com/2009/06/supplemental-seam-sealing-for-single.html">previous post</a> this tent is a high-performance bomber of a tent. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-35894095647739710822009-07-17T17:51:00.000-07:002009-07-17T19:44:22.627-07:00Do-it-Yourself Ultralight Pot Coozie: Hey, it works for your beer…Whether you’re the kind of camper who brings a folding chair, a bottle of wine, and a ribeye to the campsite or a ounce-counting, Ray-Way ultralighter, everyone appreciates an addition to their base-load that serves several purposes, saves weight, time, and effort without sacrificing comfort, and best of all costs nearly nothing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17VW5eeuP5la9v_-j7PaEP5RFBA2rjdQqFStegBhdcYU9JpumocDdlf8jyxKDU2WlIxiQMUe4Az5_QiFFA4bKqMTZrC44Essm8oMTrozQUroSwCqCjEBPE0lmz9ZmZQbc7z0hOEiWblhl/s1600-h/winds09ad+101.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359609185027441266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17VW5eeuP5la9v_-j7PaEP5RFBA2rjdQqFStegBhdcYU9JpumocDdlf8jyxKDU2WlIxiQMUe4Az5_QiFFA4bKqMTZrC44Essm8oMTrozQUroSwCqCjEBPE0lmz9ZmZQbc7z0hOEiWblhl/s200/winds09ad+101.jpg" border="0" /></a>What’s a Coozie?<br />A pot coozie is an insulated cylinder with a base and a lid cut to fit your cookware. It serves 3 basic purposes:<br />1. A place to store your cookware: Protects your cookware against damage from impact during falls and muffles rattling of pots/pans within your pack (you’re never going to spot Sasquatch if he can hear you coming from a mile away).<br />2. Cooks your food without fuel: Maintains your meal at cooking temperature so that pasta rice and other meals that require boiling or simmering can continue to cook after the stove is shut off.<br />3. Allows you to keep food/drink warm if you’re not going to eat or drink it all at once (cold coffee s no fun in December).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01nZOvj5-iBhyphenhyphen3hVh4EyZIhes9o2urxx8uE3Z_66aWkD66aQJlvZtSZtU3TDwCiIhXJ8qNQY4o7_GX5xludh5KGXijvrPojK9Ggo-ZeRO4CKpxQ4z35bvp-bgEqUqmqXNMjGUjbu3pyc2/s1600-h/JTSJTrip_195.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359609841772918978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01nZOvj5-iBhyphenhyphen3hVh4EyZIhes9o2urxx8uE3Z_66aWkD66aQJlvZtSZtU3TDwCiIhXJ8qNQY4o7_GX5xludh5KGXijvrPojK9Ggo-ZeRO4CKpxQ4z35bvp-bgEqUqmqXNMjGUjbu3pyc2/s200/JTSJTrip_195.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359612927380388898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj-lbRgaFlwj_X5d2Dl2rEQ3hPxBlAxGmV0i7hJ-1AZ3owty-He1k5S8w4hrP455_O7-hsB8mCnam-KsNQ_t4VviwArMTqWX2DqbvocR5hmcAkN1bGDE6mNoAjNX9y_rWwSQzLUZuZ-Pm/s200/lgtleap08_050.jpg" border="0" />So how is wrapping up your cookpot going to save you time, weight and money? </p><p>Whether you’re using Fuel Canisters, Liquid fuel, denatured alcohol or (God forbid) Esbit tabs, fuel has 3 basic properties: it has weight, costs money and you generally don’t want to run out of it during a trip. A coozie costs nearly nothing to make and allows you to save up to 2/3 of your normal fuel consumption cooking dinners. Weight is a no-brainer as all fuels have weight to them and you’ll be able to leave a bunch of it at home. And you’ll save time in camp because you’ll be able boil your water and then set your pot inside the coozie to cook and go do other things rather than constantly stirring and adjusting the flame control on your stove to prevent boil-over or burning. </p><p><br />So what do you need to make your very own? </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPErjeono1fLIqw3oC-h0axS6qjiaHfqjsgtyzziBgtJHq29h_v9yujyBWQR7qvEKpEbjeHTV6YablcjpdmR-zaD_HjZC9pVHPDoP6ffQkK-LVcS0Zr3J96bI6GPzLT6PDcIvTU9jdosE6/s1600-h/winds09ad+095.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359608327652613890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPErjeono1fLIqw3oC-h0axS6qjiaHfqjsgtyzziBgtJHq29h_v9yujyBWQR7qvEKpEbjeHTV6YablcjpdmR-zaD_HjZC9pVHPDoP6ffQkK-LVcS0Zr3J96bI6GPzLT6PDcIvTU9jdosE6/s400/winds09ad+095.jpg" border="0" /></a>-A Closed cell foam pad. The best bet is the standard blue foam pad sold in the camping section of your local mega-mart. These are usually in the neighborhood of $10 and you’ll get a lot more than one Coozie’s worth out of it (in fact you’ll still have enough for a ¾ length sleeping pad when you’re done).<br />-Duct tape.<br />-Scissors or box-cutter.<br />-A measuring tape.<br /><br />The first step is to make the lid and base of the coozie. These will be circles of equal size, one of which will be attached to the cylinder of the coozie (base), the other stays separate (lid). Mark and cut the lid and base by placing you pot or lid down on the foam and tracing ½” wider than the widest part of your cookset (lid, or pot rim).<br />Next you’ll need to mark out a rectangle of foam. To find the length, measure the circumference of the base you’ve cut and mark off that length on a straight edge of the blue foam. To find the width, place your pot with the lid on atop the base cutout and measure the height of the pot, lid, and base foam and add one inch. Cut this rectangle out and tape the sides into a cylinder by running a piece of duct tape up the outside of the joint, back down the inside, and around again with ½ of the duct tape on each side of the seam. Next wrap the entire<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnw18sVE8rDGQxCpWzSjwKDbUuzV6zmIEYj5KPjeRvPBUcWwX7-La3i7N4j41ji_kZa5mWCu5cbdMf7Z9Tj4kzHkxGL_TgPyu8T_NPHIZv66dixvMnXil4FHQ1XczMgfdXW_nrVVXyV7BA/s1600-h/winds09ad+099.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359610564662750402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnw18sVE8rDGQxCpWzSjwKDbUuzV6zmIEYj5KPjeRvPBUcWwX7-La3i7N4j41ji_kZa5mWCu5cbdMf7Z9Tj4kzHkxGL_TgPyu8T_NPHIZv66dixvMnXil4FHQ1XczMgfdXW_nrVVXyV7BA/s200/winds09ad+099.jpg" border="0" /></a>Now attach the base to the cylinder by making an “X” across the base (outside) with overlap onto the outside of the cylinder. Next wrap the circumference of the lower rim of the cylinder, securing each of the four ends of the “X” and folding over to seal the seam with the base. </p><p>That’s it! The only trick is that what we’ve been referring to as the “lid” is actually the base. Place your pot on the unattached circle of foam and slide the body of the coozie over the pot (with folded or removed handle(s)). <span style="font-size:85%;">(see top picture)</span> The reason for this is that this way you can use gravity to pull the pot out of the bottom of the coozie rather than having to lift the pot out of the top of the coozie. This way its much easier to use and doesn’t require cutting a slot for the pot handle(s) which does not work out so well (trust me, I’ve tried it).<br />A bonus is that the “lid” doubles as an ultralight foam seat for around camp. </p><p>Happy hiking!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359619531768795650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 337px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0nOSX_RLmgvEkvJD7mi-PsT9obZ-2q5Xsg8g1KPKLsKRB8auXitUbgGaDy7fvYcfKM4eg_13XtJRbFLmhnL4Krhi53Ao4lOscRO4EJiOWaS_gxo1T1cvuugE2hELbQ7p8sXAwRDdaoEU/s400/highline08_146.jpg" border="0" />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-1979134455781788062009-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:002009-10-13T06:00:04.555-07:00Barney (Fife) v. BooBoo (Bear): The Shootout<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMBQfPvuqQbC8ikzbyRi8bPMUTOYcF0kxgbWYTDH6EHWMwvX9JaxjZQasFbWoUoN4z8VbHHECuIO87Xh6fswZUS0vKGVCNsa-BWc74l_kT_m6yKkr3aJrheLEXg_FCc-SsMtlbCviXesY/s1600-h/e37b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358703830859201186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMBQfPvuqQbC8ikzbyRi8bPMUTOYcF0kxgbWYTDH6EHWMwvX9JaxjZQasFbWoUoN4z8VbHHECuIO87Xh6fswZUS0vKGVCNsa-BWc74l_kT_m6yKkr3aJrheLEXg_FCc-SsMtlbCviXesY/s400/e37b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oJaNUpAuXSfEtbXeaIkAZ50z3QNKidsZCdSYbkYGJsv7TAEGgQhQSowN9vlnTNkxLhY_5eqneLojcBO8OCdiDADVs5GNw5qFbFoKylT8pVYa4hlHKwZbl9McFLo-ttjBrvd_4dETv5S0/s1600-h/Confederateshotgun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358703986740413074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oJaNUpAuXSfEtbXeaIkAZ50z3QNKidsZCdSYbkYGJsv7TAEGgQhQSowN9vlnTNkxLhY_5eqneLojcBO8OCdiDADVs5GNw5qFbFoKylT8pVYa4hlHKwZbl9McFLo-ttjBrvd_4dETv5S0/s200/Confederateshotgun.jpg" border="0" /></a>Winston-Salem, NC Police gunned down a black bear in a neighborhood on the night of July 13th. The Chief of Police, Scott Cunningham defended his department’s actions saying, “We didn’t think it was worth it to wait for the bear to become hostile.” </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Newsflash: Hostility is not an inevitability in Black Bears, especially not this one. The victim in this tragedy was a juvenile female weighing around 100 lbs. She was small, thin and on the move, looking for a new range with adequate resources to support her – certainly not what she was finding in a suburban neighborhood in Winston-Salem, NC. This bear had not exhibited ANY aggression other than that perceived by the ignorant suburbanites who attribute aggression to all bears (and all wild animals for that matter) as some sort of inherent trait. You don’t have to take my word for it though – Colleen Olfenbuttel, a NC Wildlife Resources Commission Biologist offered the <a href="http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/jul/15/150015/bear-posed-a-threat-chief-says/">Winston-Salem Journal </a>the following:<br /></div><br /><div>“Bears won’t stay [in a suburban neighborhood]. It just doesn’t offer the habitat they need. They may show up for a few days or a week, and as long as people aren’t feeding them incidentally, they’ll keep moving on. I’ve never heard of a situation where a bear walks into a neighborhood and it escalates into aggression.”<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358704246000737954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5HNFr4fD8dAetu8edEsJa4QN2wOAxxED5LB71NnjHO2WH_AYAthgLRPhp2OgSIaJRNKqjtx0Tg3OQdmgzRPFNaOxc6msiGMwd1ZKxwaDCei_mL0VzdBrw2p9B_3onXGlnxT9RQ3ZlTBq/s320/800px-Juvenile_American_black_bear_at_Old_Rag_mountain.jpg" border="0" />The ignorance regarding bears has been rampantly apparent in the piedmont of North Carolina lately as there have been numerous black bear sightings in the areas of High Point, Greensboro and Winston-Salem, an urban and suburban area of North Central North Carolina at the intersections of Interstates 40 and 85 often referred to as the “Triad.” During the last few weeks news reports have included such ridiculous discussions as whether or not residents should purchase bear spray, and closures of community pools and playgrounds for fear that bears would be attracted to such areas to have easy pickins on the children playing there (because everyone knows that juvenile black bears can eat up to 5 elementary school children before their appetites are satiated).<br /><br /><br /><div>According to Olfenbuttel bears are moving through the Triad this time of year for several reasons:<br /></div><br /><br /><div>□ Young bears have left their mothers and are trying to establish new territories. Forsyth County is on the edge of prime bear habitat, so it's no surprise to Olfenbuttel that a few bears are passing through.<br />□ Food is not as abundant in late spring and summer, and that forces bears to venture south and east in search of soft berries, such as cherries and blackberries.<br />□ When such food isn't readily available, bears rely on their keen sense of smell, which could lead them to garbage cans or grills.<br />□ Male bears are more active this time of year because it is the breeding season.<br /><br />These bears have always moved through this area from points east, west and north, all of which host prime bear habitat. The only difference is that humans are moving into the forest and river corridors previously used by the bears for these migrations and the uninhabited corridors are vanishing. The result is that people are reacting with, “what the hell is this bear doing in my neighborhood?” While the bears are thinking (more justifiably), “Dang, where’d all the woods go, and where’d all these cars, fences and barking dogs come from?”<br /></div><br /><br /><div>The bottom line is that this is another sad reminder of how far removed form the real world that modern Americans have become. The majority of people are so disconnected from anything outside of their TV and blackberry that they have no idea what is or isn’t indigenous to their own backyard let alone anything about the flora and fauna of their home state. This bear posed no threat and was killed needlessly out of pure ignorance and sensationalism. Get your kids, yourself, your friends and family outdoors and off the couch, out of the mall and away form the Blackberry and go pick some blackberries. Otherwise we’re headed for Wall-E….</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">(Click </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Juvenile_American_black_bear_at_Old_Rag_mountain.jpg"><span style="font-size:78%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> for photo credits for bottom picture of juvenile black bear)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360608201167425522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIEpZGWqTG3qd1fsDlmu66mFr1ITuE9tbLd4EdhPGjC81xOTg6Eqx9Aez2mvjBs-iYIwqlj755C-bY2yl0VeGxznPNT1lOBlW68Wxaggg3fW5EksjS9SJ-TvGlScaSt0bDTAH61YS4a76/s400/bearsiggn.JPG" border="0" /></span></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-62134777437563484832009-07-07T05:18:00.000-07:002009-07-10T11:12:05.557-07:00Don't Smoke the Hobblebush<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf60flpDmqzuQujLzAL1H6PhyBN8qAspW_zbU84QaHcJ-LULXYXv9KiFoqyLOoQQU4WKA4Q16W7Vse6waq1G1fLF4OHZcQhEYijRP-6dK3lXdMbf_-PVu4ODd2L2PNHrSHfMYt_RwVlaO/s1600-h/smokiefathersday07+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356530601372587074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf60flpDmqzuQujLzAL1H6PhyBN8qAspW_zbU84QaHcJ-LULXYXv9KiFoqyLOoQQU4WKA4Q16W7Vse6waq1G1fLF4OHZcQhEYijRP-6dK3lXdMbf_-PVu4ODd2L2PNHrSHfMYt_RwVlaO/s200/smokiefathersday07+024.jpg" border="0" /></a> Throughout the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Appalachians</span> and pervasive in the mountains and foothills of the Southeast are three members of the plant family <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ericaceae</span> (Heath) that all wilderness travelers should be familiar with. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rhododendron</span>, Mountain Laurel, and Azalea are all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">known</span> for their evergreen foliage, and showy summer blooms, but also can pose a danger to both humans and animals: all three are toxic.<br /><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zncHIXResm6nc0rU5FPzbh73RAMyXH75J9vnDKBy4VWiJRpLANccWS1gPqxjb-zV6QIOmrCVcgkeeDd4Ft3tjufAbme0vmfKK2Gup6kcn18z2JOttOAY4IIw1u2qrG4ijU0f7_1bbmut/s1600-h/smokiefathersday07+022.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zncHIXResm6nc0rU5FPzbh73RAMyXH75J9vnDKBy4VWiJRpLANccWS1gPqxjb-zV6QIOmrCVcgkeeDd4Ft3tjufAbme0vmfKK2Gup6kcn18z2JOttOAY4IIw1u2qrG4ijU0f7_1bbmut/s1600-h/smokiefathersday07+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356534334355781234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zncHIXResm6nc0rU5FPzbh73RAMyXH75J9vnDKBy4VWiJRpLANccWS1gPqxjb-zV6QIOmrCVcgkeeDd4Ft3tjufAbme0vmfKK2Gup6kcn18z2JOttOAY4IIw1u2qrG4ijU0f7_1bbmut/s320/smokiefathersday07+022.jpg" border="0" /></a>Rhododendron</span>, also referred to by some locals as "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hobblebush</span>" due to its nebulous branches and roots that make for nightmarish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bushwhacking</span> and near-guaranteed turned ankles, blooms in June in the Southern <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Appalachians</span> and makes for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">breathtaking</span> swaths of color at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">destinations</span> such as Roan Mountain, Shining Rock, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Linville</span> Gorge, Mount Rogers, Grandfather Mountain and the Smokies. The long, waxy leaves have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">historically</span> been used as a holistic, topical treatment for sore, inflamed joints. </div><div>.</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST6rhiZ2eCkViEygypoUndI57_cq065AgJopU2ZRKT7xk-Zb10pHyBVntAnSYaQMjnU9m-vX3Rs_0aTb-r-RrBPjXF4pRbwtmdxW2YPsUP5ZyJL06V_-3sAydwCDU_4bqqMrrVqucQnou/s1600-h/smokiefathersday07+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356531828622061538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST6rhiZ2eCkViEygypoUndI57_cq065AgJopU2ZRKT7xk-Zb10pHyBVntAnSYaQMjnU9m-vX3Rs_0aTb-r-RrBPjXF4pRbwtmdxW2YPsUP5ZyJL06V_-3sAydwCDU_4bqqMrrVqucQnou/s200/smokiefathersday07+049.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mountain Laurel is the little brother to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rhododendron</span> with smaller branches and leaves and blooms that are said to resemble peppermint candies. Similar to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Rhodys</span>, Mountain Laurel bloom in May and June and often grown in large thickets, covering the mountain floor. </div><div>.</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HqU7kfUM7q59SBFOYQeOfclzNQail0jqO5A6IRImKOJaBVDbSzOOajqNVtrYCi87AdCflOGcKJpq1yp0D30SFX6iz_bUx84TeuzI-xRUZq0ZjY51oXO18vCKcMUNGeApIPdf6oE4der6/s1600-h/smokiefathersday07+151.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HqU7kfUM7q59SBFOYQeOfclzNQail0jqO5A6IRImKOJaBVDbSzOOajqNVtrYCi87AdCflOGcKJpq1yp0D30SFX6iz_bUx84TeuzI-xRUZq0ZjY51oXO18vCKcMUNGeApIPdf6oE4der6/s1600-h/smokiefathersday07+151.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356534043895865906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HqU7kfUM7q59SBFOYQeOfclzNQail0jqO5A6IRImKOJaBVDbSzOOajqNVtrYCi87AdCflOGcKJpq1yp0D30SFX6iz_bUx84TeuzI-xRUZq0ZjY51oXO18vCKcMUNGeApIPdf6oE4der6/s200/smokiefathersday07+151.jpg" border="0" /></a>Azalea is commonly used as a landscaping plant, but due to its low need for direct sunlight it also thrives in the understory of Appalachian Mountain Forests. Known for is brilliant spring blooms in various colors ranging from white to yellow, red, orange, pink, and purple azalea is generally even more slight than Mountain Laurel in stature and in leaf size.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center">- - - - -</div><div></div><div>So beyond the pretty pictures and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">botany</span> lesson, what does this have to do with wilderness adventure? Like I said, all three of these species are TOXIC. And not just sorta toxic - every part of these plants are toxic. In addition to ingestion, the other method of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">experiencing</span> the toxicity of these plants is by inhaling their smoke. I can't even begin to count the number of times I've seen fire-rings in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Appalachians</span> with half-burnt Rhody, Laurel or Azalea wood left behind (insert <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">obligatory</span> plug for <a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php">Leave-No-Trace</a> practices). Still not convinced? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Ok</span>, time for scare tactics - symptoms include: Salivation, watering of eyes and nose, abdominal pain, loss of energy, depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, progressive paralysis of arms and legs, coma. So don't smoke the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hobblebush</span>. I rest my case.</div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-52408807835372215862009-06-28T14:59:00.000-07:002009-12-01T10:09:43.485-08:00Supplemental Seam Sealing for Single Wall BD Superlight Tents<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMhhyphenhyphenuPDotGBJMvBIF6_8djoAfThJiusXGvX-_veDjVkUGxbsV9TL5osZxWrof_nbU8_Xx1oYI7vKq1DuCYDhmAWQI6-fDJaCtGTi747Vgy6B619CTssf6ajhrJHWAzhbsoh-ETzXpC7k/s1600-h/JTSJTrip+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353099831944352386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMhhyphenhyphenuPDotGBJMvBIF6_8djoAfThJiusXGvX-_veDjVkUGxbsV9TL5osZxWrof_nbU8_Xx1oYI7vKq1DuCYDhmAWQI6-fDJaCtGTi747Vgy6B619CTssf6ajhrJHWAzhbsoh-ETzXpC7k/s320/JTSJTrip+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One of the most significant advances in tent technology recently has been the use of waterproof-breathable (WPB) fabrics to produce single wall tents which breathe batter and weigh less than their double-wall competitors. <a href="http://www.bdel.com/">Black Diamond </a>is one of the leading innovators in single-wall tent technology and their <a href="http://www.bdel.com/gear/tents_overview.php">Superlight Series </a>(One-Shot, Hi-Light, Firstlight, Lighthouse, Skylight, and Guiding Light) use <a href="http://www.nextec.com/">EPIC by Nextec</a> body fabric and Sil-Nylon floors to create superlight, freestanding, waterproof-breathable, 3-Season tents.<br /><br />Each tent in this series comes with a seam sealer application as well as <a href="http://www.bdel.com/videos/seam_seal.html">instructions</a>.<br /><br /></div><p>As an addendum to the seam-sealing instructions provided by the manufacturer of such single-wall tents, I'd offer the following: </p><ul><li>Waterproof-breathable fabrics are being asked to perform to conflicting jobs: let moisture out from inside the tent to prevent condensation while keeping all moisture outside the tent from passing through. </li><br /><li>These lines of single-wall tents generally use an internal pole set-up which results in the waterproof-breathable fabric being stretched tight across a frame created by the poles.<br /></li></ul><p>When these two factors are combined, the result is that there are some areas on these tents where the tension on the WPB fabric causes some degree of permeability. Therefore, there are a few additional areas of application I'd recommend for these tents to ensure a waterproof barrier from the most brutal of downpours. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaALLnCKwjg-qxGIxbfIscJC_LE9yKGvXl4huVNPe49xbRJCmsvx-eY_QKs06bZti6rFM9qEA4H8nctkxGCqUP4BJgraUuir9cQHcBdnzlYC-ce1GN_6MqFDSMG-M0w3ZpmkZuiaXxXSD/s1600-h/0628090953a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352795417327438098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaALLnCKwjg-qxGIxbfIscJC_LE9yKGvXl4huVNPe49xbRJCmsvx-eY_QKs06bZti6rFM9qEA4H8nctkxGCqUP4BJgraUuir9cQHcBdnzlYC-ce1GN_6MqFDSMG-M0w3ZpmkZuiaXxXSD/s320/0628090953a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60CpQFqCjOGtz6Y43C4mSlKwNPh5hqo70Ed4pokr1wbRkwLNvlF_lsMM9G2tO0OtQQT1dYyaxhj4VLBgAuOKz8kdwgKuv7pO0VhCgtNG_52CYDus7uGX7IHoIgxA8aO_DFAHBkF2kRz4p/s1600-h/0628090954a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352795801354425106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60CpQFqCjOGtz6Y43C4mSlKwNPh5hqo70Ed4pokr1wbRkwLNvlF_lsMM9G2tO0OtQQT1dYyaxhj4VLBgAuOKz8kdwgKuv7pO0VhCgtNG_52CYDus7uGX7IHoIgxA8aO_DFAHBkF2kRz4p/s320/0628090954a.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>1. Apex where the poles cross.</p><p>2. On the diagonal (where the poles lie) from the apex to below the top square seam.</p><p>3. At the first Velcro fastner joint and first pole joint below the tops square seam on front and back. </p><p>The pictures should help to identify exactly how to apply the supplemental seam-sealer. Basically, these are the spots that see the highest amount of tension in a taught pitch aside from the actual seams themselves. Hitting each of these spots may add a half an ounce, but that weighs a lot less than a soggy tent, sleeping bag, clothes, pack, boots.....</p><p>Thanks to Steve for the tip and Zack for the tent....</p><p>Enjoy.</p>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-36726603558235489422009-06-25T12:18:00.000-07:002009-09-18T06:38:31.406-07:00Two Trips for the Price of None Part Two: The SalvationAfter getting spanked in the Wind Rivers, my brother Mike and I called Backpacker Magazine Rocky Mountain Editor <a href="http://www.backpacker.com/blogs/the_pulse/">Steve Howe </a>to get the lowdown on the biggest burger in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pinedale</span>, WY while we regrouped and picked a new destination for days 5-10 of our trip. The response was essentially, "Screw the burger - COME ON DOWN!!!" And so our salvation was forged. After a 422 mile drive we arrived in the lap of hospitality and at the doorstep of Capitol Reef National Park with a veritable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">backcountry</span> legend as our guide. Complete pics can be found at my <a href="http://peterhikes.shutterfly.com/">photo site</a> and a summary follows:<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351356823576850098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSW9TueZcLaqalSVxaNUYybyyM9ye29FYvVNQvFTemIDnAH2iKX4jsqM8mP5DuYeJM9cYsyH0FyxdhJIV0MojP-iDFx799iuvgglGVb9nrKsouwcJtcEnLpFu0zjG0vSeEacgN38iykOV/s400/CRNPnine+009.jpg" border="0" /> <strong>Capitol Reef National Park</strong><br /><br /><p>We arrived in Torrey, UT late night on Tuesday, June 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> and immediately set to drying out water-logged gear in the Howe garage (and drinking beer). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGJD4TWtlyVBpNvfb9Th-MuIyGID4MQAcwIeAqDhg8vqPX4llu0qvSAuCMj5PATkUUuU06mDKgdPepF1-Ro2TyZQZXYRzKVnPOCiwCOgxKJDjLS_J5Dr6B8_WljjUjT_q3JDQkuVr-8eb/s1600-h/CRNPnine+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353119677263526882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGJD4TWtlyVBpNvfb9Th-MuIyGID4MQAcwIeAqDhg8vqPX4llu0qvSAuCMj5PATkUUuU06mDKgdPepF1-Ro2TyZQZXYRzKVnPOCiwCOgxKJDjLS_J5Dr6B8_WljjUjT_q3JDQkuVr-8eb/s320/CRNPnine+021.jpg" border="0" /></a>The next morning we pulled out the maps and reviewed Steve's labor-of-love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CRNP</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">thru</span>-hike which I'd started on a very snowy January trip in 2005, but not gotten very far into. It rained off and on as we sorted gear into refreshingly smaller test packs and then we headed off to shuttle one car to Grand Wash and another to Capitol Gorge. Heading out of Capitol Gorge we immediately climbed into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sidecanyon</span> pictured above which is punctuated with the sandstone spire (actually a fin) which Steve refers to as Fern's Boyfriend (as there is another feature named Fern's Nipple).<br /></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWULI0s0vRRLiXU-83P5TEem9ygYh2cY0P2uA_YlNFbznP-no0oJBiaLPHdzRg5YlN21NI2ShPyQHMVs6Kl4kqgbgESpWORR3UhoMgiZe_1ETQufXWDWZCOLKcoyhzDeZwOlNDVTh6H-8/s1600-h/CRNPnine+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351371867445892834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWULI0s0vRRLiXU-83P5TEem9ygYh2cY0P2uA_YlNFbznP-no0oJBiaLPHdzRg5YlN21NI2ShPyQHMVs6Kl4kqgbgESpWORR3UhoMgiZe_1ETQufXWDWZCOLKcoyhzDeZwOlNDVTh6H-8/s200/CRNPnine+032.jpg" border="0" /></a>Turns out we were lucky with regard to rain on two fronts: 1) we had plenty of it to drink and 2) when it really let loose we were up above on the ridges and missed the flash flood which hit Grand Wash after we left. We did have to hunker down and wait out one little downpour with nearby lightning strikes, but otherwise the weather was stellar.<br /><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcUWHjZxBNnAhaTpNTvtHCXoWzxa1Nt7hsD1QPhmm2Sn2DZg5GyQdaY-iTDQPot4OHbk5_Mul8yR9NVU740Er7N-UwMsqEta-Dlap-oKkENX-QNaiYaIgrIW4XU0avep58joetsOW5ScE/s1600-h/CRNPnine+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353112977165128082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcUWHjZxBNnAhaTpNTvtHCXoWzxa1Nt7hsD1QPhmm2Sn2DZg5GyQdaY-iTDQPot4OHbk5_Mul8yR9NVU740Er7N-UwMsqEta-Dlap-oKkENX-QNaiYaIgrIW4XU0avep58joetsOW5ScE/s200/CRNPnine+048.jpg" border="0" /></a>Because of the vast expanses of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">slickrock</span>, cross-country travel in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CRNP</span> is generally pretty straight-forward. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQQxDy5qi-dtsEsYps-DSrn1frGfHrXaYDoLlH5eHYwMXo-66eKBU9ogqBpviStvAfTFQyNm8amKWT_JoxTk3DNOuM09LHcNUC_4o0ZyWJnjgT7FjbfPGvzFqrEBXvLGOoQuZ6g-Y4W4R/s1600-h/CRNPnine+187.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353112661811696962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQQxDy5qi-dtsEsYps-DSrn1frGfHrXaYDoLlH5eHYwMXo-66eKBU9ogqBpviStvAfTFQyNm8amKWT_JoxTk3DNOuM09LHcNUC_4o0ZyWJnjgT7FjbfPGvzFqrEBXvLGOoQuZ6g-Y4W4R/s200/CRNPnine+187.jpg" border="0" /></a>We did have some technical scrambles where we busted out 50 feet of 6mm rope and some loose, crumbly gullies where foot placement and rockfall were of concern, but in general the crux of Reef exploration is in navigating the labyrinthine landscape. I'm pretty sure Mr. Howe could do this hike in his sleep, however, given that he's the one who scouted and mapped it.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353130728891003858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPQWVMpl022fGFHPXWtCu3WeOuRYPViyTmt9h4AMw0qD-IlTPg1Us6Id-6ISToV0FzoHrBPyrnZMVn-DkJbSxTeFMPUdxhVBA7_oiml3R6pJyYJ6sqPod8VQ3vmj4c2McpvCSNGm0T4Go/s400/CRNPnine+112.jpg" border="0" /> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHc_9TDi9eVe-J7tvPOSVkiGSYG170bwhwCB9MzaNGscOFrTFRl8pKSfez15dQsRqQLEwQssc6Mu1yRATmmIfTX2Asd6_jI8Oquq9hHMMB8V6HqtJan9oYow4TQp6hUOocRXHXnhfau-0D/s1600-h/CRNPnine+082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353108407140477874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHc_9TDi9eVe-J7tvPOSVkiGSYG170bwhwCB9MzaNGscOFrTFRl8pKSfez15dQsRqQLEwQssc6Mu1yRATmmIfTX2Asd6_jI8Oquq9hHMMB8V6HqtJan9oYow4TQp6hUOocRXHXnhfau-0D/s200/CRNPnine+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF8CBNZfQlI9PkGndu_-qYHi6hWV3feu1SbIlwly20vwxbSaoIDSLR7tZzp7aDUE24MdAoAeIq7P4cGaYCwjIerGRN3mJxNUy-DpAXZc2hVyYUzeukHzxptFHw5mvhSJAzZJ51cp4f3Jh/s1600-h/CRNPnine+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353111350280579570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF8CBNZfQlI9PkGndu_-qYHi6hWV3feu1SbIlwly20vwxbSaoIDSLR7tZzp7aDUE24MdAoAeIq7P4cGaYCwjIerGRN3mJxNUy-DpAXZc2hVyYUzeukHzxptFHw5mvhSJAzZJ51cp4f3Jh/s200/CRNPnine+020.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our hike took us to some of the highest points of the Reef with views of the entire formation as well as the neighboring features of Boulder Mountain, The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Henrys</span> (last range to be explored and mapped in the lower 48), the San Rafael Swell, Tarantula Mesa (home to a free-ranging buffalo herd), as well as others far in the distance. </p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_ZY5GMbMj0lbnDHeYnmgxTEoOVN2VjzmsDBSAUy9eYaf9JS4_31d3D1n-QhwRKVWj7QzEsx6-7zD6Wp-LN_0X8QjOzTHDn6zNpoZFo2vhZcVKBqPOCpvkMQb7GfaZV1pmKD_Unc7DO2V/s1600-h/CRNPnine+105.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353112434892568770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 92px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_ZY5GMbMj0lbnDHeYnmgxTEoOVN2VjzmsDBSAUy9eYaf9JS4_31d3D1n-QhwRKVWj7QzEsx6-7zD6Wp-LN_0X8QjOzTHDn6zNpoZFo2vhZcVKBqPOCpvkMQb7GfaZV1pmKD_Unc7DO2V/s200/CRNPnine+105.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5emhQyhZFdbBE-YzB02YAAZ6kKY-xgbVOF-567FqSqv3cc3HZb5MISc1k__yzURvvAUFtf35tmbznfMASt1pUbQGvv1IQJs5zAZtwjzghLr9ZhrJyAK4AteNJ46z9sip59FeOWdMWM6O/s1600-h/CRNPnine+088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353114491498808290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 89px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5emhQyhZFdbBE-YzB02YAAZ6kKY-xgbVOF-567FqSqv3cc3HZb5MISc1k__yzURvvAUFtf35tmbznfMASt1pUbQGvv1IQJs5zAZtwjzghLr9ZhrJyAK4AteNJ46z9sip59FeOWdMWM6O/s200/CRNPnine+088.jpg" border="0" /></a>We also got down low into some tight slots including one on the last day that required a chilly waist-deep wade that elicited various soprano howls from the crew (sorry, no "moon" shots).<br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk2DZgJYpyKgvvZwZMnJ_znaWtwBHSh_rj3vNlAKgupNxa5dcHg2xUtCIaxxRv1juWWpcHfmAvNk4ng-OwAofSkD9q1Agd5k1DgiXuIUtrzSEFCYQ5bpZIfet88gvhSTgeuxi8vdJ9CRw/s1600-h/CRNPnine+094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353117311296150562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk2DZgJYpyKgvvZwZMnJ_znaWtwBHSh_rj3vNlAKgupNxa5dcHg2xUtCIaxxRv1juWWpcHfmAvNk4ng-OwAofSkD9q1Agd5k1DgiXuIUtrzSEFCYQ5bpZIfet88gvhSTgeuxi8vdJ9CRw/s200/CRNPnine+094.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGDMGxWkD7Gz6QF_Kvcq7Z-Y8b2NdSNNJdlnzfa7TArCsO2660BB68vkBO_1xEHE7BpRHCT33GJBMcMB3dUChIpkrrqtr1UcON19qD3QvPIQztAAt2FVRijyvkyelFZUiVLlG7LFsRSUL/s1600-h/CRNPnine+294.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353116589398777682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 86px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGDMGxWkD7Gz6QF_Kvcq7Z-Y8b2NdSNNJdlnzfa7TArCsO2660BB68vkBO_1xEHE7BpRHCT33GJBMcMB3dUChIpkrrqtr1UcON19qD3QvPIQztAAt2FVRijyvkyelFZUiVLlG7LFsRSUL/s200/CRNPnine+294.jpg" border="0" /></a>Given all of the water, the flora and fauna was fully present. Bighorn were a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">constant</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwSnB8CsOLMetT-uxycNR2W3hdWYWkprs6OkDUQ1vf7mwVX8YEWBTFfrFj3XlJ2OF1K7vf6I9XWIhOrr_ozYy62lUhUCd7nxh3-JVibuHsfgyvClExEwGcF8CPphDaNeezNC7gTtmp4u5/s1600-h/CRNPnine+062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353117942847565986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 85px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 54px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwSnB8CsOLMetT-uxycNR2W3hdWYWkprs6OkDUQ1vf7mwVX8YEWBTFfrFj3XlJ2OF1K7vf6I9XWIhOrr_ozYy62lUhUCd7nxh3-JVibuHsfgyvClExEwGcF8CPphDaNeezNC7gTtmp4u5/s200/CRNPnine+062.jpg" border="0" /></a>companion based on signs, but we never crossed paths. Desert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Iguanids</span> (small lizards) were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-KeW2xbO24bubyZiurdvo4hy21s_lpLE2SfLWz8YknegNDq0snSJMUUan2lwu8MIw_o78CUNYK1Dd4HsSHW0FoqAfDri5u4w0Hw6KYrvs8oveoZcOoyNPG1mmRo74EUG4ShRLmLUMeo0/s1600-h/CRNPnine+149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353118205002012626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 83px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 56px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-KeW2xbO24bubyZiurdvo4hy21s_lpLE2SfLWz8YknegNDq0snSJMUUan2lwu8MIw_o78CUNYK1Dd4HsSHW0FoqAfDri5u4w0Hw6KYrvs8oveoZcOoyNPG1mmRo74EUG4ShRLmLUMeo0/s200/CRNPnine+149.jpg" border="0" /></a>everywhere as were frogs and tadpoles (in every pothole), black-chinned hummingbirds, and ravens. We were also visited by a rare <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFLROa_EWYxio_cdF_FcxAzEEsZHkWalEddxK0bE8XqleKpP4rbiiCK7muMui6xWOUHgO2IOPoVcYTL8AyKcQXUK2i3t30MrwNjSROY546cu_8NfiHWDsi0M6vjbUU95hyGIKtBBXOhyk/s1600-h/CRNPnine+283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353117593036170722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 78px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 57px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFLROa_EWYxio_cdF_FcxAzEEsZHkWalEddxK0bE8XqleKpP4rbiiCK7muMui6xWOUHgO2IOPoVcYTL8AyKcQXUK2i3t30MrwNjSROY546cu_8NfiHWDsi0M6vjbUU95hyGIKtBBXOhyk/s200/CRNPnine+283.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mexican Spotted Owl who soared by just before we reached our second camp. Prickly Pear and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">HedgeHog</span> Cactus were in bloom as were Milkweed, Paintbrush, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Desert</span> Rose, Thistle, Mule Ears, and others. We also came across some wild asparagus.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='236' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwzEzxPm2px5C1zdU2cGavfnDsFAHDlgZoaDVJiugC3iiK7Vq0ZRuVNmdf8qg1OezKfyODOA9yOSW0qVEb5hA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne9upJzquKG3KWucUmYc6lpaFDJbxfaLfvk7MpB4PJkeXo1PXxXav5D5SeMZznn59BzCvcEYARrLmTPk062Ucdy3Xdol4gsorl_VAU8PCND5y0IObInDJlyB2Gp3vOAfSS3GsbQCPUfoN/s1600-h/CRNPnine+249.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353121753990728690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 168px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne9upJzquKG3KWucUmYc6lpaFDJbxfaLfvk7MpB4PJkeXo1PXxXav5D5SeMZznn59BzCvcEYARrLmTPk062Ucdy3Xdol4gsorl_VAU8PCND5y0IObInDJlyB2Gp3vOAfSS3GsbQCPUfoN/s200/CRNPnine+249.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDp7zOZ_L3rJKAhLUEa-LBsgnF8UEjPGjGqO_8lfCskvTSnw3nfC2ukiGwrC3r1wByblFfFRhWXUCxdT4wP80dLGTZHvHO6jLlj43JXz9y2ZfjCCYafXUK_wkdAMEnqTL5HNmwUdCz_mQ/s1600-h/CRNPnine+257.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353123889007695570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDp7zOZ_L3rJKAhLUEa-LBsgnF8UEjPGjGqO_8lfCskvTSnw3nfC2ukiGwrC3r1wByblFfFRhWXUCxdT4wP80dLGTZHvHO6jLlj43JXz9y2ZfjCCYafXUK_wkdAMEnqTL5HNmwUdCz_mQ/s200/CRNPnine+257.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vNpFijwgMTkZVUQ2czq4sOF6VEsZkNrikbcKtOFQzJqcXQOJjsSd76G4NDUoJ3NHtbALBN-YodDFBd9hypppB2SwZ7cLOslorKYO0kkEd8PWyz3qPusZPFuHZBfFFR-2M79Q9Z20NnLU/s1600-h/CRNPnine+261.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353128520224771650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vNpFijwgMTkZVUQ2czq4sOF6VEsZkNrikbcKtOFQzJqcXQOJjsSd76G4NDUoJ3NHtbALBN-YodDFBd9hypppB2SwZ7cLOslorKYO0kkEd8PWyz3qPusZPFuHZBfFFR-2M79Q9Z20NnLU/s200/CRNPnine+261.jpg" border="0" /></a>After descending from the cross-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">country</span> hike back into Capitol Gorge via The Tanks we dropped packs and wandered the gorge in search of both Native American and Pioneer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">graffiti</span> - both of which we found. Cowboys exploring the area used lamp black, scratching or bullet-hole-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">pointillism</span> to make their marks dating back to the mid-1800s while Fremont Indians provided much more impressive works using pecking and long-since-faded paints.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsGK-S_PKLJiGKV0HXwAClG_FLqSXw1WIIjZZhvQWLlkn4JyDzxUoblAN08lVFn8FD6gZaDM_Oo4hxSr8O4XM39AZpYAO4Gn80FS_k0vwoiPrzMqwpINSHq28JFvUmtTQP9vTkfTH_tQm/s1600-h/CRNPnine+253.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353132563516770434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsGK-S_PKLJiGKV0HXwAClG_FLqSXw1WIIjZZhvQWLlkn4JyDzxUoblAN08lVFn8FD6gZaDM_Oo4hxSr8O4XM39AZpYAO4Gn80FS_k0vwoiPrzMqwpINSHq28JFvUmtTQP9vTkfTH_tQm/s320/CRNPnine+253.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gLgFfZXVbFWHd8QxZLB5GZRG3eIXXrqhQF0y2v-PbC5uyAREZPS-eHtWMvEhg5RJpFGp84lPORKkcs9IB6spXSIojul5AA729jhAc3KOtPg-ag1tv3zE0ppsqAhB8B3jFNJA67iIxvK1/s1600-h/CRNPnine+260.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353132675841619106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gLgFfZXVbFWHd8QxZLB5GZRG3eIXXrqhQF0y2v-PbC5uyAREZPS-eHtWMvEhg5RJpFGp84lPORKkcs9IB6spXSIojul5AA729jhAc3KOtPg-ag1tv3zE0ppsqAhB8B3jFNJA67iIxvK1/s320/CRNPnine+260.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsGK-S_PKLJiGKV0HXwAClG_FLqSXw1WIIjZZhvQWLlkn4JyDzxUoblAN08lVFn8FD6gZaDM_Oo4hxSr8O4XM39AZpYAO4Gn80FS_k0vwoiPrzMqwpINSHq28JFvUmtTQP9vTkfTH_tQm/s1600-h/CRNPnine+253.jpg"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsGK-S_PKLJiGKV0HXwAClG_FLqSXw1WIIjZZhvQWLlkn4JyDzxUoblAN08lVFn8FD6gZaDM_Oo4hxSr8O4XM39AZpYAO4Gn80FS_k0vwoiPrzMqwpINSHq28JFvUmtTQP9vTkfTH_tQm/s1600-h/CRNPnine+253.jpg"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsGK-S_PKLJiGKV0HXwAClG_FLqSXw1WIIjZZhvQWLlkn4JyDzxUoblAN08lVFn8FD6gZaDM_Oo4hxSr8O4XM39AZpYAO4Gn80FS_k0vwoiPrzMqwpINSHq28JFvUmtTQP9vTkfTH_tQm/s1600-h/CRNPnine+253.jpg"></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p align="center">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVIJZ2XCeDpLD76_KmwABTOI-L-v8viUSnxv0p3mcbEs49qZP8WBwJD9mVGphTj3cxLYkTPzSVq9Gc7KCvWIUBwWnblxgCKZqRFLLZCEt1ivs3lZh9VdGCxPCYc5PJmB9yfid8mpaBbPn/s1600-h/CRNPnine+298.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353124461187041970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVIJZ2XCeDpLD76_KmwABTOI-L-v8viUSnxv0p3mcbEs49qZP8WBwJD9mVGphTj3cxLYkTPzSVq9Gc7KCvWIUBwWnblxgCKZqRFLLZCEt1ivs3lZh9VdGCxPCYc5PJmB9yfid8mpaBbPn/s200/CRNPnine+298.jpg" border="0" /></a>On our final day we headed back to the outskirts of the reef to do a refreshingly wet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">dayhike</span> through the Sulfur Creek <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Goosenecks</span> which is a serpentine canyon which hosts the aforementioned creek an several of its waterfalls.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY9tILSKxKzlo-veUYgZs3DAvy6FQz5RZXQPAJDgBluHxRuMVDvManpHxIHaUhviZiegJjMt9CXs5kLzOWDWhjDGqoQtFZRt5J6tcPzgRt7d8jH8JqYdVljiXl1_2E5DKmeotpf5kz-yA/s1600-h/CRNPnine+276.jpg"></a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY9tILSKxKzlo-veUYgZs3DAvy6FQz5RZXQPAJDgBluHxRuMVDvManpHxIHaUhviZiegJjMt9CXs5kLzOWDWhjDGqoQtFZRt5J6tcPzgRt7d8jH8JqYdVljiXl1_2E5DKmeotpf5kz-yA/s1600-h/CRNPnine+276.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353127142291303922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 123px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY9tILSKxKzlo-veUYgZs3DAvy6FQz5RZXQPAJDgBluHxRuMVDvManpHxIHaUhviZiegJjMt9CXs5kLzOWDWhjDGqoQtFZRt5J6tcPzgRt7d8jH8JqYdVljiXl1_2E5DKmeotpf5kz-yA/s200/CRNPnine+276.jpg" border="0" /></a>Enough can never be said of the outstanding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">hospitality</span> of The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Howes</span> (Steve and Jen) at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Morningwood</span>. They absolutely blew the top off the chart with beers, steaks, caramel french toast, dilly beans, coffee cake, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">raspberry</span> crumble, and various spirits - not to mention a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">backcountry</span> guide and fresh gear. I feel like each time I go on a trip with Steve Howe I should get college credits - the dude is a walking encyclopedia of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">backcountry</span> knowledge and experience. </p><p>And so, my friends, that is how a spanking turned into a triumph and how Peter and Mike got Two Trips for the Price of None.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-84941296348811032722009-06-25T11:47:00.000-07:002009-09-18T06:38:50.596-07:00Two Trips for the Price of None Part One: Anatomy of a BeatdownMy Brother, Mike, and I just returned from an epic trip to the Wind River Range in WY that became two trips unexpectedly. Photos are posted at my <a href="http://peterhikes.shutterfly.com/">photos site</a> and a description follows below:<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><strong>Wind River Range</strong></div><div><strong></strong><br /></div><div>We flew out of Raleigh, NC at the crack of dawn on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 and in a flurry secured a rental car in Salt Lake City, rented ice axes and got stove fuel at REI, hit a grocery store in Evanston, WY and made it to Elkhart Park <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7S9C94zs0r07TRxSW4phDwvH9hFRAxhX2zlH5TxSQo9Vn1x8r3jXdJ-Sre9-ZFfBuqFq3qrrMWUBCGBUudCUJdjbF_RcwZPK35uS5UC93lbSrfmdPU7Sv9f7I_vRlvl3e-uvyTWSWhJl/s1600-h/delete+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350974780802736242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7S9C94zs0r07TRxSW4phDwvH9hFRAxhX2zlH5TxSQo9Vn1x8r3jXdJ-Sre9-ZFfBuqFq3qrrMWUBCGBUudCUJdjbF_RcwZPK35uS5UC93lbSrfmdPU7Sv9f7I_vRlvl3e-uvyTWSWhJl/s320/delete+069.jpg" border="0" /></a>Trailhead in the Northern Wind River Range outside of Pinedale, WY by about 4pm. We were only the third people to sign the trailhead register and it was clear from the previous entries that snow was going to be a major obstacle. I had known since booking the trip in January that Mid-June was an early attempt on the Winds, but research on historical <a href="http://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa/index.html?region=Central_Rockies&year=2009&month=6&day=13&units=e">snow data </a>indicated that if this year panned out like 2007 we'd be high and dry while if this year looked like 2008, we'd be buried in snow.</div><div>-</div><div>The first night we pitched <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.0067,-109.7527&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1">camp</a> at the Trails End Campground (not yet open) at Elkhart Park Trailhead and immediately got our first taste of weather as our tent was glazed with 1/2 inch of sleet by morning. Refreshed by hard sleep we set off down towards Long Lake (1800' drop) in good spirits on a chilly, misty morning. Down in the gorge (elevation 7700') conditions were balmy, but then after an 1800' climb up the other side to the Crow's Nest and Glimpse Lake, we were right back in the snow. </div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='339' height='240' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxw9j8pGWhQZ0uDOALS8Nl5e_x2afzrC8QWiujbmtFTZbp5SW0vSAGcz4sN6-fPOGEdh5udFOVXQzkSEhf_hg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Note: The trail out of the northwest side of the gorge carries numerous warnings that the trail has been abandoned and is not maintained by the forest service, however we found it to be VERY well maintained by the local fauna. After lunch at the Crow's Nest overlook we post-holed on past Prospector Lake for a total of 11 miles and 4000' vertical change before setting up <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.0639,-109.7726&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1">camp</a> in a clearing where we were visited by both deer and a lone wolf and where we cooked and slept though snow, rain and snain.</div><div></div><div>-</div><div>Day two was not quite so productive. We set off over a small ridge to Little Trapper (pictured above) and Trapper Lakes. The postholing was <em>brutal</em> with 2 feet of snow standard coverage and<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh_6Ucl6lHWhIHS9xKWrochD3o0lyJtT7pTdVsf75DtQLF8UVsy602y3kI1LX7Ol9zHUqzFX4qDkH_p4MKv_znsgJEKxUXxhiWUDXKI45ePm4pLMz927Pe-Jt2YHPdN5nrKS3H6hY1C7K/s1600-h/delete+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351279325486819634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh_6Ucl6lHWhIHS9xKWrochD3o0lyJtT7pTdVsf75DtQLF8UVsy602y3kI1LX7Ol9zHUqzFX4qDkH_p4MKv_znsgJEKxUXxhiWUDXKI45ePm4pLMz927Pe-Jt2YHPdN5nrKS3H6hY1C7K/s200/delete+049.jpg" border="0" /></a> drifts as deep as 5 feet <em>plus</em>. Walking would include 2 or 3 steps on top of the crust followed by an inevitable punch-through post-hole to crotch deep. Next pull self out of hole and repeat. Not fun. We ended up making a whopping 2 miles to Trapper Lake where, in an attempt to cross the outlet via a log jam, I fell completely into the freezing water as snain and sleet pelted us from above. It was clearly time to throw in the towel as I needed to dry out and warm up and any further foray into the itinerary would require climbing beyond the 10,000' mark and leaving the relative protection of the trees. We backtracked to a snow-free oasis beneath a behemoth tree at Little Trapper Lake and set up camp with a plan on backtracking in the morning. Mike got a fire going after the snain stopped and we were able to get semi-dried out. I tried fishing the break in the ice at the outlet of Little Trapper Lake, but it was a no go. </div><div></div><div>-</div><div>Day three we blasted back through our old tracks (which a small black bear had been using since we'd made them) and back down to relative warmth in the gorge leading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oHQfrzX1389WtzEWJIECjoQe6dGnFz9IXijxatkdc8N2YfKkw0oN3SSHRnUdLD16P4jBcvY_CwyXLpnDlUaBiUwjYOlasj8PygLsTv9fyPrZRlB_XQRbjXAwLagdc7HK4JmuH6yzVpGt/s1600-h/delete+107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351278684870685426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oHQfrzX1389WtzEWJIECjoQe6dGnFz9IXijxatkdc8N2YfKkw0oN3SSHRnUdLD16P4jBcvY_CwyXLpnDlUaBiUwjYOlasj8PygLsTv9fyPrZRlB_XQRbjXAwLagdc7HK4JmuH6yzVpGt/s200/delete+107.jpg" border="0" /></a> to Fremont Lake. We made good time and covered much ground and by early afternoon we were lounging in 70 degree temps by the shores of Fremont lake. The camp at the North end of Fremont Lake was interesting. It was clearly quite the hot spot back in the day, but had been abandoned by maintainers some time ago. There were old campsites now overgrown with picnic tables and grills now in disrepair. </div>-<br /><div>Day four we blasted back up out of the gorge to the trailhead in a relentless downpour which left us cold and water-logged. We arrived back at the car around 11am ready to re-group, re-evaluate, and reconsider the remaining 6 days of our trip. The first order of business was getting dry and fed.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g6bxoEbD_JajPnxgSZDFZuTBgiITTk3s1leruh96IsPbbpeZY619iu2NOi7YlUuElqD_Pfxe4h_SvfDXmg3QJu-0jkeqDNqQpkJg0pYlckkDhO0lVD7z5Xzfj0gY-Sb_xOE0CjTetF9A/s1600-h/delete+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351273269338358738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 104px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g6bxoEbD_JajPnxgSZDFZuTBgiITTk3s1leruh96IsPbbpeZY619iu2NOi7YlUuElqD_Pfxe4h_SvfDXmg3QJu-0jkeqDNqQpkJg0pYlckkDhO0lVD7z5Xzfj0gY-Sb_xOE0CjTetF9A/s200/delete+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNyWgmg1I4RdDB3PXNjKUKeCPLnwwU8AYXjPm7xYTiNgngYGOfIvj6pXZpNSU-hMLVPZ-LaZBeXkZX6i54SIjBlSspYdZnYgjMZ9u9UEL7FuIs_oHplDJjwKNpbr5fMUODktFNEaaj1_1/s1600-h/delete+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351273793898792242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNyWgmg1I4RdDB3PXNjKUKeCPLnwwU8AYXjPm7xYTiNgngYGOfIvj6pXZpNSU-hMLVPZ-LaZBeXkZX6i54SIjBlSspYdZnYgjMZ9u9UEL7FuIs_oHplDJjwKNpbr5fMUODktFNEaaj1_1/s200/delete+056.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351273451414673730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9OZmBbFQF31wEyZV1jh2ngnro4QE5scj1wicF78KRGdqo0d6YcADc_65G4qEGzFTVfUkTGXcyh2TpS2ajCpxOq49_sAqdZBOQ5LtJKgDoTJaplMy_SZhWw_l6vsA4ty_pHiyJ3MIfXI-/s200/delete+080.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Despite getting nowhere on our proposed <a href="http://www.ouachitamaps.com/picture_library/WindRiver/Wind%20River%20Sky%20Pilot%20Map.jpg">itinerary</a> it was still a great trip which stoked our interest in a return trip - MUCH later in the season. We saw cool mountains, lakes, wildlife (deer, swimming deer, moose , snowshoe hare, snakes, and a wolf).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHoAt4Ru0QhMi76xwRB8xgu1m0fSnoJadvtrfGoh-E4sTHkbNjhWqXvb5PR1R9l5GDpLPP5nO04T6WKRuQZYtnTwmDuBPSpZCrwgctpbox4Jt-Y89OV5luJOr7RR2DxR6GEJ8j_vqz3Bb/s1600-h/delete+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351271958953012402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 92px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHoAt4Ru0QhMi76xwRB8xgu1m0fSnoJadvtrfGoh-E4sTHkbNjhWqXvb5PR1R9l5GDpLPP5nO04T6WKRuQZYtnTwmDuBPSpZCrwgctpbox4Jt-Y89OV5luJOr7RR2DxR6GEJ8j_vqz3Bb/s200/delete+027.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxvnqJFu_wwSDEOz9FTRN0y2gClejwLNalumE0fpjQ5zRKHYShiXQ9-GkcvXuFsVcHLrZ5VzjDTQMJHa4Yxto3CUYpHopG0HekJBV3HRf-bYzUO2PFy9mECmBWm3dSUhU5qG4xO2R2ucI/s1600-h/delete+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351272885431224322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxvnqJFu_wwSDEOz9FTRN0y2gClejwLNalumE0fpjQ5zRKHYShiXQ9-GkcvXuFsVcHLrZ5VzjDTQMJHa4Yxto3CUYpHopG0HekJBV3HRf-bYzUO2PFy9mECmBWm3dSUhU5qG4xO2R2ucI/s200/delete+031.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351271593595741234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1gBu8kfbFws3iEQQtEkvSaZczie9RCHQe9ZkXwcajoMgfZDvvDjeKfUYJgd5vCAurlS5CKmmi0pmHDR2JwzwbBO6P-3mkvbU2hrX9cv9VzT0e6VI6KM9-EHXMd0_9B76v3FDUZiUYAxB/s200/delete+146.jpg" border="0" />We also learned that summit fever can apply not only to a summit, but to long-term plans. I had known and been warned long in advance the possibility of being snowed out of this itinerary so early, but had pressed on anyway. Doing so is fine as long as you're prepared for the worst and willing to accept the consequences if things don't work out. In our case we were geared up, psychologically prepared, and had a SPOT beacon in case of big-time problems, but I think we were still bummed at having to back-track and not getting to see the true alpine heart of the Winds. </div><br /><div>Stay tuned for Part Two to find out how we spent days 5-10 following our retreat.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-22497133848719595172009-06-25T10:47:00.000-07:002009-06-25T11:05:26.125-07:00#2 in the WoodsMy brother is very funny. Enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz51zjsbBt8zkYY3xioPR8GO0phNso9zJoVj2oJaBEdhhA59xwZXRDRo0oitAIqRhgMvIV7AtoswpWNQhbXtA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6652432798473320645.post-43688375080510231922009-06-24T14:37:00.000-07:002009-06-24T14:37:00.296-07:00The First BlogSo I'm gonna blog. The goal for this thing will be a forum for posting about all things wilderness adventure: Trip Reports, Trail Reviews, Gear Reviews, Skills, etc. While I'll definitely post pics, video, maps and other media here, it is my hope that my <a href="http://peterhikes.shutterfly.com/">media site</a> will serve as a compliment to this site.<br /><br />Enjoy and feel free to contact me with questions, feedback, etc.<br /><br />Happy Hiking!Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548061841436630478noreply@blogger.com2