Sunday 4/17/05
Start - Campsite in Locust Cove Gap
Stop - Cable Gap Shelter
Miles traveled 11.6
This morning someone was examining the debris that accumulated in his water bottle. He figured that if he came back with a gold pan he would, within a week, have enough money to pay for the trip.
I'm beginning to detect a pattern here. Apparently I'm a slow starter but I finish strong. No matter how early I start I only manage about 1/2 a mile an hour or so till mid afternoon when I manage to kick it up to1 1/2 - 2mph. Perhaps I should sleep till noon.
At any rate, in another 7 miles I will be through the Nantahala Wilderness, considered by many to be the toughest 80 miles in the Southern Appalachians.
Today's hike was characterized by a lot of very steep ups and downs.
Most were 500 ft or less but the angle came close to 60 degrees.
I was astounded by the numbers of flowers. I probably could have shot a whole roll of film and not have gotten one of each type. Cowboy camping by a stream. The sound is very calming. The moon on the other hand is almost bright enough to read by.
Tomorrow, on to Fontana Dam the gateway to the Smokies.
Posted by at April 17, 2005 01:15 AM