Cousin', steps, bridges ....
DATE: May 12, 2014
START:
DESTINATION: bear Creek Camp #2
DAILY MILEAGE: 12.4
TOTAL MILAGE: 38.9
DAILY Steps 31,721
NOTES:
23. 3 suspension. 13,078 wooden steps
The days hike was to be our longest of the trip so far, so we left camp about 45 minutes earlier. Since yesterday had become a shorter day we needed to make up a bit of miles.
The hike started out with a strenuous climb. I immediately began to pour out sweat like a faucet fully opened. Having had problems the day before I was a tad concerned. What can ya do? I left camp with a completely full Platypus. It made the climb a bit harder but necessary.
The Duke Electric Company built and maintains this section of trail. On some of the steeper slopes the have embedded wooden block steps. Steps that are built far apart are hard on my short legs, especially with a loaded pack. Aloha keep count of today's steps. She came up with 1378 steps, give or take. Some were on the steep inclines others on the steep descents. They were all rough on me, all 1378 of them.
When we got to the "boater's campsites" complete with picnic tables, fire ring and lantern holder we found an Immunity Necklace. (It is a Survivor show prop.). Maybe it wasn't the real deal but it looked the part.
We then crossed the Toxaway River on a 45 foot bride. Once again Aloha counted, yes, she is a bit strange. She came up with 23 bridges, 3 of which were suspension style.
The water was so much higher then when I last hiked it I did not even recognize the campsite as I passed by. Smokestack sat on a log with a nice view to puff a bit on his pipe. Aloha stay with him while I kept moving up. I had a slight burn going and figured I would run it out and kept going. The ascent was long and grueling. It took a while but the other 2 final caught and surpassed me. At the top the sat for a break. Still feeling the burn I kept moving.
There was a bit more ascending before the trail turned into an old logging road that pretty much skirted the mountain with fairly mild ups and downs. I was loving it and just cruising. It was about 4 miles before the others caught up to me. It was beautiful hiking. I was a happy girl. Of course that could not last forever! I am still a bit breathy on the ascents. Working on better breath control. The legs, however, were doing great.
We enjoyed lunch at a campsite by ?? creek. Once again a tuna salad wrap. Today it was complimented by cheese. I enjoyed it but wish I hadn't eaten all the sundries tomatoes yesterday.
Came across a 3.5 foot black snake across the trail. He was not moving. We carefully walked around him. All the while he kept a eye on us.
We met 6 young men out on their first backpacking trips. They were essentially doing out trip in reverse. They were hot, tired and basically wanted out. I doubt they made their intended camp for the evening.
Later in the afternoon we crossed Horse Pasture River. From there it was a tremendous climb up.
Sleep is taking me away...
There is more to say but I can not keep my eyes open. Exhaustion is taking over. Needless to say I am having a good time.
SIGNATURE:
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbey
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Swim, drown, surf...
DATE: 5/10/14
START: Old Homestead
DESTINATION: Laural Creek
DAILY MILEAGE: 10.7
TOTAL MILAGE: 16.8
DAILY STEPS: 30,000 Steps
NOTES:
We were up early around 6 am but did not pull out until 8:15. As out of shape as I am no large mileage days are on the agenda, so it really does not matter when we depart.
Hiking up Sassafras in the thick humidity had me sweating pretty hard, early in the day. It only got worse. At one point I was putting out so much body fluids I honestly thought I might drown My clothes were sopping wet and the weight of them began to weigh on me. At one point I took my wet shirt off an left on just the camisole. At lunch it went back on.
There were a couple of morning breaks at around the 2 & 4 hour marks. Around 1:00 with the ascent and the humidity I was beginning to stagger and was much in need of lunch. Luckily as I crested yet another ascent, I found Smokestack and Aloha stopped for some lunch. Today was simply a tuna salad wrap. I had some sundries tomatoes but forgot to put them in. Leaves more for tomorrow.
Shortly into the hike post-lunch the sky opened and the threat of rain became a reality. I was just to tired to put my pack cover on and hoped for the best. My clothes were already dripping wet so no need for a raincoat. The wetter my skirt got, the heavier it got. It was already a tad loose. It began to inch down more and more. I thought it was going to fall off when it was so low it was slapping the back of my legs.
As I was descending a really steep set of wooden, block, steps the bottom step (which was a rock) began to slide. I surfed it for a few seconds before finding myself sprawled across the trail, covered in mud. Luckily only my pride was hurt. As I ended the next set of steep steps I saw Aloha. She was rinsing off by the creek. I joined her. I removed my wet and now muddy skirt and blouse. Usually my body heat will dry my clothes but the sweat and humidity just were not working in my favor. I rinsed them, wrang them and strapped them to my pack. I was now hiking in my camisole and underwear. Not a pretty sight.
Not exactly sure where the next camping opportunity would be we gladly stayed at Laurel Creek where Smokestack was waiting for us.
SIGNATURE:
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbeyt
DATE: 5/10/14
START: Old Homestead
DESTINATION: Laural Creek
DAILY MILEAGE: 10.7
TOTAL MILAGE: 16.8
DAILY STEPS: 30,000 Steps
NOTES:
We were up early around 6 am but did not pull out until 8:15. As out of shape as I am no large mileage days are on the agenda, so it really does not matter when we depart.
Hiking up Sassafras in the thick humidity had me sweating pretty hard, early in the day. It only got worse. At one point I was putting out so much body fluids I honestly thought I might drown My clothes were sopping wet and the weight of them began to weigh on me. At one point I took my wet shirt off an left on just the camisole. At lunch it went back on.
There were a couple of morning breaks at around the 2 & 4 hour marks. Around 1:00 with the ascent and the humidity I was beginning to stagger and was much in need of lunch. Luckily as I crested yet another ascent, I found Smokestack and Aloha stopped for some lunch. Today was simply a tuna salad wrap. I had some sundries tomatoes but forgot to put them in. Leaves more for tomorrow.
Shortly into the hike post-lunch the sky opened and the threat of rain became a reality. I was just to tired to put my pack cover on and hoped for the best. My clothes were already dripping wet so no need for a raincoat. The wetter my skirt got, the heavier it got. It was already a tad loose. It began to inch down more and more. I thought it was going to fall off when it was so low it was slapping the back of my legs.
As I was descending a really steep set of wooden, block, steps the bottom step (which was a rock) began to slide. I surfed it for a few seconds before finding myself sprawled across the trail, covered in mud. Luckily only my pride was hurt. As I ended the next set of steep steps I saw Aloha. She was rinsing off by the creek. I joined her. I removed my wet and now muddy skirt and blouse. Usually my body heat will dry my clothes but the sweat and humidity just were not working in my favor. I rinsed them, wrang them and strapped them to my pack. I was now hiking in my camisole and underwear. Not a pretty sight.
Not exactly sure where the next camping opportunity would be we gladly stayed at Laurel Creek where Smokestack was waiting for us.
SIGNATURE:
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbeyt
Up, up, and more up.
DATE: 5/9/14
START: Tablerock State Park, Visitors Center
DESTINATION: Old Homestead
DAILY MILEAGE: 8.2
TOTAL MILAGE: 8.2
DAILY HIGH POINT:
NOTES:
Today turned out to be a rougher day then I had planned for. For some strange reason I remember the 8 miles being a bit easier after reaching the Pinicle. So I was playing mind games with myself and that is always exhausting.
Smokestack took the lead and maintained that the entire day. He is in great shape and already trail hardened. Aloha who has been working out (and looking great) remained behind me most of the day as we had a lot of catching up to do. So there was a lot of chatter as we hiked.
As I said I played head games with myself and it made the last 3 miles rather tough. At one point I urged Aloha to head off, so Smokestack would know everything was okay, that I was just dragging a bit.
Once on my own I was able to tell myself to suck it up and act like a hiker. Aren't self talks grand. I knew that part of the problem was nutrition. Aloha and been telling me to stop and eat, but when group hiking I really do not like to stop without the group. Since, however, I was now already alone I took care of business.
At the first available water I stopped. Guzzled a quart and a half. (No it was not filtered, the Sawyer has not left the pack!). Had a little sponge bath and relaxed for a few minutes. Had it not been so late I probably would have removed the shoes. Instead I grabbed the other half of my sub and had dinner. After a few, I felt much better and ready to make the final push.
As I arrived in camp, Aloha was just headed off to see if I was ok. I bet she was glad she did not have to hike down and find me, only to have to hike back up again.
I could not find workable trees near her site and had to move on the other side. So, she is over next to Smokestack and I across the way between two other couples.
I managed to get my hammock up, water, eat some M&m's, chat around the fire pit and activate my Spot before the sky opened up. Now every one is zipped up tight in their tents. I on the other hand have my awning up and am sitting in the hammock looking out beyond my front porch and feeling pretty good.
Hopefully I will find my groove tomorrow or the next day and poor Smokestack won't be hiking all alone. Think I"ll brew some tea before bed.
Until tomorrow. Enjoy life, you only get one.
Sorry no pics will post later.
SIGNATURE:
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbey
DATE: 5/9/14
START: Tablerock State Park, Visitors Center
DESTINATION: Old Homestead
DAILY MILEAGE: 8.2
TOTAL MILAGE: 8.2
DAILY HIGH POINT:
NOTES:
Today turned out to be a rougher day then I had planned for. For some strange reason I remember the 8 miles being a bit easier after reaching the Pinicle. So I was playing mind games with myself and that is always exhausting.
Smokestack took the lead and maintained that the entire day. He is in great shape and already trail hardened. Aloha who has been working out (and looking great) remained behind me most of the day as we had a lot of catching up to do. So there was a lot of chatter as we hiked.
As I said I played head games with myself and it made the last 3 miles rather tough. At one point I urged Aloha to head off, so Smokestack would know everything was okay, that I was just dragging a bit.
Once on my own I was able to tell myself to suck it up and act like a hiker. Aren't self talks grand. I knew that part of the problem was nutrition. Aloha and been telling me to stop and eat, but when group hiking I really do not like to stop without the group. Since, however, I was now already alone I took care of business.
At the first available water I stopped. Guzzled a quart and a half. (No it was not filtered, the Sawyer has not left the pack!). Had a little sponge bath and relaxed for a few minutes. Had it not been so late I probably would have removed the shoes. Instead I grabbed the other half of my sub and had dinner. After a few, I felt much better and ready to make the final push.
As I arrived in camp, Aloha was just headed off to see if I was ok. I bet she was glad she did not have to hike down and find me, only to have to hike back up again.
I could not find workable trees near her site and had to move on the other side. So, she is over next to Smokestack and I across the way between two other couples.
I managed to get my hammock up, water, eat some M&m's, chat around the fire pit and activate my Spot before the sky opened up. Now every one is zipped up tight in their tents. I on the other hand have my awning up and am sitting in the hammock looking out beyond my front porch and feeling pretty good.
Hopefully I will find my groove tomorrow or the next day and poor Smokestack won't be hiking all alone. Think I"ll brew some tea before bed.
Until tomorrow. Enjoy life, you only get one.
Sorry no pics will post later.
SIGNATURE:
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. - Edward Abbey
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Going for a small walk in the woods.
This year's cards have arrived. I have over the years learned it is easier to hand out cards then it is to keep writing down the journal information or my email. People are always interested once they find out what I am doing and enjoy following along.
I am headed to the mountains on Tuesday. A quick visit with some wonderful hiking friends and then off to hike. This hike is more of a fun activity verses a shakedown hike. I am pretty much carrying everything I have carried in the past. Hopefully a little bit less. The only item I am adding to the pack is the new Sawyer Mini Filter. While I have been a free drinker (no filtering of any kind) for the past couple of decades, I am always a tad concerned of new organisms that I have not built up immunities to. That said I did just fine on the JMT without any filtering what-so-ever. The Sawyer is incredibly light and suppose to be easy to use with instant results. I will try it out on this play hike and see if it will make the cut.
The trail we will be hiking is called the Foothills Trail. I hiked this beautiful 75 mile trail a few years back and really liked it. While I dislike to re-hike a trail it was conveniently located and the right amount of miles for my girlfriend. Unfortunately, she still has to work and has to fit hiking into a week's vacation. I am very lucky that I have been given the life I have, where I have the time to live out my passions on the trail without having to fit it into some employer's work schedule.
I really wanted to take Mr Murphy along, however, his initial hike here in Florida did not go well. I know he loves the trail and especially the mountains, but I am still unsure of his limits. Since there are other people involved in the hike and the possibilities of catching a few days in Damascus for Trail Days, the decision to leave him home was made.
I have not even begun to pack and I leave in 24 hours, so I guess I should get my act together and get busy.
I am headed to the mountains on Tuesday. A quick visit with some wonderful hiking friends and then off to hike. This hike is more of a fun activity verses a shakedown hike. I am pretty much carrying everything I have carried in the past. Hopefully a little bit less. The only item I am adding to the pack is the new Sawyer Mini Filter. While I have been a free drinker (no filtering of any kind) for the past couple of decades, I am always a tad concerned of new organisms that I have not built up immunities to. That said I did just fine on the JMT without any filtering what-so-ever. The Sawyer is incredibly light and suppose to be easy to use with instant results. I will try it out on this play hike and see if it will make the cut.
The trail we will be hiking is called the Foothills Trail. I hiked this beautiful 75 mile trail a few years back and really liked it. While I dislike to re-hike a trail it was conveniently located and the right amount of miles for my girlfriend. Unfortunately, she still has to work and has to fit hiking into a week's vacation. I am very lucky that I have been given the life I have, where I have the time to live out my passions on the trail without having to fit it into some employer's work schedule.
I really wanted to take Mr Murphy along, however, his initial hike here in Florida did not go well. I know he loves the trail and especially the mountains, but I am still unsure of his limits. Since there are other people involved in the hike and the possibilities of catching a few days in Damascus for Trail Days, the decision to leave him home was made.
I have not even begun to pack and I leave in 24 hours, so I guess I should get my act together and get busy.
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