Shuckstack, Lost Cove, Lakeshore Trail, and Winn-Dixie

It was a dismal morning as Gary, David, Owen and I got on the AT about 10:20am, Feb 5^th.  We were all mentally prepared for the infamous climb up the Twentymile Ridge to reach Shuckstack Firetower - 3.5 miles and about 2100 feet elevation change.  The gray skies shrouded any views we might have enjoyed and the wintry chill matched the bleak naked trees around us. Joking about the climb and the lies the weathermen told kept us going as we neared Shuckstack and encountered snow on the ridge top. 

It was important for the Map Geeks to research our exact location before we started up the slippery tenth of a mile climb to the tower. Here we braced against the wind and had our lunch. Gary decided to climb the tower and made it near the top before the cold had him coming down.  As we had lunch, the skies finally began to clear and we could see a bit of blue off in the distance heading our way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting back down to the AT trail from the Tower proved dicey as our previous footsteps were now packed and even more icy.  I sighed with relief when we made and but we took off in search of the right turn on Lost Cove Trail. Arriving at the junction of the Benton Mackaye Trail we were surprised at the depth of the snow, but took off in high spirits.

For a while, we hiked in silence, soaking up the beauty of the snow-laden branches against the blue sky, and that soft, expectancy that swells inside when you feel gifted by Mother Nature. Then, the descent became steeper and more slippery; slowing our pace as we all tried to make sure we stayed upright and uninjured. The snow hid the trail so we scanned the forest ahead, seeking clues to make sure we followed the trail. After a couple of miles, we found more level ground with patches of snow and encountered the first stream crossings of Lost Cove Creek. 

Then we reached creek crossing #9. This one was not a rock hop crossing- it was a foot or more deep, swift moving currents that promised danger if we didn’t take caution. Gary took off upstream and was gone for a while before reappearing on the other side.  With his advice in hand, Owen and I headed back and re-crossed #8 stream and then turned right and delved through rhododendron bush and vines to get to the better spot to cross. Once, in my mid-crouch, Owen pointed out a fungus covered tree that was amazing, but the timing to point it out was a bit off! We made to the creek edge, but again, it didn’t look like a great place. We could see David down from us, still on the same side, too. I saw an area that showed promise and told Owen I was going for it. I jumped in and got across without soaking my soaks, but then encountered even worse brush on the other side! Suddenly, Owen was coming up behind me, so I plunged in and began a slow push through the limbs and vines. First, I was crouched down, but then forced to my knees with my face almost shoved into the forest floor.  At one point, with every limb, plus my backpack entangled, I thought ‘why am I doing this? - I could be home watching soap operas'! I didn’t realize I had said it out loud until Gary laughed and said, ‘for the adventure!’  He had worked his way back to try and help us through. Owen referred to it as rhododendron hell. :-) We finally made it out and realized we had wasted a lot of time on this crossing, and knew there were more ahead. The next crossing, Owen and I took socks off and rebooted before crossing.

We kept them off for the next several crossings until we reached the Lakeshore Trail intersection. Here we stopped and put on our socks. David was the Boy Scout in the group. He brought a dry pair! By this time, we had 14 creek crossings under our belt.

It was now 5pm and 5.2 miles to get off the trail. We were faced with the realization it was going to get dark before reaching the end of the trail. Determined to make time, we booked it over the next mile or so, crossing more streams, but none was deep as before. Darkness began to descend, but we kept on without lights, trying to keep night vision as long as possible. We passed by several of the old cars abandoned back in time alongside the trail. Ultimately, David and Gary stopped to retrieve their headlamps. Mine was buried deep in my pack and I hoped to make it out without digging for it. At one point, David and I had gotten ahead and stopped to wait on Gary and Owen. When they arrived, we found out Owen had paused to get his lamp out. As he turned it on, it went out, but fortunately Gary had extra batteries to loan.

With a few more climbs we weren’t in the mood for, we finally spotted the car and made it off the trail about 7:20pm. At the car, Owen checked out his bad batteries to find they were bought from Winn-Dixie! I won’t even guess how old they were! With some relieved banter, we took off for Andrews where the guys couldn’t wait to eat at Hardees. Well, I’m not so much of a fan, but let me confess, I ate a burger with onion rings and it was some pretty good eatin’J With some of our meandering, the 11.6 hike turned in to 12.59 miles and 24 creek crossings- now that’s what I call a hike.

Whigg Meadow, Huckleberry, Hooper, Bob Stratton, and Hangover Overlook!

Linda O. and I braved the great unknown and took off on July 27th, Friday afternoon, to find Whigg Meadow for a campout based on info from Betty P. With a little luck we found the correct forest service road, followed it to the end, and saw a momma boar with babies in tow along the way. We got our tents set up right before the sunset kissed the skyline. Before long, we heard a vehicle coming up the road. Bob B., Jerome, and Kellie from Alabama Sierra Club emerged from the darkness and set up tents before enjoying some relaxation. The night was cool so Linda and I snuggled in our tents, lulled to sleep with their soft laughter. 

A sing-song of birds woke me Saturday morning. I emerged from my dew covered tent to find a gorgeous day awaiting. I drank my coffee in solitude as the sun broke over the mountain, brightening and drying the grass around me.

   

Soon, the others awoke and we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast together before getting in our cars to head over to the trail head at Huckleberry Knob.

We arrived to find the CHC group waiting on us, but in no time we were following the wide trail up to the Knob. We stopped to read the old marker where the two men had frozen to death in the 1899. Jerome spied a geocache nearby, but we agreed to leave it undisturbed. We continued on to the Knob and stood for a few minutes enjoying the views. On the way back, we ran across folks from Snowbird Lodge replacing the old marker with a new, more readable one. How wonderful for them to upkeep this memorial!

At our cars again, we drove to nearby Hooper Bald Trailhead and walked the short distance to the bald area. The path was well-maintained to a point, then it became fairly overgrown making it hard to enjoy the spot. We agreed to lunch at the Trailhead when we got back and mostly sat under the trees to enjoy our respite.

Eventually, we arrived at Mud Gap and began the climb to Whigg Meadow on the Benton Mackaye Trail. The trail was pretty rough and rocky, but we did enjoy a few blooms along the way.  The group enjoyed the views from Whigg Meadow and some explored the path down to a 'pond' that turned out to be a disappointment. Jerome and Kellie heard the snort of a boar in that same area before the rest of us arrived. Back at the cars, we said good bye to the CHC group. We probably got in about 5 miles that day. The trio from Alabama invited Linda and I to supper and to hike with them on Sunday. After just a little arm-twisting, Linda and I took off to find a store and get additional food.

The humidity and heat was high as we took our time and headed to the store near Robbinsville which turned out to be a lot further away than we realized. By the time we bought some jerky and other items, we were hoping we weren't holding up the other group from the dinner. Arriving back, the air had cooled and we found them about ready to cook the burgers and hot dogs....now this a nice car camp! We sat around and got to know each other better, laughed a lot, ate great food, and enjoyed the sunset.

After a wonderful rest, we enjoyed another leisurely breakfast before packing up our tents and heading to Beech Gap on the Fodderstack Trail. Beginning about 10:30am, the trail from the road was fine as we began the slight climb to Cold Spring Gap. But as we began the harder climb to Bob Stratton, we encountered more overgrown vegetation. Arriving there we found a couple had camped the night before. Jerome led us on  a bit of exploration through the high grass. 

 Then we followed the couple as the man whacked his way with a machete. Somewhere up the trail we became separated from the couple. Eventually, we got on the Haoe Lead Trail to Naked Ground where we stopped for lunch. I accused the Alabama trio of testing Linda and I to see how tough we were! After lunch, we began the final push up the Haoe Lead Trail to the Hangover Trail, then took a side trail to the Overlook. The trail had been hard with overgrown weeds, briars, etc., but- the Overlook was worth it!

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After enjoying the fantastic views toward Mt. LeConte and many other Smoky peaks, we reluctantly left the great spot to head back down the trail about 3:00pm. Once again, we fought our way through the weeds, encountering a few folks along the way. A couple of miles from the cars, Linda developed an issue with her knee, but she bravely kept trudging along until she made it out. We arrived back well after seven. It had been a long, hot day. The trail was in bad shape, but the company had been great. Linda and I had a chance to learn more about the area and the trails. And, most importantly, the Overlook was fantastic! (I only came back with one little spot of poison ivy!) Bob B. says the mileage that day was 12, but his co-hikers are going to have to see it in black and white. :-)

Pondering Life On The Appalachian Trail

About to cross Fontana Dam

After two nights at Fontana Village Resort, it was time to follow the white blaze again. The shuttle driver dropped myself, Brightflower, and Koppecali off at the marina where we had been picked up. Brightflower didn't want us to miss one of those blazes! We took off and immediately found at least 3 good hills to climb over before we came out at the Dam. (I had forgotten to turn on the Spot, but I want credit!) It was a picture perfect day, cool, but beautiful blue sky as we walked across the Dam and searched for the white blaze.

We found it on the right and walked up the road a distance before turning left to begin the climb up toward Shuckstack firetower and making our trek through the Smokies official. When I arrived, Koppecali had dropped his pack and gone to visit the old firetower. Brightflower and I stopped at the intersection for lunch which we enjoyed with J.P. (just Peter) from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. After lunch, we headed toward Mollies Ridge Shelter. Up the knobs and down the gaps, I found myself alone and told myself it was a good thing: time to think about those things I wanted time to think about. Flowers by the way, trees I found fascinating, clouds in the sky distracted my thoughts, and suddenly I had hiked around 11 miles and had arrived at the shelter.

None of us were excited about the prospect of having to stay in the shelters thru the Smokies, so when we arrived we reluctantly arranged our pads and sleeping bags on the first level of the stone shelter. Soon, we were joined by Ranger Robin and Ridgerunner Carl who asked to check our permits. They, too, set up their gear for the night, and we spent an enjoyable evening chit-chatting. In no time, the shelter was full and lots of arriving folks decided to push on the couple of miles to the next shelter. As expected, the snores kept me awake. Before light, folks were up and heading out.

Taking off toward Derrick's Knob Shelter, I travelled thru Spence Field where I stopped to enjoy a relaxing lunch on bright, crispg day. The sun shone down as I sat under the tree and soaked in the environment. It was hard not to think about Mr. Spence almost 200 years ago clearing the mountain land and working so hard at life. This day, life is good, decisions that needed to be made were far, far away, and seemed not relevant at all.

 I loved the view from Rocky Knob...wow! Then, I climbed over Thunderhead Mountain and finally arrived at the shelter after 11.7 miles. Another full and overflowing shelter with tents dotting the grounds in the vicinity. It was a cold and windy night. Again, folks were up and out early. Knowing it was a short day for us as we were only making 7.5 miles before tackling Clingman's Dome, Brightflower, Koppecali, and I rested in a bit. When I finally got dressed, I found my eyes were swollen with pollen, my right one in particular was so bad, it impeded my sight!
When we took off, it was a gorgeous day.

The trek was fairly easy, none of the bigger climbs of the previous few days. Again, I reminded myself: think, think. I had issues I wanted to ponder, but the decisions seemed remote, not applicable, or just plain ridiculous to try and decide from the trail. I was at Double Spring Shelter by 1:30pm where Koppecali and I looked again at the mileage and discussed going further, but with the next shelter another 7 miles beyond (and over Clingman's), we made the decision to stay put. As the afternoon wore on, more and more hikers arrived, and by dusk, I had made the decision to tent. (I really needed the sleep.) It was a cold evening, and a fire had been built in the fire ring. There was that lots of conversation around it with the guys that stayed up for a while. From the relative distance of my tent, I heard a lot that probably wasn't meant for my ears! All I can say is, some men seem to be stuck in 7th grade no matter their age!

The next morning, I had to get my tent packed up so Koppecali and Brightflower took off first. As expected, there was a climb up Clingman's, but it wasn't nearly as difficult as I had expected. The terrain and environment definitely changed as we left the hardwoods and found cedar and pine. However, much of it was bare. But the views were awesome and I was awestruck at what God created for us. It came to me that this was the temple of God. (Habakkuk 2:20 says: But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.)

It was easy to believe I was the only person around for miles as I climbed toward the Dome, so that when I found the steps clearly marking my arrival at the parking lot, I was a bit surprised and almost disappointed. 

 

There I was in the parking lot of Clingman's Dome with cars and people milling about, a bathroom at my disposal! Suddenly, it seemed so clear to me what I should do. The decisions I wanted to make could not be done from the trail- I was going home!

It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the trail, I did. However, my idea of the trail and my experience had indeed been different. My past trail experience had been shared with friends, and infinitely more enjoyable than being by myself for hours, even though that had been somewhat enjoyable as well. Altogether, I admitted to myself as I stood looking out over the ridges and peaks of the Smokies that I would rather share the trail with family and friends. I also knew that I couldn't make decisions in a vacuum, I had to take others in to my equation. Plus, my eyes were terribly swollen! I looked remarkably like Miss Piggy. :-(

So I made a phone call to my husband, Rusty. Bless his heart, he made arrangements to get me that afternoon. Then, I did something I've never done before: I hitchhiked! After a few overtures and rejections, I got a taker. A nice man from Florida who at first turned me down, came back to say he would be glad to drop me off in Gatlinburg. He drove me to Nantahala Outdoor Center where I left my pack and walked a short distance to Calhoun's. I ordered a huge cheeseburger and fries and drank 3 glasses of sweet tea!

So, I am one of those AT failures. But strangely, I don't feel like a failure. I actually feel proud of myself for tackling it. The physical aspect had proven to be doable. The mental aspect was another thing. A couple of hundred miles had given me some clarity. Life is what you make it. Every day there are decisions to make that can affect you positively or negatively. I tried to do what a friend recommended: keep my heart and eyes open. I learned to be honest with myself without shame. That there are good people out there from all walks of life. And more importantly, it reminded me that God is always good, and has given me so much to thank Him for.

Two Timing It on the Appalachian Trail

***I'm posting this for my mom and I have no idea why most of it is in white text boxes or why some type is yellow and most is black. Sorry, Mom! I can't fix it :-) ***

a tree that has learned to bend and stay strong

After my last disappointing post, I'm happy to say I'm back on the AT! My sister, Tammy, and friend, Rhonda, drove me to Franklin, NC, where I finished the 3.7 miles I needed to get those last white blazes in to Winding Stair Gap. I met Jann Griffiths aka Brightflower who has graciously allowed me to tag along with her on this journey. Tammy and Rhonda decided my new trail name is: TwoTimer. I'm starting over with a new partner. It's all right with me, and some get a chuckle out of it.

3.7 miles to Winding Stair Gap

Brightflower and I took off at Winding Stair headed North to Siler Bald on the 31st, the day I turned 53. On our way, we ran in to a sad looking woman getting off the trail, and I felt for her. Such a let down. Soon, we past the bald and climbed toward the stone tower at Wayah Bald. The mountains were easily letting go of winter with bursts of spring green here and there, violets, fiddleheads, and lots of little flowers blooming along the way. I met Long Strider, EMT, Steve-O, and Juice as I hike. Wow...what a view from there. It was fantastic.

the view from Wayah Bald on my birthday

We arrived at Wayah Bald Shelter... a little more than 10 miles that day... and were joined by several hikers closer to our age: Native Dancer, Tick-Tock, Intrepid, Trog, and Dreamtimer, along with others. I celebrated my birthday with blueberry cheesecake shared with me by Brightflower! Next morning, a sweet pink sunrise rose softly off in the distance. Brightflower got out early, but I caught up with her at Cold Spring Shelter. After a good climb up out of Tellico Gap, I took a few minutes to enjoy the view from Wesser Bald, met thru-hiker Flash Gordown, and then pushed on toward A. Rufus Morgan Shelter.

the view from Wesser

It's not just the climbs that are tough! What an awful descent that was; especially, for a short 5'2" woman like me. Some of those rocks I had to get down were pretty high, but I got 'er done. At mile 16, we arrived to find a full shelter and tents everywhere, with hardly a spot left. There was a large group of Boy Scouts here, along with an older teen group. I found an area beside Trog and managed to set up, but slept on a hill all night. A whippoorwill sang part of the night and then after I couldn't sleep, I decided it was screeching. :-) A cup of coffee helped me finish the .9 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where Brightflower had already arrived and introduced me to Hopper and Bismark.

I ate a huge breakfast burrito and home fries at the Rivers End Restaurant. After a shower and laundry, we headed up the steep climb hoping to make it a 10 mile day, but were happy to get 6.9 miles in and slept on a ridge above Sassafras Gab Shelter.

The Boy Scouts were ensconced at the Shelter. The good news is I slept better, the bad news was it was tick city! EMT and SteveO arrived after 7:30 and cowboy camped at the trail intersection. Since the climb the day before had caused my IT band on my left knee to hurt, I was taking it easy, but happy to realize the hike up to Cheoah Bald was not so bad from the camp. I found Brightflower at Locust Grove Camp where she was having lunch with Diesel. We all started out together and got to Stecoah Gap where they rested and I had my lunch. A gorgeous day with some clouds forming off in the distance. The climb from this gap is a killer- called Jacob's Ladder- and it kicked my butt and made me want to lay down and cry for my momma, or any momma! The storm clouds continued to brew and darkened with thunder in the afternoon heat. I drank most of my water by the time I arrived at Brown Fork Shelter. Right after I descended to the shelter, the sky opened with a downpour.

Diesel joined me there, along with another hiker, Blue, and two college boys I had seen off and on... I called them Cutie and Pa-tootie. We waited for a bit and then saw the Scouts coming in. I had seen two ladies in the older group of boys and when they arrived, the one lady named Alpha Tortoise came in with a problem. She was getting hypothermic. Her friend Little Momma helped her up on the shelter platform, but it went from bad to worse very quickly. Suddenly, Blue was there directing us to get her wet clothes off, get warm things on, get her in a sleeping bag, rub her muscles, talk to her, etc. Finally some of their stragglers arrived and in the group was a medic. He took over with instructions and helped calm Alpha Tortoise down. She was at the point of hysteria or at least a panic attack with the fear of what was happening. In the end it turned out I was where I needed to be. She went to sleep feeling much better. I, on the other hand, hardly slept as I was by Diesel who snored like a freight train all night!

with Alpha Tortoise and Little Momma

At six the next morning, I got up and got my gear together, had some coffee, and headed out to catch up with Brightflower. I made fast work of the 2.5 miles to where she camped and followed on with Diesel near most of the day, along with Scout who had also camped at Brown Fork. We descended the long hike to Fontana after 12 miles and were ready for some real food and a little rest. The shuttle arrived and for 3 dollars we rode to Fontana Village Resort. When I arrived at the room, Brightflower was there and asked if 2 nights would be okay and I cried with happiness! (Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating, but I was happy.)

I enjoyed shrimp n grits for supper, a huge biscuit/gravy/egg/sausage/hashbrown breakfast, and a steakburger for supper! Love those calories! With laundry all clean, and a few resupplies on food, I think I'm ready to tackle Shuckstack tomorrow and get to Newfound Gap, maybe in 3 nights.

A few notes for the trail:

1) If there's a gap, there's a mountain before it and after it.

2) Not every uphill gets switchbacks built in the trail. Sadly, those in charge of switchbacks don't care if hikers' hearts burst on the way up.

3) A lot of nice young me are on the trail.

4) Take time to look up every now and then, there are beautiful clouds up there sometimes.

above the clouds

5) Take time to look beside the trail. God puts these little sweet flowers there for you to stare in wonder at their beauty.

a burst of spring

6) Water is really a good thing.

a water pipe

AT= Absolute Truth

With heady dreams and lots of support, Rusty drove Linda aka Putt-Putt, and I, Reggie aka TNT Java, to the beginning of our AT journey on Saturday, March 10th.  It was a gorgeous blue sky day, a bit chilly, but perfect hiking weather. At the corner of the parking lot a Trail Angel had set up with a cooler full of cokes, hot dogs, and candy bars with hikers congregated enjoying it all. After lots of hugs and well wishes, we set off up the trail toward Dick's Creek Gap with nothing but little ole' Tray Mountain in between. At 4:30pm we had made it to the old Cheese Factory site where lots of hikers were setting up. We stopped here and thought about setting up but decided to push on toward Tray Mtn shelter. We arrived right at dusk and were greeted by others already tented as the shelter was full. There were several hammocks hung here and there between the trees and even a tarp or two. Putt-Putt found the right tree for our bear line while I filtered water. Soon, we had eaten and were snug in our tents with darkness enveloped all around, a pitch black night and bright stars above.

Next morning, we took off toward Dick's Gap with Kelly Knob in between....ouch! By noon, I could tell I was starting to get a hot spot again on my two small toes on the right foot. It had happened on our last trip. To prevent a blister, I stopped to treat it with moleskin and duct tape. With lunch at Addis Gap, we tackled Kelly Knob. Oh my...that hurt! On the other side, we hiked on with Putt-Putt really starting to struggle with her pack weight. Finally, at 5:30pm, I arrived at the Gap to face the 'man in the red truck'. A sign posted a ways back in the woods warned about a fella that lurks here trying to get folks in  his truck...then halfway to Hiawassee he drops the bomb that they need to pay up a big amount or else. I let him know right away, I had a ride, and prayed the shuttle from Haven Inn would show up! Thank goodness, it did within 10 minutes. Then I just needed Putt-Putt to arrive...she did in about 20 minutes. We arrived at the Haven Inn (not the Hilton ah 'em)[If my girls could see me now!]. Putt-Putt had a serious problem with the pack weight hurting her hips and was very concerned about her mother dealing with her step-fathers' recent medical issue. By the next morning, she had decided she just could not continue. I have to say, she doggedly worked through every issue beforehand with such determination and persistence. Putt-Putt my hat is off to you for trying so hard to make your dream happen!

With a heavy heart, and after shedding a few tears, TNT Java got on the shuttle bus back to Dick's Creek Gap without her partner. It seemed appropriate that the skies began to drip as well. The van was packed and as soon as it stopped and the door was opened, we poured out and began pulling packs out and getting geared up. Then we disappeared in the woods like ants scampering in the grass.The younger folks left me in the dust and I knew with the sad mood I was in, and with the rain, I would not make it to the campsite I originally intended for that day. I hiked 4.5 miles to Plum Orchard Shelter to find it was again full, but that was okay. I set up my tent, filtered water, and got all arranged right before it down poured. I slept like a baby despite the owls hooting and the coyotes howling! The tent was wet and messy with grime the next morning. Yuck.

I took off intending to make it to last least Muskrat Shelter (not a great name??). The mist left by the rain swirled all around and through the woods making it a little eerie, but I wasn't fearful, just adjusting to being completely alone. Strangely, it was peaceful. Passing Bly Gap made me very happy because I was leaving Georgia! A milestone- yes! By
2:30pm the day had turned beautiful (and re-doing my moleskin/duck taped toes again), I was at Muskrat Shelter but  knew that I had to push further after refilling on water. A good ole' Alabama man by the trail name Sipsey shared his already filtered water. Another man there was panning for something in the creek and he came over to show me a little baggie full of tiny rubies he had gleaned that day! I passed Whiteoak Stamp, Chunky Gal Trail, Wateroak Gap and, finally, descended the rocky Deep Gap trail. It was 5:20pm and I had to climb a little more to make it to Standing Indian Shelter. Almost to the shelter, I spied a lady I had seen before camped down by the creek and I decided it was a good spot for me, as well. Her trail name was Two Dogs- she had 2 dogs. It was a beautiful little place with gurgling water to keep me company (she was not inclined to talk). I had done a little more than 12 miles and was exhausted. Again, I slept good, but owls were busy hooting all night.

The next day, I took off about 9:20am intending to get to Carter Gap Shelter. I leap-frogged that day with Nitro Joe from California. Some gorgeous sights from Standing Indian! Nitro Joe complimented me and said I was a great hiker..that made me feel good. At one point, I knew he was somewhere behind me but I had to go...well, you know..nature was calling. I found a spot and hurriedly tried to get 'er done, but I rose up to find him standing a ways up the trail with his back turned. What a gentlemen! He even came down to help me get my pack back on. He then suggested to me we might share a room at the hotel in Franklin. Well, what could I say? He had seen  just about all there was so I said we just might. In the end, I stopped after 11+ miles at Betty Creek Gap and he went on up to Bearpen Gap after reminding me to look for him at the hotel. I found that Two Dogs was again at the same spot. And again, not wanting to be friendly. Betty Creek Gap is a misnomer...there is no creek to be found. It was a puddle full of leaves. I worked really hard to get 2 litres of water and was happy to get it.

When I arose the next morning determined to push on another 12.5 miles to get me to Winding Stair Gap. I wanted a hot bath, clean clothes, and real food! And between me and it was Bearpen Ridge Trail...not an easy ridge trail, and Albert Mountain. Let me tell you, that was some of the hardest climbing I have ever done. With a 30+ pound pack on my back, I had to throw my poles up several places and pull up with roots and rocks. Arriving at the firetower on top with such a sense, I wanted someone there to say 'yea!'. Instead, I had a quiet moment of happiness and enjoyed the view.

I was afraid I wouldn't get to Winding Stair Gap til after 5:30pm and wasn't sure if the shuttle would be there. So when I checked to see if I had a signal and found I did, I called Rusty to ask him to get one arranged. Then I headed for Big Spring Shelter, less than a mile away. I needed water.

When I arrived at the shelter, it was empty, but there was a colorful comforter there, along with a pillow case with things in it. I thought it strange, but headed on down to get water behind the shelter. I was there a good ten minutes before putting my pack back on and walking up past the shelter. Then, I got the surprise that changed everything- a man walked out of the woods and I immediately  had a bad feeling. He was over 6 foot, wearing a bright orange cotton shirt with green nylon pants. He walked quickly toward me as I moved back toward the trail and says:

'I saw you using your phone back there, let me use it.'.

'No, I replied. 'I have to get down the trail' and kept going towards it.

He continued towards me and said 'You need a man to help you carry that pack'.

I turned back, held up my hiking stick, and said 'You stay the hell away from me.'

'You'll be a lot friendlier at the next shelter', he yelled at me and laughed.

By now, I was almost running. He kept following at a distance for just a bit, but I kept on. After about 2 miles, my legs were like jello and I was shaking all over. I continued for 3.5 miles to Glassmine Gap and stopped to treat my toes. When another young man suddenly appeared on the trail, I almost screamed, but he went by so fast, I held it together while he vanished up the trail.

All the way up the next mountain and around the ridges, I knew I had a decision to make. Could I continue on the trail by myself? When I found myself passing by the parking spot for the Wasilak Poplar, I stopped realizing that Standing Indian Campground was nearby. Suddenly, a group of young people showed up and I felt such relief, I almost cried. The thirtyish man in charge asked me if I needed help and I said I did. I explained what had happened and he let me use his phone to call Rusty. I found out he was actually on his way there to pick me up (instead of arranging a shuttle!). This group stayed with me until Rusty got there...a little over an hour later.

After eating dinner and talking with Rusty, I knew it was absolute truth time. Would I be comfortable by myself on the trail again? It had been good. 99% of the people are fine. You have to be careful because you are in an environment where you are exposed to the elements, but there is such a challenge that you enjoy it. But then there are people like this man who ruin it for women like me who just want to get out there and do it. It makes me angry that a woman can't just feel free to do what most men would think nothing of choosing to do!

In the end, I knew I would be afraid. For someone like me that is a hard thing to say. I am fiercely independent -too much some would say. But I am not foolish. If I continued on, I felt that I would probably fall in with someone, man or woman, but until then I would be alone. Being alone made me a target. I had to make a hard choice and decided that for now, I will have to wait. One day, I will try once again to fulfill this dream.

Thank you friends and family for your encouragement and support. I hope I have not let any of you down, but rather inspire you do go after your own dreams.