March 18 – 5 miles
Wow, what a day!! We started the day waking up to rain at 4:00am. We had set an alarm for 6:00am since we wanted to get over Blood Mountain by lunch time. The last forecast we heard was for severe thunderstorms late on Monday, so the rain surprised us. Soon after, we heard a women’s voice yelling “help, I’m lost!” . Before we could respond, Avocado told the women to come toward his tent. When we looked outside it was not only raining, but the fog was so thick you couldn’t see but a few feet in front of you. Avocado had set up his tent just a few feet from the trail so she just followed his voice and he took care of her. Apparently, “Baggins” ( a petite 60 yr old women from New Hampshire) packed up her camp before the rain and the when she came down into our gap the fog had disoriented her.
So, we went back to sleep and woke up at 6:00am to still rain. It was a little tricky, but we had to pack up. Leap took off confidently with his head lamp into the woods to find our bear bags that he had hung so expertly yesterday. Our “glow in the dark” rope didn’t glow so much in the rain and Leap got disoriented in the woods since it was still dark and foggy. Avocado came to the rescue again (unintentionally this time) and turned on his head lamp in his tent. Leap said it was like a lighthouse and with much relief he was able to find the bags and make it back to the tent!
We were proud of our rain packing skills and were on the trail by 7:45am to tackle the infamous Blood Mountain. It was a 2.4 mile climb up to 4461 ft elevation. We climbed in 40 degree rain, but what surprised me was how much easier it was then Sassafras Mountain that drained us just a few days ago. We are getting stronger!!
At the top of Blood Mountain is one of the oldest shelters on the AT built in 1934. It’s at the summit and built of stone from the mountain. It has windows and a fireplace and a very special vibe. Lots of hikers were hanging out in the shelter chatting, resting, and getting ready for the climb down. We took lots of pictures as did everyone else. We were a little disappointed since we knew the view on a clear day had to be incredible. Couldn’t stay too long because of the cold wind whipping thru the windows of the shelter and knowing storms were on their way. We were on top of a very tall mountain in the clouds!
We took off to start the 2.4 mile hike straight down the mountain into Neel Gap to beat the weather. We had made reservations for a cabin at the bottom with a fireplace! Couldn’t wait to get dry and warm.
Imagine hiking in the rain and fog with 25 pounds on your back straight down a mountain. The path was very rocky and steep and many times I had to sit to get down to the next level. Needless to say, it took us a long time to get down. I found myself giggling several times because despite the rain, mud and torture to my knees, I was having fun! I can’t remember having this much fun in a long time. How blessed we are to be here!
At the top of the mountain, we met three Eagle Scouts who stayed on the mountain last night. They had bear canisters and were prepared for the weather but they had a little unexpected excitement. They had gone into the woods for firewood and met up with two bear cubs and their momma. I asked them what they did and they responded “we hustled back to camp, put everything in canisters and huddled in a tent all night trying not to seem threatening”. Better them than me! We saw some fairly fresh bear scat, but no bears. Some other hikers stated they came across a women resting on the trail with her bear canister open, eating a snack. As they approached her, they heard some rustling and snorting fairly close by and turned to see a bear who looked like he wanted a snack, too. They said they told her “close the canister, don’t ask questions, just come with us”. The bear went the other way. Later, we learned the lady was Baggins, the same lady that was lost this morning!
Made it into Neel Gap which is a popular place with hikers. When you get there, the first thing you see is a tree with hundreds of old hikers boots and shoes hanging from the branches. There is an outfitter that will give you a pack shakedown and tell you how you can save weight. They were too busy today so we planned to go back in the morning. Met a couple hikers “50/50″ from Florida and “Great Legs” from Connecticut who needed a place for the night so we shared the cabin with 50/50 and Great Legs shared with Avocado. We had a great time as I iced my knee and rested our tired legs. We built a fire, made speghetti and shared trail stories. 50/50 had a pack shake down and ended up saving a few pounds. His feet were rough with several blisters so he was fitted for another pair of shoes one and a half sizes bigger! He is hoping for some relief.
Went to bed as it stormed all around us. Thankful for our health, new friends and safe, warm bed! Thanks for all the prayers…they are working!
The picture of the younger fella below is Avocado and the other is 50/50.
