OmPi's Adventures

I woke up and broke camp, in the last 3 days I've already shaved 30 minutes off my breaking camp routine getting it down from 75 minutes to about 45. As everyone began to rise and make breakfast I put the last of my items in my pack and started to make my way toward Blood mountain. We had a few good climbs that day with the first descent leading us into Jarrard gap.

The forestry department has deemed that the area between Jarrard gap and Neel gap needs some natural rejuvenation which led them to prohibit camp fires. There has also been an issue with bear and human interactions in the area so they have also made it a requirement to store all food and scented items in a bear canister not just follow basic bear bagging principles.

(Photo bear sign.)

So this has resulted in few people actually camping in this section of the AT as it is just easier, lighter and less burdensome to hike just before the boundary and camp then like all of us just hike through the area the next day.

This section of the AT was especially beautiful and with the heavy mist that was setting thick upon the trail it made for a very unique hiking experience.

(Video)

All the way up the trail felt like I was in a JR Tolkien book. The trees had all their own personalities.

(Photos)

At the foot of blood mountain was a turn in the trail at a small stream I realized where I was and decided now was as good a time as ever to enjoy my snickers a few bites of trail mix and refill my water supply. Whole enjoying my rest and photographing the mist and trees I heard and sound when up came Jay "the writer." We chatted a bit and I let him know our location and he decided to also power up. Cole followed and before you knew it the whole camp was resting at the base of the mountain except for Nadine who blasted right by and was ready to reach the top of the mountain. I followed after her and the ascent through various switchbacks lead us on a nice incline up up up. Before I knew it we were passing into an open rock Vista with a stone shelter right beside.

While the view from the top was limited by the fog the experience was still as magical as ever.

(Photo at shelter / video)

I took a moment to review the shelter log and write a short entry before beginning the descent. It wasn't long before the youngster hikers trekked right by leaving Jay the Writer and I in the dust. It was alright though as we had some great conversation on the way down.

(Photo stone)

The descent was a tough one with blazes painted on rocks trees so that hikers paid attention to their step rather than looking up and around for the next blaze. Though slow going we made our way to the bottom and into mountain crossings outfitter. I have to say I was less than impressed with the reception but maybe I had built up my expectations too high.

The renown tree of shoes where SOBO'S (southbound) hikers and NOBO (northbound) would-be hikers leave their shoes if they give up or get a big upgrade in the outfitter. I opted for the Blood Mountain Cabins tonight over the Mountain Crossings Hostel and decided it would be a good day for a zero as well since we were anticipating rain this evening and tomorrow. I collected a few people and headed over to secure our spot.

(Photo cabins)

When we arrived we were welcomed with cheerful greeting, hot pizza and a small resupply. Yes I'm very glad I chose Blood mountain Cabins. Thanks Bat for the heads-up.

We settled in ordered a freshly made pizza from Trish the owner of the cabins and enjoyed a cola. Their pizza is a steal at $10 with unlimited toppings and discounted add on like chicken wings. Um, yes please. Anyway we settled in dropped our laundry off at the office, yes they do your laundry, no it doesn't cost extra and all began to wash the wilderness off.

I picked up a few things for breakfast (eggs, biscuits and gravy) so I could send those who were not staying for a zero off with a bang in the morning.

We settled in for the night with a giant bowl of soup from kris and starfish's food bag and got a nice little fire going in the fireplace. We talked, lives, how good it is to be warm, clean and laundered. Soon hiker midnight came and we headed to bed.

(Photo)

OmPi ( ॐ π )