"Beans, here!"
Back on the (virtual) AT after
several Zero Days
in Gatlinsburg.
Well rested
Cameled up
(...which is just trailese for drinking loads of water before starting out)
Well FED
OMG the Holiday Food.
And ( best of all)
Well Bathed.
And our goal for today!
An impossible 260 miles
to the Virginia-Tennessee State Line
In hiking days
that would be
no less than 11 days
and it some cases many more.
But this is Virtual...and we have miles and months to go
before we reach the Summit
in Maine
so
let's
go!
Since fresh fruits and veggies are
almost impossible to carry
in
I have gorged on fresh stuff
while off the trail.
Including breakfast.
This morning we will be taking Boulevard Trail
Trail Leaving Charlie's Bunion
Before our trek is done for the day we will feel like Mountain Goats on this steep trail!
The trail to and from Charlie's Bunion is said to offer some of the most spectacular views of The Smoky Mountains.
Charlies Bunion Hike
https://youtu.be/tBD6zRYMKc8
Across Porter's Gap
and the Sawtooth Mountain Ridge
Taking some time to relax and enjoy being over the top of clouds at Bradley's View
And stumbling upon Peck's Corner Shelter hidden back a bit.
The Hike from Newfound Gap to Peck's Corner (Taken in March)
https://youtu.be/Zcz5bpAD6PM
We will climb Mt. Sequoyah [sic] and Mt. Chapman
Mt. Sequoyah
and the hike through its woods.
Mt. Chapman
The best part about Tri-Corner Knob Shelter...especially if you find yourself overnighting here... is the addition of bear boxes several hundred yards from the sleeping area...where all food packs/bags can be stowed safely and easily.
These boxes are much easier than tossing (and retrieving) your bear bag from a tree.
Onward to Snake Den Ridge
A beautiful spot...an oasis in the midst of these mountains.
Speaking of snakes...you don't want to plunge your hands back in any of the cool rocky crevasses on the Appalachian Trail...
Rattlesnakes
and Copperheads
Tend to be thru-hikers (well...live here) too.
Given enough time and space they will move out of your way...but they won't be rushed into it.
A bite from either of these can be fatal...and at the very least will stop your trek for a long recovery time.
Smart hikers carry anti-venom kits.
You will see many non-poisonous snakes on the trail, too.
Garters
Black Kingsnakes
And my personal favorite...The Black Rat Snake
Non-poisonous...although they can give a nasty nip when annoyed. I have seen these over 7 feet long!
They are beautiful...and so glossy black they appear blue-green in the sunshine.
Upward (again) to Cosby Knob Shelter
With a short side hike to Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower and Observation Tower (0.6 miles)
View
Cosby Creek Trail to Mount Cammerer Observation- Excellent Video of the Hike
https://youtu.be/TMuH_nBoBgI
(and at 8:57 there is a great encounter with a Timber Rattlesnake)
and back down to to wonderful mossy Davenport Gap Shelter where we will stop for tonight.
The front of which is also equipped with bear fencing.
Making the hike from Mt. Cammerer to Davenport Gap
https://youtu.be/EOyzorxwnmU
and we have reached the end of the Smoky Mountains!
Settling in to make dinner!
Love,
"Beans"
