Monday, July 8, 2019

Virtual AT: Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap Shelter



 "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

Up past Icewater Shelter

And Charlie's Bunion







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

To the Tri-Corner Knob Shelter






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

(...who lack rattles, fangs or venom...but do a fairly decent rattlesnake noise by wiggling the end of their tail rapidly in the underbrush...and scare the hell out of you until you see them...)

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"