Today's journey along the Appalachian Trail was a tale of two mountains, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Let's dive into the story of Day 137, a day that began with a well-deserved rest and ended with a challenging climb and a stealthy campsite.
A Rainy Morning's Rest
Waking up after a peaceful night's sleep, I savored the luxury of a late start. The rain provided a soothing backdrop, lulling me back to sleep a few times. It was a welcome change from the usual early morning hikes. As I listened to the raindrops, I caught up on some much-needed rest and even managed to get some blog notes in order. A perfect way to ease into the day, especially knowing we had a shorter distance to cover.
Creek Crossings and a Steep Descent
The hike began with a steep descent, a real test of balance and agility. We stopped to refill our water supplies, a crucial task on a hot and humid day. Meeting up with Bucky along the way added a social element to the journey, a nice break from the solitude of the trail. The creek crossing, despite the recent rains, was manageable with some careful rock hopping. It's fascinating how these natural obstacles can present different challenges depending on the weather conditions.
Moody Mountain: A Steep Climb and a Muddy Fall
Moody Mountain lived up to its name with a steep and challenging climb. The first half was a real test of endurance, with rock stairs and sloped slabs adding to the difficulty. I must admit, the metal rebar rung ladders were a unique and somewhat thrilling feature. At the summit, the view was non-existent, a common occurrence on these forested trails. The descent, however, was a welcome relief, although a muddy patch did catch me off guard, resulting in a slippery fall. A reminder of the importance of staying alert, even on familiar terrain.
Trail Magic and a Revised Goal
Arriving at the road crossing, we were greeted by a delightful surprise - Trail Magic hosted by Patriot. Breakfast pizza, drinks, and candy - a hiker's dream! I indulged in a couple of slices, a Coke, and some candy, a much-needed energy boost. The conversation with other hikers and Patriot was a great way to recharge both physically and mentally. As we prepared to move on, we helped Patriot pack up, and along came Mantis and Tortoise. A beer offer from Tortoise was hard to refuse, and we spent some time chatting and relaxing. However, the clock was ticking, and with a revised goal of a stealth site 6 miles away, we had to get moving.
Old Blue Mountain: A Soaking Climb
The climb up Old Blue Mountain was a real sweat-inducing affair, with an elevation gain of 2200 feet over a relatively short distance. The views from the top were worth the effort, offering a glimpse of the valley and South Arm Road. The descent was a welcome relief, although the trail was wet and muddy, creating some impressive mud pits. A couple of water sources had started flowing again, providing a refreshing opportunity to refill.
A Stealthy Campsite and a Headlamp Lesson
As darkness approached, I realized I should have grabbed my headlamp earlier. The last mile was a rocky and rooty challenge, a real test of navigation in the fading light. Finally reaching Birdie's tent, I set up camp and enjoyed a well-deserved dinner. A lesson learned - always be prepared for the unexpected, especially when hiking in the great outdoors.
Day 137 Stats
- Distance: 10.1 miles
- Ascent: 4,268 feet
- Descent: 3,586 feet
- Location: Hall Mountain Lean-to to Stealth Site
- DSLC: 29
- Stove Uses: 14
A challenging yet rewarding day, Day 137 showcased the beauty and unpredictability of the Appalachian Trail. From creek crossings to steep climbs and unexpected trail magic, it was a day filled with adventure and learning experiences. Personally, I think these challenges are what make hiking the AT so captivating and memorable.
