Day 25, Wednesday March 24, 2021

      

2 Kings 1 - 25

Roaring Fork Shelter campsite to Deer Park Mountain Shelter campsite - 14.9 miles hiked - 271.7 total AT miles hiked. 1921 or so miles left to go.

Woke up this morning to a wet camp as we got overnight rain.  The rain had stopped by the time we arose, and the tent was soaked on the outside.  Fortunately everything inside was perfectly dry.  I am really growing to appreciate this REI Flash 2 tent.

After retrieving our bear bags from the bear cables (food is hung every night to discourage the local bears from seeking out food in tents or the shelter), we packed up and headed out.  A beautiful day for hiking, sunny with temps mostly in the sixties.  

The day’s hike began with two significant mountains to crest, first  the smaller (Walnut mountain) followed by the more significant Bluff Mountain.  As we reached the top of Bluff at lunch time, we found  a nice rocky outcropping to sit and eat.  We were joined there by Der De Dos, a 70 year old through hiker doing the trail for the 2nd time.  He apparently has quite a You Tube following as he is chronicling his trip.  He took some video of us to post to his site.  I’ll have to look it up when I have WiFi access.  I was able to FaceTime with family (including my 2 oldest granddaughters) as there was decent reception on top of the mountain.

After lunch the rest of the afternoon was mostly spent on a gradual downhill for about 7 miles into the next shelter. A leisurely afternoon enjoying the pleasant weather and scenic views.

Arrived at the campsite around 4:15, and set up camp.  Blizzard was already there, who we had shared a ride into Gatlinburg last week.  Also met a woman who had been hiking 2 weeks longer than we had (started 2/15), and was doubtful she’d be able to complete the trek before they shut down Khatadin for the winter.

After dinner, another FaceTime- this time with my other granddaughter (and her parents), before calling it a night.

Tomorrow will be a short day as we head into Hot Springs NC, with plans to possibly stay the night.

Until next time...