Psalms 121 - 150
Little Hump Mountain campsite to Mountaineer Falls campsite- 16.3 miles hiked - 403.9 AT miles hiked to date.
The day broke clear and cool again today with temps in the mid 30s at sun up. I got up early today, just before sunrise, and enjoyed another stunning dawn. Pictures just can’t convey the real life beauty of God’s creation, viewed live.
I did notice right away that my left knee was conveying it’s displeasure at my putting it to work so early. Apparently my impromptu IceCapades audition yesterday left me with some temporary consequences to deal with today. After dosing with a multi vitamin and some vitamin I, I packed up early and was hiking by 7:15, my earliest start yet. With the climb up Big Hump mountain looming, I wanted to get a head start on Rick, with his significantly faster pace.
What incredible views as I crested Big Hump, with the lack of trees at that altitude offering sweeping vistas for miles in all directions. Again, mere words or pictures don’t do justice to the incredible beauty of this part of the country.
By mid morning, the climbing was done and the rolling ridge line and gradual descents took me to the final crossing into Tennessee. No more cross crossing the NC/TN line, as we’d only be hiking through Tennessee until we reached the Virginia border in several more days. Rick caught up with me there and headed on, planning to meet up at the hwy 19 road crossing, where we’d head to the Mountain Harbour Hostel in search of potential replacement equipment. By then, my knee pain had evaporated.
We reached the road by 11 and hiked the 3/10 of a mile to the hostel. A beautiful spot, also equipped as a B&B for those high falooten city slickers too snooty to stay in a hostel. Unfortunately, their store was bare bones as far as a true outfitter and we were unable to secure any new gear. I did grab a few sodas and some candy at the store. We ate lunch at the thru hiker picnic area, which also included outlets to recharge electronics. After stamping our passports, we moved on.
The afternoon included some of the best hiking yet through meadows, beside rivers and streams, and even by waterfalls. Stopping to admire the Jones Falls, I replenished my water, while taking some shots of the falls.
We also passed another milestone in the afternoon, hitting the 400 mile mark late in the afternoon. Only 1789 miles left.
We arrived at our destination around 5, a campsite just short of Mountaineer Falls, and set up for the night. No cell service here, so this likely won’t post for another day or two. Tomorrow we are shooting for 18 miles, which will put us in striking distance of Hampton TN on Wednesday morning, where there should be some packages awaiting us at the post office.
Until next time...
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