For long I was rattled by the thought of going to the mountains alone especially in the winter. Finally the plan came through, though I wouldn't say the trip was successful, nevertheless a exciting start to a number of hikes to come along.
The idea was to find a trail which would be less visited in the month of January. I decided I must visit the Smokey Mountains again and choose the trails in the North Carolina region where it is not so 'touristy'.
I have been gathering some nice equipments and hiking gear for some time now. However, call to the ranger station made me realize that I still lack many of the vital gear. On the day before the hike, I made a small trip to REI Store to get some crampons, and gaiters - vital for negotiating snow of more than a feet deep. I was to expect snow over 4 feet on the higher altitudes. Little intimidated, but high on spirits I decided to take my chances.
So, I set out for a 3 hour journey to the trail head, just next to the Twentymile Creek and Cheoah Lake near Fontana Dam. The day looked fine with a good temperature of almost 0 Deg Celsius and a slight cloud cover.. The forecast for the next two days was positive,, high in the 10 Deg C range and lows in the -3 to -5 Deg C.
The first section was relatively easy. The trail was wide and rand along the stream with many crossovers. To my pleasure, I had a nice company for the initial mile and a half. Having the mutt around, made the initial feeling of loneliness away, but as the snow started appearing, I was forced to get away from him.
The hike to camp 92 was fast. I reached mid day and had sufficient time of sunlight left to set up camp, start fire and later read a nice Ken Follet novel eating, drinking and keeping warm next to fire.
I quickly started my work, had my tent up & ready, gathered some fire wood for the cold night and made my stove ready. The hardest part was to get the fire started... for 3 hours I struggled. The wood was wet and cold. The fire wouldn't sustain. I tried hard and when I was almost getting to give up on the fire, I heard the crackling and hissing sound of the sticks burning. My excitement was doubled. Gave a feeling of achievement... quickly I made my noodles with chicken. I enjoyed the meal with the sun going down and darkness creeping in. The sky was clear and I was rewarded by a glittering sky...
I enjoyed the nightfall with a nice drink. The combination of a good fire and a nice scotch has a great deal of warmth.... for time I thought of walking around and trying out a little night hike... but this camp was in between two streams of water... and I would not want to risk my feet getting wet in the cold night...and dim lights.. so retired into the warmth of the tent and sleeping bag...
For me, the night was difficult. When you alone, you wish you have visitors! but not tonight.. I wouldn't want my old friends - bears and coyotes to pay me a visit. Though there is nothing to fear, your mind wonders about what if just if someone stroll by!!!
By the day's break, I was up and ready to prepare my breakfast... with a chilling cold around the boiled eggs and some fruits did make a nice breakfast... I enjoyed the lovely morning air.... today I had to gain altitude of more than 1500 - 2000 feet in a distance of less than 2 miles.
The steep hike with a tired night and a heavy backpack, looked treacherous. And to my disadvantage, I slipped on the first creek crossing and my left leg was completely immersed under water. The chill was unbearable. For few minutes I couldn't move my toes or feel anything around my left feet... But enjoying the nice sun and a view of the blue ridge mountains I was up to the top by noon. By this time, I was walking in 2 - 3 feet of snow and also guessing the way... the trail had no markers ... with a 3 feet snow blanket it is difficult to identify the trail.. so after couple of hours of walking in the deep snow, I decided to turn back. I fought with thoughts of continuing rather hard.
I was determined to continue and reach camp 13, but turning back made more sense. Also, my left wet foot was chilled to the limit...
I wanted to see if my cell phone was working and if I could call someone... as soon as I switched it on, my pal Uday called and was boosting of his current state --- lying on warm sand at Kalingud beach in Goa, India... that moment Goa seemed so attractive not to mention the company of friends was a welcoming thought... but thoughts had to wait... I had 10 miles of more hiking to get to safety. Time was critical.. I made another important call after that, and started descending as fast as I could.
Just before evening, I was back to the trail head, almost tears in my eyes.. my feet were hurting bad. I realized I need to get back in shape...
All the way down, my thoughts kept returning to the top ! I wanted to continue.. see what would happen. May be I will try again before winter ends this year. In the warm comfort of the car, I long the hardships of making the fire to keep me warm... it is amazing how people in the old days would have traveled and hiked through the continent, with no idea of what to expect!!!
The idea was to find a trail which would be less visited in the month of January. I decided I must visit the Smokey Mountains again and choose the trails in the North Carolina region where it is not so 'touristy'.
 |
| Trail map, map snapshot taken from map printed by Smoky Mountain NPS |
I have been gathering some nice equipments and hiking gear for some time now. However, call to the ranger station made me realize that I still lack many of the vital gear. On the day before the hike, I made a small trip to REI Store to get some crampons, and gaiters - vital for negotiating snow of more than a feet deep. I was to expect snow over 4 feet on the higher altitudes. Little intimidated, but high on spirits I decided to take my chances.
 | |
| Me, ready to kick start |
 |
| First few hours of companionship |
The first section was relatively easy. The trail was wide and rand along the stream with many crossovers. To my pleasure, I had a nice company for the initial mile and a half. Having the mutt around, made the initial feeling of loneliness away, but as the snow started appearing, I was forced to get away from him.
The hike to camp 92 was fast. I reached mid day and had sufficient time of sunlight left to set up camp, start fire and later read a nice Ken Follet novel eating, drinking and keeping warm next to fire.
I quickly started my work, had my tent up & ready, gathered some fire wood for the cold night and made my stove ready. The hardest part was to get the fire started... for 3 hours I struggled. The wood was wet and cold. The fire wouldn't sustain. I tried hard and when I was almost getting to give up on the fire, I heard the crackling and hissing sound of the sticks burning. My excitement was doubled. Gave a feeling of achievement... quickly I made my noodles with chicken. I enjoyed the meal with the sun going down and darkness creeping in. The sky was clear and I was rewarded by a glittering sky...
I enjoyed the nightfall with a nice drink. The combination of a good fire and a nice scotch has a great deal of warmth.... for time I thought of walking around and trying out a little night hike... but this camp was in between two streams of water... and I would not want to risk my feet getting wet in the cold night...and dim lights.. so retired into the warmth of the tent and sleeping bag...
For me, the night was difficult. When you alone, you wish you have visitors! but not tonight.. I wouldn't want my old friends - bears and coyotes to pay me a visit. Though there is nothing to fear, your mind wonders about what if just if someone stroll by!!!
By the day's break, I was up and ready to prepare my breakfast... with a chilling cold around the boiled eggs and some fruits did make a nice breakfast... I enjoyed the lovely morning air.... today I had to gain altitude of more than 1500 - 2000 feet in a distance of less than 2 miles.
The steep hike with a tired night and a heavy backpack, looked treacherous. And to my disadvantage, I slipped on the first creek crossing and my left leg was completely immersed under water. The chill was unbearable. For few minutes I couldn't move my toes or feel anything around my left feet... But enjoying the nice sun and a view of the blue ridge mountains I was up to the top by noon. By this time, I was walking in 2 - 3 feet of snow and also guessing the way... the trail had no markers ... with a 3 feet snow blanket it is difficult to identify the trail.. so after couple of hours of walking in the deep snow, I decided to turn back. I fought with thoughts of continuing rather hard.
I was determined to continue and reach camp 13, but turning back made more sense. Also, my left wet foot was chilled to the limit... 
I wanted to see if my cell phone was working and if I could call someone... as soon as I switched it on, my pal Uday called and was boosting of his current state --- lying on warm sand at Kalingud beach in Goa, India... that moment Goa seemed so attractive not to mention the company of friends was a welcoming thought... but thoughts had to wait... I had 10 miles of more hiking to get to safety. Time was critical.. I made another important call after that, and started descending as fast as I could. 
Just before evening, I was back to the trail head, almost tears in my eyes.. my feet were hurting bad. I realized I need to get back in shape...
All the way down, my thoughts kept returning to the top ! I wanted to continue.. see what would happen. May be I will try again before winter ends this year. In the warm comfort of the car, I long the hardships of making the fire to keep me warm... it is amazing how people in the old days would have traveled and hiked through the continent, with no idea of what to expect!!!
Good job .. keep hiking and keep writing ..!!
ReplyDelete