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| Hiking | 11.30 Miles |
1,612 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.30 Miles | 7 Hrs 10 Mns | | 1.99 mph |
| 1,612 ft AEG | 1 Hour 30 Mns Break | 25 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | What a fun hike. I enjoyed it - I really did. But, unfortunately, I'm still not in good enough shape to finish it.
I decided to do this hike north to south - hoping the drop in elevation would help make the hike easier. It did, and it didn't. ;)
A special "Thanks" to my two daughters, we arrived at the northern end, on FR 300 - the Blue Ridge Trailhead, around 7:00am. It was cold and windy - about 45 degrees, but I knew I'd warm right up, once I got hiking. I quickly threw on my extra long-sleeved T-shirt, fanny pack, backpack (with 2 gals. of water and Gatorade), GPS, water bottle (for quick sips), and hiking poles.
The first part was VERY steep!  I really wouldn't want to hike up that trail. A couple hundred yards down from the top, there was a distinct trail heading off to the left (to the east), with signs signifying a hiking trail. The GPS track I was following went straight, but I remember seeing other tracks that showed switchbacks down in that area. I had no idea where that trail went, so I continued following the GPS track.
A ways further down the trail, I discovered where it went. There was a nice sign (for those hiking UP the trail) where a side trail to the railroad tunnel leaves/joins the AZT/Highline Trail. Ah, so that's what those switchbacks were. I remember seeing photosets of a railroad tunnel, but I don't recall anyone saying how they got there. I presumed they were right along the trail. Oh, well, a lesson learned.
During this first part, I crossed several streams, with lots of flowing water. I guess the storms we've had over the past month or two have built up the streams.
(After I post my geo-tagged photos and GPS track, I'm want to come back, and edit this triplog, and label the streams I crossed, and guesstimate how much water was flowing.)
The trail was very distinct, and the only time I lost it was in a couple meadows where the grass was growing waist-high, and I couldn't see the trail.
The trail was rockier than I expected it would be. That combined with the descents and climbs, made for a lousy pace. I didn't have near the speed I was hoping for.
By early afternoon, I knew I wasn't going to make it to the Pine Trailhead. Thankfully, parts of this segment has cell reception. I was able to contact my daughters, and have them meet me at the BSA Camp Geronimo crossing.
I kept plugging along, doing the best I could, and reached NF-440 road a little after 2:00pm
I finished the day with 1 gallon of water, and a quart of Gatorade left, along with most of my snacks. I was just too tired to eat.
A lesson learned. Hiking with a friend makes it MUCH easier to get a bottle of water from the backpack. Since I was by myself, I'd have to take off my gloves, hat, GPS, water bottle, fanny pack, sternum strap, and finally the backpack, just to refill the bottle, and get a drink. Then put it all back on, and resume hiking. Easily 5 minutes wasted. A friend would have reached the water in a few seconds. Next time, Gary, take a friend.
No blisters this trip!  I don't want to bog down this triplog with all my observations. I'll post them in the forum, and see what ya'll think of my "discovery".
I plan on finishing this segment in a few weeks. There's only about 7 miles left. A 900 foot high climb, but only 7 miles!
We saw an elk driving in - a first for my youngest daughter! She was impressed. Other than that, the only fauna I saw were birds, a few lizards, and a tiny, tiny horny toad! Ah, so cute! |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Light
A few scattered trees where showing a light gold or yellow. |
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