Daily Diaries (9/1/10 - 9/3/10)

Date:  9/1/10
Trail Section:  Walnut Mtn. Rd. - Dennis Cove
Distance:  14.0 miles

The day starts out cool, it is feeling a lot like fall.  Even some of the leaves are calling it fall and changing colors, then falling.  This was a good day for a hike.  It was a long hike with the only drawback being the long descent from the top.  This was hard on the feet and legs.

There were few good views however, as most of the walk was tree covered.  We did have a critter encounter today.  The critter was a little brown snake.  It thought its camouflage was good enough that it could not be seen.  It just lay in the trail very still, and did not move while we were there.

In addition, the cold soda that we got at end of the day from a gas station was pretty fantastic.

Fall leaves

Small snake (he thinks we don't see it!)

Date:  9/2/10
Trail Section:  Dennis Cove - Wilbur Dam Rd.
Distance:  13.1 miles
 
The drive out to where we park the return vehicle at Watauga Lake was beautiful.  Lots of red barns, cows, pasture land and the river.  The trail on the other hand offered some wicked climbing into the river’s gorge, followed with an 1800 foot climb out, followed by another long descent.


The critter encounter today was a large spider that decided it did not want its picture taken so it hid in a hole before I could get the camera out.


We had snacks by a pretty Watauga Lake.  We then crossed our second dam on the AT.  The downside to being near the lake was that there was no breeze.  This coupled with reflections off the lake made it warm.


All in all it was another great day of hiking.

Rural scene

Camera-shy spider's web

Watauga Lake

 

Date:  9/3/10
Trail Section:  Low Gap (Shady Valley) - Tenn. 91
Distance:  6.5 miles

Today we opted for a short day and easy day.  The critter encounter today was a fast-moving tortoise on its through-hike from Low Gap to Tenn. 91; hopes to make it before the first snow (all 6.5 miles).  Near the end of this hike we came across a section of the trail that has been set up to accept wheelchairs so that everyone can enjoy the AT.


Along the way we met another hiker who informed us of an ice chest left by trail angels that had soda and candy in it.  The ice chest was just out of view from the public on the trail just beyond where we parked.  We did not partake because we had our own; but it still makes me feel good knowing that these people (Trail Angels) are still out there. A great way to end the day.
 
 

View at the start of today's hike

Tortoise

Wheelchair accessible portion of the trail