We have changed our philosophy about hiking, and for the better. As usual, I had charted an ambitious course for us with a linear progression. In this part of Tennessee, vandalism of cars left by AT hikers is sadly common so parking security is important as well as is ferrying back to the beginning part of the hike.
My plan was from Carver's Gap at Roan Mountain to Dennis Cove - about 40 miles. Since we don't backpack frequently enough (why? why?) we bring too much and have heavy packs - probably over 40 pounds. The weight and our ages make for slow going. Our first full day we went only about 8 miles with many ascents and descents and were whipped. I had though we could average 10 miles a day. But it's about the journey, Kent. For once it's not about accomplishment. Also my dream was to return to Roan Mountain in June as a touchstone to a fond and happy memory.
Since we passed through Roan on the first day beginning our hike at 7 PM we were intent on finding a campsite as opposed to savoring the beauty. So we are going to backtrack now and move at a pace we can enjoy. We will call Laurel Folk Lodge where we park the car (for $1 a day) to request a pick up on Wednesday or Thursday. I'm looking forward to going back and possibly leaving our gear in the camp to hike unencumbered.
We found a quiet spot deep in the woods full of sweet smelling white flowers that look like giant Queen Anne's Lace. We pitched the tent right beside a tree with a low hanging limb. That limb became a wonderful rack for damp bandannas and my favorite small votive camp candle. As I began the soup for the evening, I enjoyed some nips of my Amontillado and felt raindrops. We pulled the stove under the "vestibule" and continued to cook, snug in our tent.
The night was quiet and we had no animals which is good because we kept the food in the tent that night.
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