Saturday, November 7, 2020

Georgia Hiking Trip - Day 6

After wearing myself out yesterday, I had to think long and hard about the route for today.  One option was to Backpack (out and back) the entire ~12 miles I had left in the area and camp overnight when I didn’t complete the backtrack before dark.  Another option was to Backpack via the 25 mile “Kimsey Loop”, which would limit me to only one ascent of Standing Indian Mountain (5.5k’) but would require more distance.  I chose a third alternative: a day hike with light pack and two climbs of the mountain.  Hoped this would allow me to go faster, minimize the distance and eliminate the camping.  Slept a bit later than normal but still managed to leave the hotel by 0730.  Got breakfast in Franklin at McDonalds (0745) and then drove west on US-64.  Used the narrow, treacherous USFS-71 to reach the AT trailhead and was parked by 0830.  My “early bird” behavior paid off - the main lot was already full but there was room in the overflow.  Headed NOBO and immediately started a 1500 foot climb.  The temps were in the 40s, initially, and I stuck with a short sleeved shirt, since sun and 70s was forecasted.  Within an hour, though, it was clear that the weather-guessers were wrong - I found myself in an actual cloud (with rain!) when I passed 5000 feet!  I soon realized then that I’d forgotten my poncho when I repacked light...  Visibility was very low - this was disappointing, since the reward for climbing a mile high peak is usually the view.  On the plus side, I was pleasantly surprised by the many long switchbacks that took me uphill - the “AWOL” guide had made me think I’d be on steep terrain but it was rather gradual.  I only saw two people (backpacking couple) during this climb and they reported that the weather got worse near the summit.  This ended up being true so I raced past the sign on top and tried to get back out of the cloud.  There were more long switchbacks on the way down the east side of Standing Indian, so it took a while to get dry.  When I could see farther than 100 feet again, I encountered three hikers - two of them were guys I’d passed yesterday (they’d swapped out a friend).  They told me how much the climb after I’d seen them 24 hours previously had sucked (again validating my decision to hike downhill).  We swapped stories about the trail and it was nice to hear about their pursuit of the same goal (section hike the AT).  Small World: one guy was a ND NROTC alum - we didn’t know each other previously but had some mutual friends.  After we talked for a while, the guys told me they weren’t ready to go yet.  So I said goodbye for the moment, knowing I’d see them again when I turned around.  On the way downhill, I passed several more people (most resting at Beech Gap) and noticed more familiar faces from yesterday’s hike.  I kept going until I reached what looked like a prominent landmark - there was a stream noted in my trail guide and I wondered if it was the correct one.  Because I wasn’t sure and felt good, I decided to keep going - and soon found another stream!  Confused, I asked for help from hikers coming up behind me.  It took five of us, all comparing guides, GPS coordinates and pedometers, to determine that I’d reached my target.  It was actually fun to work as a team and I (once again) wished I was going with the crowd as they waved goodbye and headed north.  Maybe I’ll see them again tomorrow...  Soberly, I walked back towards my car and started encountering even MORE people - most were serious backpackers (including some I’d seen the day before) but there were also a few day hikers with no gear.  This was probably because the weather had improved significantly and the views were already amazing (I shuddered to think about how full the parking lot must be).  My climb went quite well - I never got winded and my energy level was consistent throughout.  About the only thing that made the day difficult was the number of rocks near the peak.  Due to a crowd at the summit, I skipped the vista and started downhill again - found a better viewpoint about a half mile later and marveled at how different the conditions were.  The sun never really came out but it was drier and warmer (low 60s).  The downhill went quickly - my pedometer was screwed up again (it’s usually been really good but has sucked two days in a row) and I really didn’t know how far I had left until I passed a shelter (one mile from the car).  Passed even MORE people and was really glad I was almost done!  When I reached the car at 1400 (after almost 13 miles), I found the overflow parking lot packed with cars.  Overall, I probably encountered 40-50 other humans during my hike (booo)!  Conversely, I realized that I haven’t seen any animals (not even squirrels) in three days - perhaps they are all hiding from the visitors (or hunters)...  Got on the road immediately and encountered several cars on the way down the mountain.  Drove back to Franklin and got a huge feast from Bojangles (1455).  Checked back into the Hilltop Inn (1500) and spent some quality time soaking in the tub.  Talked to Mollie on the phone for a bit.  Ate dinner in my room and then spent the rest of the evening resting and reading.  Felt pretty good after getting more AT miles and am positioned to complete my last section south of Great Smoky Mountains NP (hopefully tomorrow).  Headed to sleep by 2300, looking forward to a good night's rest on a soft bed!  AT Today = 6.4 miles / G.T. AT = 1750.2 miles