 | |||
 |
Journal Entry: 13 June, 1994
Whip up some instant Italian Cappuccino & we're digging in. Clean up, pump 4 liters of water, pack up and hit the trail. We've scrounged a couple of natural hiking sticks that are just the ticket for this trip -- they make crossing the creeks much more quick & safe. We've 7 or 8 fords to make today (actually becomes 10 when we cross Slickrock Creek and accidentally follow a fisherman's trail for a while. We re-ford, locate the hiking route, and move on). Shortly before reaching Wildcat Falls, we meet our first humanity: a guy, a girl, and 2 dogs. One was a Collie, who forded the stream and promptly shook all over me when he reached us. The other dog was a little yipper that they carried over the water. After the usual hiker small-talk we moved our separate ways. After taking a light lunch & rest on a large, sun-baked rock near a small set of falls along the NC/TN border, I busted my ass on (of all things) a slick rock.
Wildcat Falls was pretty, but popular. Three people were swimming in the catchpool above the lower falls, spoiling our view of the upper falls. One guy was evidently psycho & kept diving headfirst from the rocks along the bank into the water. I guess he'd checked it out -- he didn't have any trouble. I shot a couple of frames and we moved on. As we approached the ford at the top of the falls, GI Joe appeared and just cruised across the creek in his genuine combat boots. Obviously well supplied from his local Army Surplus Store, down to the Ka-Bar knife hanging in a sheath strapped upside down across the front of his pack. He was followed immediately by GI Joe Junior, who slipped and nearly went body-surfing down Wildcat Falls. He recovered nicely (receiving a 5.2 from the East German judge) and made it across. After our own crossing, we met a group of undercover Boy Sprouts, headed for the falls. One Sprout had a Pot O' Bread, and that's good eatin'! We had no problems with any of the fords today, and reached our destination by 2:30. Thunder was rumbling in the distance, but it was really too soon to stop, so on we went. We didn't make anymore "wet" fords, though the trail rock-hopped several small brooks. Eem felt raindrops fallin' on his head (they keep fallin') soon after jumping Buckeye Branch, and so he found a great campsite and we quickly set up the tent. Not a moment too soon, either. It began to rain; not heavily, but a steady shower. A large old hemlock sheltered a portion of the area we were in, and it was mostly dry under the canopy. We cruised back to Buckeye Branch to replenish our water bottles, and upon returning, Eem took a nap. At 6 pm we decided to make dinner -- "Chicken Stir Fry:"
By now, the rain had stopped & we saw a bit o' blue sky. Hopefully, the Rain Gods will have pity on us and we'll hike rain-free again. After a trying time with the food-bag line (Eem's not exactly the Batman when it comes to tossing a line...) we head to the tent. Tomorrow we'll try to get to Naked Ground, and if time & weather permit, we'll bag Bob. outside || previous || next
|
|
|
 | |||
e get up about 7 am after a pleasant, cool night. Breakfast is in order, and "Scrambled Eggs" are on the menu: 
