Post 900 Hike #83: AT Section outside the GSMNP

Today Ellie Doughty would complete the last section of her 2100+ mile AT quest. She had started hiking with Margaret Stevenson; a lady whom I never met but the one who started our Wednesday Hiking Group. I had hiked with Ellie on several occasions besides group hikes (e.g., doing the "up" when the rest did a "down" on a key swap, dropping others off at the marina and hiking in to meet them from the tunnel, and when she hiked in and out with me on Fork Ridge in extremely cruddy weather back in 06 when I was zeroing in on completing the 900). For the last few years she and I, along with BZ Lane and more recently Richard Ryburn, have taken turns in scheduling our Wednesday Group’s hikes. Ellie is a great hiker and a great friend. Today was her day!

Although I often like to get a good aerobic workout on ups on hikes, I did not plan to do so today for I had assumed that Ellie would lead and set a pace that everyone could do. Besides, because of my trip to France, I had not hiked since August; moreover, I did not complete my Tues. weight lifting workout until 2200. At that time I did not plan to push it.

I awoke ~40 min. prior to my 0530 alarm Wed., and picked up Jim Harb at 0620; we arrived at Cracker Barrel at the Strawberry Plains exit ~0645. There we met a host of hikers; some would be hiking the whole way with Ellie, some would do a slightly shorter hike, and some would do even shorter hikes and thus be able to provide the logistical support so necessary on a venture such as this. Not sure how many vehicles left the Cracker Barrel; Jim and I rode with Bob Bolinger. At the foot of Max Patch, the beautiful bald a few miles from the first exit in NC, all vehicles met again. (pic #1 from Max Patch parking area)



I believe 13 took off on the AT at that point on a 15.2 mi. hike; at 0900 Ellie and 8 of us went up Max Patch for she needed that ~1.2 mile section too, making our hike ~16.4 miles. Although I was the last one leaving Max Patch (I had to remove my pack and get out my mosquito repellant), I eventually caught up with my group. Besides Jim, a few of those with whom I hiked and conversed included Pam Reddoch (had not talked with her for ages), Judy Gross from NC, Leslie Toney, and Doug Jerger, a new one to our hiker group. (Pic 2 a view from Max Patch)



When some stopped for a snack, Jim Harb and I led our group of 9. Then on one of the ups Jim suggested that I go ahead, shortly thereafter I passed three of those in the group of 13 who had not gone up to Max Patch. I was feeling very strong and subsequently passed the remaining 10; Cecil was somewhere in that group and told me to wait at the antenna. Although I do not know the altitude gain since I do not have info on trails outside the GSMNP, there were some steep stretches. I really had to work to get my HR over 150 (only reached 151) and was kicking myself for doing my leg lifts close to 2200 Tues. eve. (Pic taken at lunch, Mt. Cammerer in background)



I arrived at the antenna at 1240 and my pedometer registered 9.3 mi. I should have taken a picture of it for it was one of the most unique antennas that I had ever seen; I walked up to the fenced off area and realized it was an FAA antenna. I then went back to the trail, removed my boots, socks, a soaking wet outer shirt, and was eating my lunch as my 21 cohorts arrived in spurts. I put talc on my feet and clean dry socks; that has both a physiological and psychological effect on my feet and I was ready to go. However, I had no intent of going fast on the remainder of the hike, which was mostly down. About 1530 we could really hear truck traffic; at this point ~0.5 mi. of the AT parallels I-40. Just prior to the AT passing under I-40 with a NC-road, 2-3 vehicles were there to take anyone from our group who wanted to go directly to the site of Ellie’s post-hike bash. Not sure how many availed themselves of that opportunity; however, I wanted to hike on to Davenport Gap, where the AT takes an ENE direction from the GSMNP. Several hikers hiked in to meet Ellie; believe it was ~1620 when we reached Davenport Gap with Ellie in the lead. Believe she was emotionally drained after spending a few years on this great achievement. (I know my wife could get along without me if I tried to do the ~2,000 mi. AT in several big swoops with a bit of backpacking; however, I am afraid that it would be too tough on my Airedale Terrier Winston.)


Including the hikers, there were probably 40-50 folks at the picnic area for Ellie’s celebration; it was truly a nice way to fete a great hiker.