In tribute to the old days where we would spend Martin Luther King days out here at good old campsite 18, AJ, Jon and I returned.
It was strange when I rolled in there around 2:00 and no one was to be found. I walked the upper camps and the lower camps to make sure I wasn’t missing my friends. Figuring they were just running late I went ahead and set up to initiate camp chores which included a nice little fire.
After a couple hours, AJ comes sauntering around the corner. They had set up at the very very bottom of campsite 18 in a newer campsite down there. So we carried my tent, sleeping bag, and pad across that bridge, you know the one.
I returned to gather my hard earned fire and ferry it across the bridge. You may ask how this was done. The answer is very carefully. They had a lot of nice wood down there so my flame accepted their campsite. I placed my fire on a flat log and toted it gently across the icy bridge.
It was very cold so a ready-made fire was welcomed by my buds. And my tent set up over there just as well.
I’d say it dipped down into the lower teens Friday night. I was regretting the decision to forgo my minus 40 bag.
Saturday morning came crisply into this holler. It was time to percolate some coffee and prepare for a hike.
So gloriously sunny, we were pulled up towards the AT via Bote mountain and Finley Cane. Seems like a lot of people had the same idea and were suffering from cabin fever. Lots of smiling faces on the trail as the sun tickled our cheeks.
It was good to be climbing uphill for a little while. Without a heavy pack I might add. AJ passed me and went on up even further. I think we climbed about 1600 ft which was plenty.
We had to get back and stoke the fire.
For some reason I don’t have a single photo of Jon Dempsey so here is his tent. But he brought my favorite of all beef jerky. His special recipe is the melt in your mouth variety and I always look forward to this treat.
AJ called this trip; we originally going to go over to rabbit Creek up at campsite 15 but had concerns about the road going down in there. Rangers told us it was a sheet of ice. And I believe it.
I did get one little souvenir on my car after hour three day trip.
I appreciate the courtesy!
In the words of Jon Dempsey, it’s so good to be out in nature with good friends. We are blessed to have both.
May peace, prosperity and health fall upon you all.
-John
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