Appalachian Trail from Camp Creek Bald to Sam's Gap with Reverend Grady

May 30-June 2 2009

We did a few miles, much more than was published online.  For instance, this particular day we went from Flint Gap to Hogback Ridge.  It said 5 miles on our guide.  Well, we hiked 4.5 hours, still think we did 5 miles?  More like 10.  It pays to know how to ration water, Grady and I seem to often forget this skill.  3 miles from Hogback, I was ready to filter urine.  Grady declined the offer.  He doesn't have frostbite on his toes.  It's more like stinkbite from his stench.  He stunk but so did I.

There were views that never ceased to amaze me.  In essence, we hiked from Greeneville Tn to Erwin northbound.

Ricky Bobby couldn't join us for this reason.

Sally Dumplin could rise to the occasion by not only delivering us to the trailhead atop Viking Mtn but damaging his vehicle in an off road pull to put us on the trail.  Grady is seen here after Dave has figured out the body shop repair bill and presented it to us.  "Wow, Grady thinks,  That President is trying to squeeze me for some coinage."

Yes, President Dumplin managed to do the first night with us and we enjoyed his company immensely.  He was dispatched next morning, however, as there were miles to go before we slept and next and Dave had to join George for work.

I think we found the Hangover of Greeneville here.

360 views of the North and South.

We enjoyed great weather as you can see.  Our trail remained above the 3000 foot mark most of the time.  And the camping?  Anywhere you want. 

More views from camp creek.

This is Flint Mtn. Shelter.  We camped a mile from here second night.

Nice to relax after a long day's march.

Then you are rested for buck dancing competition.

There is always a new trail to climb.  Here Grady evaluates his options.  Grady has a new backpack and is turned to model it for us. (No, I don't know exactly how many women view these pics, Clark)

Our last night was outside of Hogback ridge shelter.  There were a few boy scouts there, and we tent camped as that was the only available water source until we got out the next morning.  It was our third night and I was getting sticky.  Grady was getting stinky and that wasn't a good combination.  Time to call Jerky Mike for a shuttle.  We really appreciate he and Jerky Jake's drive to bring us home.  It was above and beyond the Highlander call of duty.  Many thanks to Jerky Mike and President Dumplin for their efforts.  This was an extroadinary trip of a lifetime as Scooter would call it.  I was really surprised at the variety of scenery to be found along this section.  The thru hikers were still out but mainly it was sextion hikers like Grady and myself. Sexy Section hiking highlanders.  Below is a montage of great scenery.  Be sure to avail yourselves of these pics.  There is a good one of a monster black snake somewhere in there.  Peace.

.