Black Mountain Crest Trail - Mt Mitchell, NC
Well, my buddy zod had been planning this hike for a few months. I had no idea what it was going to be like other than pretty tough based on all the blogs posts about it. I was actually able to go due to a last minute availability for a babysitter for the youngins and buddy, I'm glad I was able to go! This has to be one of the toughest areas I've ever hiked. The starting altitude is a tick over 6600 and it ebbs and flows all the way down to 5700 (where we stopped and turned around). 40^ at the start, 55^ at the finish. We wound up with about 9 miles under our belt at the end of the day. Man, that was tough terrain. I'm sure zod will pipe up with the garmin eventually. I'll let the pics speak now...
trail head cabin:
magical berries:
zod and his brother dave aka SDave:
the predominant scene for the day, clouds/fog:
coming down a sketchy spot:
resting spot and turn around point:
my wee food bag and a little treat:
zod filming himself because he thinks he's a star (tough filming!)
limited view:
above the clouds (most of the hike)
nature:
me going up:
good ol' suunto. I calibrated at mt mitchell and it held good altitude the whole time:
harsh weather beat this mtn side down:
me towards the finish line:
zod:
SDave:
A little note about gear:
I dug down in the gear hoarder's closet and pulled out my Osprey Talon 22 for this trip. It's a tick heavier than my Ohm but man, is it comfy! I carried way too much weight but that's okay for a day hike me thinks. It was my first trip with my Patagonia Houdini. Man, what a nice piece of gear to have. I was able to wear it for most of the ridge running when the wind was up and temps fell. Breathes very well and at 3-4 oz., I recommend it.
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Originally Posted by Lonely Raven
I think section hike route is 14 miles.
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