[at-l] Hello everybody! AT-L Noobe

[DaRedhead@aol.com (DaRedhead@aol.com)]

In a message dated 12/29/01 2:46:20 PM US Eastern Standard Time, 
kahley7@ptd.net writes:


> Red, pass this man a smashmellow
> 
Smashmellow passed - after I thaw it out!

I took Cassy (my five yr old hiker chick, for those who don't know that) and 
headed up to Iron Mtn Gap today.  I was iffy about taking her, given that she 
doesn't have ALL the special hiker gear that could make hiking in the cold 
fun.  But I did the best I could with what we had, and she *did* have a 
decent fleece jacket and a nice rain jacket that seconded as a wind breaker.  
We hit the Trail and warmed up pretty quick.  Iron Mt Gap south towards 
Cherry Gap Shelter is a pretty easy stretch of Trail by comparison to most, 
so we had a pleasant walk in the woods.  We finally stopped for a snack and 
who should come walking up but Sloetoe :)  We visited briefly (briefly 
because stopping entailed freezing, pretty much <g>) gave him what little 
water we had and went our separate ways.  

I must admit that I was a bit concerned about hunters.  We met two in the 
parking lot, getting ready to go north up the Trail.  That reminded me that 
we had no bright orange to wear.  (although they were well prepared, 
obviously knew what they were doing, and clearly told me not to worry, that 
the hunters all knew where the Trail was and didn't take pot shots at 
anything moving on it <g>).  As we stepped on the Trail a gunshot rang out.  
Not close enough to be aimed at us, but given the recent tragedy we debated, 
it still made me worry a bit.  (Sloetoe was wearing a bright orange toboggan, 
and I wish we had been too, just for peace of mind).  

Cas stopped to look at (it seemed like) every acorn, tree root, rock or plant 
that we passed.  (There were lots of acorns - can we say "SLOOOOOOWWWWW 
pace?).  I had an immediate wish that I owned a "flora and fauna" type book 
to carry, as I couldn't answer most of her questions about what type of 
(tree/bush/plant/etc) we passed.  I guess the fact that I could answer the 
first question made her think I knew everything :)  I rue the day when she 
realizes I don't have all the answers.

Anyway - SHE wanted to make it to the shelter, but *I* knew I wasn't 
prepared, at our pace, to get that far and make it back before dark or snow 
hit us.  I wish now I had come equipped for more than just a little jaunt 
down the Trail, as it would have made her very proud to make the shelter.  
Next time I'll plan better.

Even though it was cold, and there are no views to speak of on that stretch, 
it was wonderful.  We talked about the blazes, and thru hiking, we saw some 
unusually shaped trees, and we talked about what would happen if I broke my 
leg while we were hiking.  (She told me she would just follow the blazes back 
to the road and get help for me . . . . OUCH, thinking about a five yr old 
doing that - but wow, that she even thought about it!)  We talked about Trail 
names, and she got a big kick when she asked what the funniest Trail name was 
that I had heard, and I told her about meeting "Sir Pee a Lot" :)  We saw 
some birds, and some tracks that we couldn't figure out, and got accosted by 
two dogs (Sloetoe was there at that point, I asked if he would defend us, and 
he said "No, I'll run" <g> but actually his calmness helped Cassy just giggle 
when the dogs tried to steal her snacks.)  

Anyways - a long post for a short trip - but wow - it was great to be on the 
Trail, and great to see her determination to hike, and her curiosity about 
everything.  It was nice - but unexpected, as I had not a clue exactly where 
he'd be - to run into Toey.  If I had really thought we'd see him, I might 
have brought treats :)

So - to make a long story short - (ha! too late, huh?) I have a slightly 
chilled but very tasty smashmellow ;)

The Redhead


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