[at-l] Laurel Gorge trip report...

[slackpacker@juno.com]

The Laurel Gorge Creek near Hampton TN, was flooded last year about this
time.  It was a devastating flood to the AT, but moreso the communities
along the Creek.  A few lives were lost, and there was severe property
damage...

The three bridges that spanned the Creek along the AT had been washed
away.  One was rebuilt.  You 98ers know that it was either a double ford
of the Creek where the bridges had once been, or a hastely prepared Blue
Blazed trail to bypass the Creek.  Well, nothing has changed.  Signs
strongly suggest that the Blue Blaze be taken...

Hiking with me were two ladies that had been with me on the '97 Slackpack
Tour, Sunshine and Timmy.  Timmy's husband, Peter Pan, dropped us off at
the trailhead near Hampton TN which is a one mile Blue Blaze to the AT. 
The day was overcast, and about 50 degrees.  We hiked the approach trail,
then headed along the AT towards the washed out section, ignoring the
signs.  The first Creek crossing was not easy.  The water was low but
swift.  The ladies did some rock hopping to get across, but I was not up
to it.  After quite a few minutes of searching for a good spot, I stepped
into the cold waters.  Did i mention that the water was cold.  Whatever
heat my body was storing flowed into the Creek as I made my way to the
other side...

A swift pace helped to reheat my body.  I was about back to normal when
the next crossing loomed.  Having lost all mental powers from the first
ford, I just plunged right in, my teeth chattering as I reached the other
side.  The ladies had found a fallen tree to use as a tightrope, and got
across dryly.  My pace quickened, and I again regained some body heat. 
By the time that we all reached the Laurel Gorge Falls, I was again warm
and happy.  Peter Pan had hiked in from Dennis Cove to meet us, and we
had a nice visual experience.  The falls are spectacular...

After a steep hike out of the Gorge, and a quick hike to Dennis Cove, I
hunkered in the automobile seeking warmth.  We had met some hikers that
were doing a yo-yo day-hike, but wanted to forget the second "yo", so we
waited for them to emerge.  We all headed off happy and tired...

pittsburgh
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