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

[tmcginnis@ucclan.state.in.us (Thomas McGinnis)]

     Whoa!
     Hiking!
     Cool!


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: [at-l] Laurel Gorge trip report...
Author:  slackpacker@juno.com at ima
Date:    2/9/99 2:02 PM


     
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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