AT last I had come to my AT hike through the SNP on Monday. My cousin was coming with me. We had arranged transportation, packed, etc. We had a relatively easy first day from Rockfish Gap up to Calf Mt. Shelter. We would have had great views from rock outcroppings and treeless summits (several with electronic towers on top) but the valleys were filled with clouds and by the time we reached Little Calf Mountain it was raining. What a great idea to relocate the AT across the top of Little Calf. Great view (I'd imagine).
 |
| Tractor seats on top of Bear Den Mt. |
 |
| From lunch spot on Bear Den Mt. |
 |
| Non-view from Little Calf Mt. |
The sumac were in fully berry
 |
| Actual unenhanced color of sumacs |
It started raining just as we got off Bear Den Mt. and didn't let up. We were happy to reach Calf Mt. Shelter.
 |
| Calf Mt. Shelter |
We were very relieved to find adequate water at the spring. Unfortunately, I slipped while taking water bottles to fill them up and landed right on my ribcage then hit my head on a rock. The head was ok (I'm pretty hard headed) but my ribs really hurt and I had trouble sleeping. The next morning I figured I'd hike with my pack to see how I felt. By the time I reached Jarman Gap I knew I shouldn't keep on hiking. So we got off the trail and came home. It turns out I have a fractured rib. Rats. Recovery time is typically 6-8 weeks so I think I won't make my goal of hiking the SNAP 500 in 2012. I hope to finish in early 2013.
It started raining just as we got off Bear Den Mt. and didn't let up. We were happy to reach Calf Mt. Shelter. 