Brian, Emily and myself left Chapel Hill in the morning and stopped in Asheville to have lunch with Rebecca. If you don't already know Rebecca is awesome and tough as shit. (See previous post.)
We walked up these stairs only to find out that we were heading north instead of south. Oops, my bad.
Brian has his game face on so we are ready to begin.
The first day was a short but steep hike to Davenport Gap Shelter. Emily has a nice back.
Sometime around 11pm these two jokers finally show up. Brennan and Laura, welcome to the Smokies!
Foot fetish.
Our second day was a pretty stout 13.8 miles of uphill goodness. The leaves were peaking so it was easy to get distracted as you are cursing the next big hill.
The moss whispers sweet nothings into my ear. Oh baby, you know what time it is. It''s business time.
Lunch at Cosby Knob Shelter.
I don't think that smile left Emily's face the whole trip. For a first time backpacker she rocked the house! Thanks for being a trooper Em!
This is so cute I almost throw up in my mouth.
Brennan and I had a camera duel. After this photo I had to bury his body in the hills.
Team High Five!
Time to refuel.
We finished another 13 mile day at Icewater Shelter. Really pretty views.
From our shelter it was a short jump over to Charlie's Bunion where we had a pose off.
Our goal was to eat all of our food before the end of the trip. Dinner often consisted of three courses of yumminess.
It dipped into the low 30's that night with heavy winds but we slept fine in the shelter.
This was the view of the morning sunrise...from our sleeping bags. All you had to do was turn your head to the right and this was your view. (Thanks for the tip Jim!)
I'm a good dancer and ya'll know it!
The hike out on day 4 was a short one. Brian is down with Stripes for life! (see previous posts)
At Newfound Gap waiting for our ride back to our cars.
