MDSHiker - Trip Report

“I was disappointed because I couldn't go with bbinkley on the Smokies hike, but ended up getting a bag night near home.

Saturday morning I took a buddy with me to Savage Gulf (TN) and it was his first backpacking trip. When we arrived at the Stone Door Ranger Station there were approximately 50 Scouts in the parking lot. I immediately jumped out of my truck and asked where they were heading. Turns out they were heading for Alum Gap campsite, so we went in the other direction to Sawmill campsite.

The weather was sunny and cool - perfect hiking weather. Both of us had around 20lbs in our packs so the walk wasn't difficult, although the Connector trail can be rough at times.

The temp got down to around 35F Saturday night and I was plenty warm in my OR bivy and NF Blue Kazoo.

It was even warmer on Sunday and the return trip was great! We stopped and explored a few "sinks" and made a side trip to Ranger Falls. The climb up to the Stone Door was slippery because of the leafs on the trail, but the nice weather made up for the effort.

Scouts were rock climbing, etc. on the bluffs around the Stone Door. I always enjoy watching those little dudes go up and down those bluffs...they look fearless!

My newbie buddy had a good time.

That's all folks.”

“Sounds like you had a good time. 50 scouts at Alum Gap would have made it a tight fit. Wish I could have gone with, but had too much to do this weekend.”

“Sounds like you guys had fun. Hope you had a good birthday weekend. Sawmill area is nice. My daughter loved the connector trail. She thought the bridges were the best. See you on a trip sometime soon.”

“I love the "about face!" when you encountered scouts. Nice report, any pics?”

“sounds like you had a great time. so, do you have any pics?

I think if I get my butt up one of those days, I will take a rock climbing class. Doesn't it look like so much fun”

“LOL!

Well, I've got nothing against Scouts...since I use to be one when I was a young fella. I just figured that the Alum Gap campsite would be a little rowdy with all those hormones running around.

Yep, those swinging bridges are cool! There are three between Stone Door and Sawmill campground.”

“MDS so you're down to a bivy? Is that what you're taking on your multi-day AT trips or would that be too warm in the spring and autumn?

Always fun to take newbies out (if they're into it).

I can just see the conversation with the knowing scoutmaster.”

“I like the bivy on the AT in the Spring and Fall/Winter. It's cool in the mountains.

I like shelters also, but it's an aquired taste. Nothing like reaching a shelter in a rain storm!

I use a hammock in warm weather.

I carry a tent if base camping or on a fun/leisure trip with friends.

BUT, I love the bivy. It's all I need on a long distance hike when I'm covering distance.”

“Took my youngest daughter, Becky age 6, on her first overnight hiking trip.

Saturday: First stop was the Grundy Natural Area where we hiked the 2 mile loop trail near the Fiery Gizzard trail. Becky had her water sandals strapped to her daypack so she wore them while she played around in the creeks. After getting off the trail, we ran into "Emily" who is one of Yam's friends. She was with her Mom and they were going on a short overnight trip on the Fiery Gizzard trail.

Second stop was Grundy State Park where we walked around the lake trail and looked at the old "coke" ovens from the 1800's.

Third stop was the Stone Door ranger station to sign up for a campsite. We camped near the ranger station at the Stone Door campsites and had a great time. Becky was a lot of help when it came to gathering wood and cooking her own supper. She's a cool kid.

Sunday: Becky and I packed up camp and hiked out to the Stone Door where we had our breakfast. She was impressed with the views from the bluffs there and had a good time. Then we hiked over to the waterfall near the ranger station and I showed her how to filter water. She thought that was pretty cool and drank a whole bottle of water. LOL

We had a great time and the weather was perfect. The end.”

“Nice TR MDS! When I hiked that several years ago, I ran into Radagast at those "coke" ovens. We thought they were stills!”

“Hey MDS--so will Becky be going again?? Have you created a new full time backpacker??

I really really wanted to go bpacking this weekend w/ Emily, but alas, I had to go to a silly wedding.”

“Becky said two funny things while on this trip...

1. "I want to live here!!"

2. "This is the best day of my life!!"

LOL”

“LOL!!

That is really cool!!”

“Sounds like a great time MDS..glad you were able to get out and spend time with you partner ;)”

“aww..awesome trip report man!!..one word of advice...sherpa training...you can enroll them starting at age 5!”

“Just completed a 105 mile section hike of the AT between Davenport Gap (North end of the Smoky's) and Erwin, TN.

Everything went as planned and I had a great time. The leaves were beautiful and falling everywhere all week. Most of the springs were dried up but was able to find water at most of the shelters.

I'll write up the trip and put it on my website along with pics when I get a chance.

Thanks to Miss Janet for the shuttle and stories. Miss Janet of "Miss Janet's Hostel" let me park my truck at her house all week...she's a nice lady.

Also, met a new hiking buddy. Hooked up with a guy named Larry coming out of Hot Springs. We hiked 4 days together and I appreciated the company.

The LAST night on the trail I had an encounter with a bear trying to get my food cannister. I'm not scared of anything anymore after that!”

“Wow! Can't wait for the report.”

“Can't wait to hear about the bear!”

“Nice going. Sounds like a great trip.”

“Good going, MDSHiker. Can't wait to see the trip report and pictures. Do you have a link to your website?”

“Glad you had a good trip. I'm jealous of the long hike during leaf season!”

“yeah MDS--what is your website page?”

“His website link is posted on his profile.
Just click on his name on one of his posts to get the profile.
Good pic on that first page, MDShiker!”