We hiked this section on June 8, 2008.
We took our very first backpacking trip with Wildside Adventures for Women. We attended the beginning backpacking workshop about a year ago and at that point Python was not too keen on the whole “backpacking” thing. The trip leader was Midnite and the co-leader was Fembah. Of course everyone knew that Katahdin and Houdini were the real trip leaders!
Friday
Midnite decided to stay in a cabin off of Rte 58 on Friday night instead of the campground. The cabin was very small and old. Midnite looked over all our gear and offered suggestions for items to leave or take on the trip. We all agreed to leave our long johns in the car since the temperatures were going to be in the high 80's.
Saturday
We all parked our cars at the overnight parking lot at Grayson Highlands State Park. We got a shuttle to Elk Garden from Mt. Rogers Outfitters. We were hiking on National Trail Days, so Python applied an ATC tattoo for the hike. Due to the sweat & bug spray, the tattoo only lasted for an hour.
Python with ATC tattoo
Midnite said her group usually has lunch on the big rocks but due to the heat, we all opted to eat lunch under the shade. Dirigo & I ate a delicious lunch of pop tarts and pepperoni with cheese; this is why we never lose weight when we hike!
Mt. Rogers – Highest point in Virginia
After lunch we continued climbing to the summit of Mt. Rogers. Unfortunately, there was no tree cover and the heat and the humidity made the hiking tough. At the trail head to the summit, we met the Train Gang (3 NOBOs). The Gang consisted of Momma Train, Bag of Beans, and the Sheriff (dog carrying his own food and bedroll). The trail to the summit is not part of the AT and there is absolutely no view from the summit! But, we all ditched our packs and hiked to the summit so we could brag that we had been to the highest point in Virginia.
Thomas Knob Shelter
We were going to camp about 10 minutes north of the shelter but we had to stop at the shelter to get water.
Thomas Knob Shelter
The spring is located behind the shelter in a gated area to keep out the wild ponies. We saw our first wild ponies on the way to the spring!
We met a group of guys at the shelter from Cops on Top. Cops on Top is a team of volunteers from the law enforcement and public service community, who undertake mountain climbing expeditions to honor the memories of those heroes who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting others. On this day, there was suppose to be a cop on the highest point in each state.
We used the Steripen for the first time in the field. Initially, it was difficult to see the ultraviolet light from the Steripen but eventually we figured it out. Dirigo was grossed out by all the sediment in our water. Fortunately, a family was filtering water using a Katadyn filter and offered to fill up our additional bladder for cooking.
The Privy
Midnite told us that the privy was being repaired! Oh no! Fortunately, another privy had been built otherwise Python might have had a meltdown!
Campsite
Midnite found a great secluded spot for us to camp for the night. There were several bump outs so that most people could have some privacy. Liz still had her headache and tried to rest until dinner.
After we set up camp, Midnite and Fembah hiked back to get more water for everyone. Dirigo and Python went to the privy and then walked down to the spring to help carry back water. We saw a handsome stallion chasing his mare back to the herd.
Stallion near the spring
We made 2 Mountain House dinners but Dirigo had a headache too and did not have any appetite. Python offered the extra food to the other hikers but got no takers (women are way too polite). So, Python tried to eat as much as possible because she knew she would have to pack out all the uneaten food. Midnite also started a nice fire for us. There were lots of bugs all around us but fortunately they were not biting us; very odd indeed!
After dinner, a herd came right up the AT and it had 5 foals! We got lots of great pictures of the ponies!
Foal near the campsite
Sunday
The following day we took a break at Rhododendron Gap.
Mel & Katadin
At this point in the hike, there were clouds above us and the temperature was comfortable. Just after we left Rhododendron Gap, the sun came out in full force and the terrain got really rocky. Midnite wanted to stay close together in this section and take our time because she didn't want anyone to get hurt while descending over the rocks.
Double Trouble
Due to the high heat and humidity, Midnite cut our hike short. There was no tree cover during our entire hike and even though we had applied sun screen, we got burnt again. Afterwards, we all drove to the log cabin store for cold drinks and ice cream.
Hooray we survived our first backpacking trip!
Lessons Learned