March 30, 2016 - Day 12

The day's hiking brought with it some of the most spectacular scenery to date.  They went through Mooney Gap, identified as among the wettest places in the eastern U.S. with an estimated annual precipitation of 93.5 inches per year.  They made it through dry...something to be thankful for.

Shortly after starting out for the morning, 'The Wayward Traveler' (a/k/a David Wolf) provided a welcome treat along the trail...he had hot dogs, apple fritters, chips, fruit, candy bars, etc.  David is from the little town of Otto, NC and is one of the good trail angels for that section of the trail.  He has a website:  www.waywardguide.com.  In Ken's words, "he had the best tasting hot dogs he has ever had!"  Now keep in mind that Ken has been living off of protein bars and dry trail food for days...I suspect even pig snouts and beef knees on a bun taste good.  Ken enjoyed talking with the Wayward Traveler and the kindness shown to all the hikers.

Right after the brief rest, it was miles of hard trail...the Wayward Traveler had allowed them to rest and build their strength for what was to come.

Near the 100 mile mark is Albert Mountain (elevation 5,250).  On top of Albert is a firetower with more amazing views.  It was a hard hike up the trail and they were on hands and knees pulling themselves up.  As you can imagine, this was exhausting.  I think Jill captured the moment best:



Jill (IWOX) enjoying a rock-hard rest at the firetower

The views were worth it and Ken climbed the firetower for these shots:

 

The Rock Gap shelter and campsites were all full (Mile 106) when they arrived so they hiked to the first flat spot (Mile 108) and set up camp on the top of a mountain.  Too bad they didn't have a crystal ball...

 

Mile 108

Elevation 4,300