We hiked into Hot Springs, NC yesterday about 2pm. Hot Springs is right on the trail, there are actually AT markers in the sidewalk down the main street. Our trip into Hot Springs was not without incident.
One morning, just before we arrived at the shelter where we were planning to eat lunch I saw a large foot print in the mud. We talked about it a while, unsure what kind of print it was. There was a hiking club of older gentlemen on the trail and they were pretty sure it was a bear print, of a small bear.
I wasn't too sure, having never seen a real bear footprint before. So we went to the shelter for lunch. Each shelter has a log for hikers to sign so we can keep track of one another. Reading the log told the story. One hiker, an older man hiking alone, spent the night in the shelter. He said about 1am he awoke to a bear pulling on his sleeping bag trying to pull him off of the sleeping platform. He yelled at it and it let go and ran away.
After we left the shelter we saw a large pile of bear poop on the trail. We were pretty glad that we were not staying the night in the area. We hiked on another 10 miles or so before stopping for the night.
The night before getting to Hot Springs I messed up my knee somehow. Hiking is a limp along right now. Pray for me please. I purchased a knee support and will rest it for the weekend in Hot Springs. Krista is coming to meet us today with Andrew our Grandson. Hopefully three days rest and a support will allow us to continue at our needed pace.
thanks for the emails and responses. It is good to hear from each of you. We feel pretty much out of touch with the world. Not always a bad thing. You mean, Tiger didn't win the Masters?
Pictures
1. Hiking in the snow in the Smoky Mountains
2. Bear Track, I will spare you the poop
3. Snow depth, chest deep to a naked chicken
One morning, just before we arrived at the shelter where we were planning to eat lunch I saw a large foot print in the mud. We talked about it a while, unsure what kind of print it was. There was a hiking club of older gentlemen on the trail and they were pretty sure it was a bear print, of a small bear.
I wasn't too sure, having never seen a real bear footprint before. So we went to the shelter for lunch. Each shelter has a log for hikers to sign so we can keep track of one another. Reading the log told the story. One hiker, an older man hiking alone, spent the night in the shelter. He said about 1am he awoke to a bear pulling on his sleeping bag trying to pull him off of the sleeping platform. He yelled at it and it let go and ran away.
After we left the shelter we saw a large pile of bear poop on the trail. We were pretty glad that we were not staying the night in the area. We hiked on another 10 miles or so before stopping for the night.
The night before getting to Hot Springs I messed up my knee somehow. Hiking is a limp along right now. Pray for me please. I purchased a knee support and will rest it for the weekend in Hot Springs. Krista is coming to meet us today with Andrew our Grandson. Hopefully three days rest and a support will allow us to continue at our needed pace.
thanks for the emails and responses. It is good to hear from each of you. We feel pretty much out of touch with the world. Not always a bad thing. You mean, Tiger didn't win the Masters?
Pictures
1. Hiking in the snow in the Smoky Mountains
2. Bear Track, I will spare you the poop
3. Snow depth, chest deep to a naked chicken
7 comments:
Having trouble leaving comments but will try again. It may just be me, but wouldn't you think going hiking in bear country not knowing what a bear track looks like would compare to going sky diving not knowing what a parachutte looks like? Second thought....What makes you feel safer about traveling 10 miles away from where the bear was on a bum knee? You don't think the bear on four good knees can go that far? Just wondering.
It is good to hear that you will be spending some time with your grandson! What a pleasure! I saw your latest picture at TrailJournals. Will you be adding commentary? Take care -- I'll pray for the knee... -- Bill R.
"Snow depth, chest deep to a naked chicken"
This will have to be added to my regular list of statements to make when asked how much it snowed. Will you want royalties?
I'm praying for you brother.
--- "God give your servant rest and strength that you may be glorified."
Sounds like brother Jesse has some good insight! What is it if a bear chases you (1) climb a tree; (2) run up hill; or (3) run downhill - not sure which one? Have Jen throw the bear the chicken - that might work the trick. Hang in there, praying for your knee - maybe it is rebelling because turns 58 this week?
Dave
PS - Tiger who?
We love following your adventure and thinking of you hiking the trail...even if it is with the bears! We are praying for your knee and that God will continue to guide you and keep you safe. Your blog always makes us smile. Thanks for sharing your adventure with everyone! Love and Miss You!!
So two birthdays, bear print/poop, a bum knee, family visiting and a rest. Too much excitement, don't you think? Following along avidly, have maps bookmarked, have read "A Walk in the Woods" (why anyone would start this journey after reading that is beyond me), telling everyone about you guys ad nauseum. Laughing at the Whiteheads' faces when I told them about your knee, Rodger. They are nice and toasty warm at your house! The Stumps would be interested in hiking part of Massachusetts with you. Mark, Connie and kids are in Isreal right now. Love and miss you guys beyond what words can express. Shannon (jazzcrazy@msn.com)
Hot Springs, South Dakota, Hot Springs, Arkansas, didn't know about Hot Springs, NC but do see it on the map. You're not to far from Ridgecrest Lifeway Conference Center. Never heard it call Bear Poop but you would expect hunters to call it something more cultured (Oh, that should be hikers more cultured with their words than us Red Neck Hunters) Enjoy your rest and keep that Knee up.
Rob Lee
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