summit suprise

mLast weekend i was able to take an overnight pack trip with my buddy David. Our aim was a simple 11 mile hike to the summit of Kings mountain, taking the Elk Creek trail which approaches the summit from behind (north). Neither David or myself had ever hiked Elk creek trail before. We started out Saturday morning, at 11am from the Kings Mt. trail-head. At the Kings/Wilson jct. we saw a sign posted stating that the trail was closed. It informed us that due this years flooding the trail had been destroyed and was impassable at points. So, we looked the other way and marched on! We passed one other hiker along the four mile stretch to Elk Creek campground and were impressed to see that the trail had been repaired the entire way through. From the jct. at Elk creek campgrounds, we turned north on Elk Creek trail. This 3.5 mile segment was in not so great condition. Sevral times we passed washouts or had to climb the embankment to continue on. We stopped for lunch where a creek crossed the trail, so we could filter out some water. I had my instant mashed potatoes & tuna as David filled up on trail mix and jerky. We toped off our lunches with some hot tea. Continuing on after lunch the trail got increasingly steeper. We were following and old logging road, so the condition was fine. There were several pretty waterfalls along the way which we stopped to enjoy (and maybe more to rest;). As we got hirer in elevation the fog began rolling in. We passed another solo hiker on his way back down. He informed up we were only 45 min. form the next jct. We stopped to put on our rain jackets as the fog got thicker. It was not raining but because the fog was coming in so fast and thick you could feel it hitting your face. About 100 yards form the junction we stopped to refill our water bladders and filter some cooking water for that nights dinner. We reached the jct. and turned west onto Elk Mt. trail. This we followed one mile to a junction with Kings Mt. trail and that last leg of that days trip. As we had heard, this section was VERY steep country and the trail a little precarious. For some time we walked on a trail that looked more fit for Mt. goats. It was steep wall on one side and drop off on the other. One area even had its own CAUTION sign. There was a rope tied to a tree with which to lower yourself to the next section of trail... I began to be glad i had brought my new trekking poles. We made summit (3226') at 6pm and immediately set up camp. We used a little clearing just down from the summit that we had stayed at before. The last section of trail had been more then we expected and so we were more then ready for a hot meal and good nights rest. We cooked under the vestibule form just inside the tent. It didn't take long to wrap up dinner and jumped in our sacks. The night proved to be long for both of us as the wind coming up the valley past our heads was VERY loud. Because we were in a clearing of trees we did not feel the wind on the tent. It mostly just whipped right past us leaving us with its noise. The night did however end and with its end came a cold morning. I lay on my back looking at the inside of the tent. I could not make sense why the morning light was coming in through the walls, but the top was dark in shadow. Then it occurred to me, I reached over and unzipped the tent, SNOW! During the night we had acquired no less then an inch of snow. I don't believe David was quite as thrilled as i was, but agreed it was easier to deal with then rain (which we had been expecting) We heated ourselves some hot chocolate and oatmeal as we bit into out now frozen granola bars. Within half an hour we had our bags packed and were on the trail. With only two miles of down hill to cover we had a short day ahead of us. The snow covered the ground clear down to 2000' elevation. We made and easy trip to the trail head and wrapped up our trip with another picture by the information sign. I hope to soon take a similar trip up nearby Elk Mt. trail which climbs 2326' in 1.5 miles. I am told it is a very difficult trek, but I'm always up for a good challenge. Till next time,

-SoliDeoGloria-