April 25th: Big Meadows Campground

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OD’s comments: Beautiful. Today was another one for the good day book. The weather was
just fine, not too hot or cold, a nice breeze when you needed it. The trail
mileage for today was just over eight. We started at Skyland and finished at Big
Meadows campground.
The trail started on the south slope of Stony Man Mountain. Winding it's way
around the 3,200 - 3,500 foot level to Timber Hollow, then up to Crescent Rock
and Hawksbill Gap. We did not have to climb to the top of Hakwsbill Mountain
thank God, but stayed around the 3,500' area. Hawksbill is the tallest mountain
in the park at 4,050'. We had a quick lunch where the trail split off to the
summit. There were quite a few day hikers out today and we did see one couple
who had started at Springer, but we did not chat long and I can't remember their
names.
After Hawksbill the trail dropped down past Franklin Cliffs. There were ropes
coming down the rocks and I'm not sure if it was rappelling or climbing training
as we never saw any people there. There was a bad ice storm here this winter
and the damage is quite obvious. It looks like Paul Bunyon came through with a
big weed whacker tearing the tree tops to shreds. There is dead fall
everywhere and if a forest fire ever gets started, there will be big problems.
The last mile was all up hill and we were both pooped out when we got here to
the camp.

CC’s comments: Hinds Feet in High Places is one of my favorite books. Today we were in the
crags and talus slopes. Instead of being "Much Afraid" I was "Much Sore and In
Pain." Got through the rocks OK and were sitting having lunch when three
gentleman hiked up with daypacks. We were chatting and come to find out they
were Brothers in Christ and one was a Pastor. I had been asking the Lord for
help all day so he sent these fine men. They prayed for OD and I making it
possible to endure the last 4 miles in less pain than yesterday. We had been in
camp for almost an hour and 3/4 when these same men came puffing up the trail.
We were just starting to eat dinner. They asked how long we had been here and
were amazed at the answer. Pastor Tim said he was amazed at our speed with such
large packs. Again we stood on some outcroppings of rocks looking back where we
have been. I can hardly believe I have covered so much ground. OD told me that
we have walked 90.2 miles since starting, not bad for 11 days of walking.

Patrick, Deborah Mooney aka OD & CC
All Who Wander Are Not Lost

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