“The most memorable days usually end with the dirtiest clothes.“
November 7, 2021
Hike from Chestnut Knob Shelter to VA 42 (Ceres, VA)
AT miles: 11.6
Ascent: 1708’
Descent: 3550’
Weather: chilly and perfectly clear
Sightings: a pheasant
High points: the amazing views coming down from Chestnut Knob Shelter
Last night was extremely cold, but I managed to stay warm enough in my goose down quilt with lots of layers on. I dreaded leaving my warm cocoon, but the lure of watching the sunrise motivated me to face the frozen morning. The temperature probably got down to about 22° last night!
After making some hot coffee we packed up and headed down the mountain. I had heard that the descent was an easy 5 mile walk. What I hadn’t realized was that 2.2 miles of that downhill walk was through a clearing that provided nonstop views. This descent was some of the most amazing miles of my entire AT hike so far!
The mountains and ridges just ruled on forever.
The path was broad and grassy. The easy hiking allowed us to take our eyes off the trail so we could focus on the amazing vista.
Gradually we left the open areas. We passed huge swathes of tall dead wildflowers. The blooms are long past, but the seeds and seed pods are gorgeous in their own right.
We finished the five-mile descent and finally arrived at Lick Creek around lunchtime. In 2020 the bridge washed out, so now hikers need to wade through this creek. The water is usually only knee deep, but apparently in the spring it can be as deep as five or six feet!
Now hikers cross by holding onto the rope and walking through the river. We were thankful that this autumn has been so dry. The river was only about a foot deep, and my feet dried fairly quickly.
We continued to walk through the golden woods. The trail wound up and over Lynn Camp Mountain (3026’) and then did a quick descent to a stream with a nice footbridge. Having weeded through Lick Creek, I am much more appreciative of bridges!
We climbed up and over Brushy Mountain (3200’), sad that this amazing hike was nearly at an end.
The woods glowed in the afternoon sun.
We regretfully arrived at Rt 42 and walked to our hostel. Having not had a fall during 40 miles in the woods, I then took a colossal spill on a steep muddy bank at the hostel. The only thing hurt was my dignity, but my backside ended up caked with mud! Thankfully I did have a change of clothes in the car.
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!
You fell —- but you got up!!🙂
Beautiful, frosty pix!