Free Spirit’s ( Al's )

Appalachian Trail Journal

Unbelievable fog. We passed the side trail to Hawksbill Mtn, where there was no view from the 4050' summit that was renowned for its scenic vistas. We had little difficulty following the worn AT trail and its markers. But it was another story when we got to Skyland parking lot (~3600'). We could see NOTHING but fog - at 11 A.M. we could see across 7 parking spaces and that was all. We could not even see the illuminated restaurant building from the parking lot, but followed the pavement markers to find it. There we had a wonderful (to a hiker) breakfast buffet. We left just before noon and the fog was not quite as dense but it was still very cold.

Looking down form Stony Mountain cliffs.

We descended to Stony Man Mtn. Cliffs, where the trail follows perilously close to the drop-off edge, and proceeded hiking to the Pinnacles (3730') before taking a break at the Byrds Nest #3 shelter. We then followed the ridge crest and side trail to Mary's Rock Summit 3514' where we were treated to a panoramic but rather hazy view. We could clearly see our next point on the trail - Thornton gap and the SD entrance station there. It was a rugged 1200' descent from Mary's Rocks to Thornton Gap. .

The Panorama Wayside was closed. Through the gap and into the woods - what a tangled mess of dead, leaning and downed trees going up Pass Mtn. We got to the shelter at 5:15 P.M and two circuit hikers (Frank and Mark) were there with a nice warm campfire going. Chieftain came by, said hello, checked the register and moved on. There were several deer that hung around the hut, within 20 feet of us. I think they were looking for handouts.

It rained shortly after we reached the hut. We had a hot supper, talked with Frank and Mark for a while and turned in.

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