I love hiking, but I'm not a big hiker...I feel pretty accomplished if I do the long route (2 miles instead of 1) at Radnor Lake. So the idea of hiking the highest mountain east of the Mississippi (3rd tallest peak...don't ask me how they figure these things out) was a little daunting.
As I started the trek my mind was filled with questions...Would I make it to the top without collapsing? Would I ever be able to walk again? Would I curse the day I signed up for this back in January? Would I catch my death of cold from hiking in the rain? All the unknowns were overwhelming, and I figured this would definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
By the time I reached LeConte Lodge, at over 6500 feet, 5.5 miles and 3.5 hours later, I knew this was no one-time event but something I would definitely do again, many times. The hike up Alum Cave Bluffs was amazingly beautiful even in fog and rain, and it was not as hard as I expected. There are plenty of places to stop and rest and great views to motivate you along the way.
The Lodge itself is priceless. Where else can you find a loom, kerosene lamps, llamas, and bottomless glasses of wine on the top of a mountain? I felt like I was stepping back in time, but with really great food and flushing toilets. Laura Ingalls never had it this good...it's like summer camp for grown-ups (or whoever can make it up to the top).
It was weird to be totally away from everything...no phone, facebook, email, twitter, blogs. It's sad how hard it is to slow down and just sit. I found myself getting restless and ready to
do something after just a few minutes of sitting. Next time I go up I want to stay for two nights and really take the time to sit and stare and take in the beauty.
I loved the trail, the Lodge, the isolation, and the food, but mostly I enjoyed the camaraderie. It was a surprise to feel a bond with total strangers, simply because you all accomplished a common goal. We were standing on the porch as the clouds cleared and we glimpsed fleeting views of the valley, sharing the excitement. We laughed and told stories from the trail and teased each other like old friends, even though we didn't know each others' names. We just knew we could all climb mountains.
I hiked up with two of my very best friends, and it was so great to share the experience with them. We took care of each other, encouraged each other, sang stupid songs (sorry fellow hikers) and scared off the bears together. Made memories that will last a lifetime. Even though we all were a little apprehensive at first, we were committed to doing it again by the end (right, friends?). Who's in for next year?
