Some folks hike for the scenery, the solitude, or just the exercise. All of these are good reasons, but I've always hiked for the adventure. Sunday, I got one.
We advertised Sunday's hike as an opportunity to test our rain gear. The forecast was an 80% chance of rain, with gusty winds and a high near 40. It was perfect hypothermia weather. It was close to 11AM when we finished wrapping ourselves in goretex and hit the trail. We descended the Conley Cove trail, and immediately passed several backpackers coming up from the river. After that, we were on our own.
We left the Conley Cove trail for the less traveled Rock Jock Trail. We followed the trail as it skirted along the tops of the cliffs on the west rim of the gorge. After an hour, the rain eased, and we stopped for a brief lunch. Afterward, we continued to follow the route, although the trail was becoming less clear.
Eventually we worked our way around a narrow side canyon and onto a rock outcrop. Suprisingly, the fog in the gorge and on the mountains above enhanced our view. Looking up the canyon, cliffs, chimneys, and mountain tops peaked out of the shifting fog. The mist below was so thick, it looked as though you could walk right out on it.
Soon we descended, crossing several small streams just before they spilled into the gorge through narrow side canyons. Then we reached a fork. The trail up to the right was obscured by a huge deadfall. To the left, a clearer path lead to another outstanding overlook. Directly across from us were the sheer rock walls of the gorge. Above were the Chimneys and Table Rock, and off to the right was the narrow crevice of the Ampitheatre. Looking down, the fog cleared briefly, allowing us a stunning view of the whitewater 1000' below.
The path we followed soon petered out. After some aimless wandering, we arrived back at the original junction. After some exploring, we found the trail on the far side of the deadfall.
Along the way, we had more than our share of slips, stumbles, and falls. Two of us had banged heads crawling under fallen trees. However, the worst was to come. Climbing a muddy embankment, Christy slipped and fell, smashing her knee into a sharp root. Fortunately, she was able to suck it up and hiked on, though we had to slow our pace.
We began a steep climb. Was this the final pull out? Just when it looked like we were heading out, the trail turned and began contouring along the side of the gorge again. Bob and Laura, however, had gone ahead of the rest of us. They decided to take the direct approach. What initially looked like a promising side trail turned into a steep, muddy bushwhack through the rhododendron. Despite the heavy foliage and one sheer rock wall, they eventually reached the road. Congratulations to Bob and Laura for the first ever bushwhacking peak bag ascent of Dogback Mountain.
The rest of the group continued on. We climbed in and out of more side canyons than I can recall. One particularly nasty stretch traversed a rock garden which was especially fun for Christy on a bad leg. Thankfully, some kind soul had marked the "trail" with an occasional ribbon. After what seemed like ages, the path turned and headed straight up the mountain. I never thought I'd be so glad to hike straight up. Then I heard it - a car! We reached the road at 4:30, which was more than 5 hours after we started the hike. According to Dehart's hiking guide, we had hiked only 3 miles. Could this be right? Based on the map, ruler, and string method, I'm guessing it was closer to 4. Nevertheless, it felt like we had hiked 20.
The adventure, of course, wasn't over. Myron caught a ride from a helpful passer by to get the car. Then of course we had to find Bob & Laura. Fortunately, it all worked out, and before dark. Thanks to Christy, Myron, Dorcas, Bob, Laura, and LL Bob, and of course Izaak and Saucony, for surviving this adventure with me.
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