Trip report

[blgoode]

Was fortunate to get another night in the Linville Gorge located in NC. A rugged and large place. Pushes your legs and tests your stamina. The Gorge beauty does not not come with out a price. Peace, beauty and self reflection are always worth what The Gorge puts you through. Temps bottomed out at 28 and a light snow flurry accompanied us on the way out. 9 miles during this trip and looking forward to another trip soon. The trail we took to the bottom was "Devils Hole". We were able to tuck away out of the wind and just had mike breeze passing through camp instead of gusts. Smart spot to choose because the wind picked up. Neither of us got cold so our down worked and out tarps cut the wind great.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/270E1616-D261-4A28-A28B-8A67235E7FE7_zps2vtdqunn.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/270E1616-D261-4A28-A28B-8A67235E7FE7_zps2vtdqunn.jpg.html)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/7775279F-5B58-4ADA-949D-D289341265A7_zpstzcspjvd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/7775279F-5B58-4ADA-949D-D289341265A7_zpstzcspjvd.jpg.html)


This is Brian Cooking from the hammock.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/EEB36EC8-C1B0-46E0-9B6A-D47E87B22A09_zpsadwrdhhr.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/EEB36EC8-C1B0-46E0-9B6A-D47E87B22A09_zpsadwrdhhr.jpg.html)


After the winds dyed down the next morning we lifted the tarps for a view


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/8031F5F1-84DD-4A64-8FA4-4CF1D4015690_zpsgqklrvud.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/8031F5F1-84DD-4A64-8FA4-4CF1D4015690_zpsgqklrvud.jpg.html)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/11750B85-6EDA-4720-8AEE-5FA44CCFEA85_zpsdnqm9raa.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/11750B85-6EDA-4720-8AEE-5FA44CCFEA85_zpsdnqm9raa.jpg.html)


Had a good trip! Next trip will be more miles but this trip was about getting a good start for the year.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/87520B53-BCC3-4768-AA13-7FE31460F1E5_zpsfpxmp7nv.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/87520B53-BCC3-4768-AA13-7FE31460F1E5_zpsfpxmp7nv.jpg.html)

[blgoode]

What worked
Steripen because temps dipped below freezing
zero underquilt and 20 top quilt combo. Could have pushed the 30 degree top quilt and shed a little weight.
Tarp broke the wind greatth the evening with the doors.
Alcohol stove works fine in cold temps for this trip. Cooking at freezing temps.
Clothes layers and even head layers worked great. 4 total type of head lyers. 2 for walking and 2 for sleeping.
Neck gators are a must!!
long shepherd hooks are the perfect NC stake.

what didn't work
liner socks!! Wrinkled slightly and caused pressure points bad. I'll never use them again.
Battteries in the cold. Have to keep them in your pocket. Don't forget that.


Stoll ol was useful. Not a plus or a negative. Negative at times. And a positive at times. Worth bringing I think.

[Venchka]

How do you get to trailheads? I drive between Boone and Marion a lot and never see any signs for the Gorge or trails.
Thanks.
Wayne


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