Well, its about 7 weeks until
Philmont so Saturday May 23 rd was a training day for Kyle and me. We had scrapped our idea of going up Friday night and doing an over night trip. We got up early Saturday morning and drove up to the
Wolfpit Road
trailhead for the ascent to
Shortoff. Our original intentions were to get at least to the gap before the climb to the Chimneys. If he felt good in the gap, then we "might" try to get to the chimneys. The first climb to
Shortoff was pretty nasty. It was humid (overcast and cool but very humid). I have to admit I don't enjoy spring hiking as much as fall but I still sweat either way. Once we got to
Shortoff, the clouds dispersed and the sun came out. That burned off some humidity but added some heat. Still we had a nice breeze on the ridge. Its a pretty walk from
Shortoff over the gap and back down. We stopped in the gap and talked about whether to go all the way to the chimneys. Kyle said he wanted to go so we started the mile up. We ran into a couple of people with some dogs who told us that a woman was missing since Friday afternoon. They said she went out for a day hike from the parking lot at Table Rock and never returned. (That explained the helicopters we heard rumbling all morning)
We were pretty good most of the way up. We did stop to ponder why someone left a really nice military style rucksack in the middle of a trail fully loaded with gear for a week. Most people drop packs in the woods fully covered; this pack was in full view in the middle of the trail at an overlook. Kyle and I both looked over the edge and could not see anyone below. Still, it was a little weird. Anyway, we climbed the gap out and got to the flats on the ridge before the chimneys. I enjoy this area as I really think the chimneys are cool. We made it to a nice overlook and fixed a hot lunch of Ramen Noodles before heading back.
The ride back to Mooresville was nice and easy. Kyle was pretty stoked that he made it so well. We never heard if they found the woman or who that pack in the trail belonged to. Very Weird!! Well, 7 more weeks until we go to Philmont. I think it may very well be the highlight of my year.
