| We were up early for the last shower until our return Friday. A big breakfast set us on our way to Table Rock in Linville Gorge Wilderness area. We parked and visited the latrine for the first time as we hiked from the parking lot and packed our gear up to our campsite on the ridge. From there we hiked out the ridge overlooking the gorge for an awesome view of the gorge and the Linville River which flows through it. Along the way we stayed on the trail so as not to disturb the Perigrine Falcon nesting area just over the ridge. |
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| We hiked back along the ridge and I noticed that the fingerlike burned areas of the forest visible last summer were once again turning green as nature healed, however, a reminder to be safe with fire. Another beautiful plant was photographed along the ridge trail. We hiked back to camp and prepared dinner. A short gathering around the campfire was enjoyed before we doused the flames. We each drifted off to our tents and a good nights sleep in preparation of our first full day of climbing. |
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| Journal Day 2 Monday, July 12, 2004 |
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| MEALS Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, toast & cereal, bananas, milk, juice Lunch: BLT or PB&J sandwich, chips, apple, water or lemonade Snack: Dinner: |
| ROUTES: P.M The Chimneys Anchor class, ground school & climbing |
| WEATHER Sunny day Starry night |
| Once we arrived and claimed The Chimneys as our climbing site we hiked up to the top for an anchor class. Safety was discussed first. Joe pointed out the bolt and described rings we would later see as Nancy explained all of them are placed and maintained by the Carolina Climber's Coalition . Anchoring rules for the area and BSA guidelines were reviewed and anchor techniques were discussed as two routes were set. |
| Climbing continued as a few of us gathered some delicious blueberries which are profuse throughout the area this time of year. Further down the trail is the North Carolina Wall now closed through July 1st , 2005 due to a threatened plant species, namely "Hudsonia Montana." |
| while some belayed the first climbers of the day. |
| After the scramble back down the trail some ate lunch ... |
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| ...or sought shade after a climb or two |
| ...or sought shade after a climb or two |
| ...or sought shade after a climb or two |
| ...or sought some delicious blueberries |
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