Our final practice hike was an adventure in itself. We went on the 
Appalachian Trail and hiked a 20 mile loop trail starting at Woody's Gap. Caroline's friend Bennett came with us. This first half of the day was great. We walked quickly and enjoyed the cool mountain weather. On top of Blood Mountain, we ate lunch and met several groups. one was a scout troop on their "shake-down" hike for Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. This is the Mecca for US Boy Scouts. The boys were carrying 60 pound packs that made our 20 pounders look tiny. As we continued, the trail became much rougher with rocks. Caroline fell and bruised her knee pretty badly. We were all pretty tired when we go to mile 15 and stopped to rest. Another hiker coming up the trail told us that there was a big rattlesnake
ahead that struck at his hiking poles six times! Well we picked up our pace and our attentiveness as we walked that next mile! I started forming a blister on my heel that was an unwelcome addition at the end of the hike. Caroline already had two from earlier. By the time we got back to the car we were walking wounded. We now have a week to recuperate from our practice hike, but we at least know we can do the distance if needed.
Appalachian Trail and hiked a 20 mile loop trail starting at Woody's Gap. Caroline's friend Bennett came with us. This first half of the day was great. We walked quickly and enjoyed the cool mountain weather. On top of Blood Mountain, we ate lunch and met several groups. one was a scout troop on their "shake-down" hike for Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. This is the Mecca for US Boy Scouts. The boys were carrying 60 pound packs that made our 20 pounders look tiny. As we continued, the trail became much rougher with rocks. Caroline fell and bruised her knee pretty badly. We were all pretty tired when we go to mile 15 and stopped to rest. Another hiker coming up the trail told us that there was a big rattlesnake
ahead that struck at his hiking poles six times! Well we picked up our pace and our attentiveness as we walked that next mile! I started forming a blister on my heel that was an unwelcome addition at the end of the hike. Caroline already had two from earlier. By the time we got back to the car we were walking wounded. We now have a week to recuperate from our practice hike, but we at least know we can do the distance if needed.
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