D10

Day 10  4/1/17

• Miles Traveled: 12.5 miles
  
• Shelter: tent at Carter Gap shelter
  
• High Point: Trail magic at Deep Gap
  
• Low Point: almost getting our bear bag caught in a tree
  

Beautiful cold morning as we packed up and left Muskrat Creek shelter. We had a very smooth morning through the NC woods. We had been talking about Standing Indian Mountain and worried about the 1500 ft climb as we descended into Deep Gap. That's where we found TRAIL MAGIC.

(I ❤️ mini Ollie who was at the camp site)

Little foot, Fifel, Granny and Old Goat were cooking eggs, pancakes, bacon and even fed us lunch, hamburgers and beers. Then we headed up Standing Indian Mountain with full stomachs and energy.

It was a great hike with no real view though. Good wide path at a great grade. We grabbed water at the top and headed down the other side in what looked like a controlled burn area. We also saw Bear Sanctuary signs so we that that was pretty cool and kinda creepy at the same time.

It was like walking in another ecosystem. Good descent from the mountain and headed to the shelter. It was packed. Saturday night so weekend hikers, families, and thru hikers were all here. We sat around the fire. Talked and enjoyed company.

We went to hang out bear bag and learned a good lesson this evening. Remove the rock bag before attaching the stick and raising the bag in the air. (We use the PCT method of hanging our bear bags) Our rock bag got caught and we had to do a bit of problem solving to retrieve our bag and remedy the situation. Luckily we are great problem solvers and we will eat another day.