Day 30 – Hiding behind a Thin Veil

As planned, the crew drove the Toad to the visitor center to take the bus from Apgar Visitor Center (VC) to Avalanche Creek shuttle stop and then hopped on the shuttle that would take them the remaining miles to Logan pass.  Equipped with water, sunscreen, hats, and snacks, the three began their first hike along the High Line Trail.

The High Line Trail was indeed a challenge for anyone with fear of heights. It was, however, not as difficult as it looked from the road. The trail began easy enough, downward, then climbed up to where the trail was merely a narrow ledge of rocky mountainside. This portion of the trail had a cable rail for those to hold onto for the faint of heart. The trail continued up and down along the rocky ledge with various flora and fauna surrounding the area and amazing views above and below. Many groups were encountered along the trail. On several occasions the team had to find a ledge to pause allowing oncoming traffic to pass safely. Many more pictures were taken along the trail as the smoke veil lifted every so slightly. The trio continued their hike along the trail until they reached a gentle falls - and a great place to pause, snack and gather strength for the trail back. They estimated they had walked approximately 5 – 6 miles total upon their return to the trail head.

Once back to the visitor center, the hikers took a short break. Theresa and Kevin decided to tackle the Hidden Lake trail. MJB decided to take a longer break and then tackle the trail. This trail was noted for its 1.5 mile (500 foot gain in elevation) climb to an overlook of a beautiful lake. Hikers could continue another 1.5 miles down to the lake but then, they'd have to climb back out of that as well! Since the crew had already tackled one taxing trail, they opted for the overlook only. The hike up consisted, to a large degree, of boardwalk with high steps along the way. MJB met Theresa and Kevin not long after they had reached the top and were on their way back down. “Can't stop now,” they told her. “You're almost there.” At the top, the hikers were each rewarded with views of the valley below, mountain streams forming small falls, and at long last, a gorgeous view of the lake valley.

Kevin and Theresa waited at the VC for MJB. Zin had been in the RV since 10 AM, so Kevin decided to hop on the shuttle ASAP so he could get back to the car and let Zin out before any undesirable deposits were made in the RV.

Theresa headed back up the trail to meet MJB, but she was not that far behind and was pleased that the laborious trek provided such inspiring scenery and a sense of accomplishment. How many people ever witness this part of the earth?

Theresa and MJB climbed aboard a shuttle as the driver announced that this would be a direct trip to Apgar VC so there be no need to transfer at the Avalanche Creek shuttle stop . Hooray! Since Kevin had taken an earlier shuttle he would likely need to transfer at the Avalanche stop. MJB and Theresa thought it would be funny if they arrived at the parking lot prior to Kevin! Tee hee hee.

The bus MJB and Theresa were on made stops to drop off and pick up passengers along the way. At the Avalanche Creek shuttle stop, another larger transfer bus was waiting for passengers as MJB and Theresa sat enjoying the scenery in their own shuttle which would be shortly on its way. MJB spied Kevin in the waiting bus! Kevin left at least 30-40 min. ahead of Theresa and MJB and now sat waiting at the transfer point while the two women continued to Apgar ahead of him! Theresa and MJB decided to wait in a strategic spot at the Apgar VC and wave to Kevin as he walked past to surprise him. Kevin lamented about the long ride down the mountain, the fact that the transfer bus was required to sit for 40 minuets to allow for others, and was simply glad he didn't have to drive it.

The hikers were sore and quite famished. Dinner was “Parker-Burgers.” They never got tired of those! Theresa also made some cowboy-potatoes and snap peas – all on the grill.

Here are some videos from the days hike:

As crew finished their meal, another set of campers, Richard and Rhonda, walked by. They said hello and noted the North Carolina license plates on the Smitanic. Conversation continued about the day's adventures by both parties.

Richard was an engineer by trade. His fix-it instincts were heightened as Kevin mentioned the recent slide challenge. Richard was amused by the 4 bit fix and promised to check back in the AM to see if the slide would come in. Theresa offered the fellow RVers a glass of 14 Hands wine. They gave their approval!