For Hardcore Only

Hey HD,
Nice trip some great scenery - I have to make it down there one day. Thanks for posting the pics.
 
Thanks for the help on pack size...

Ski

I normally carry a 2000 cu in pack in summer but I had to go up to a 3000 for cooler due to the addition of a larger sleeping bag and fleece shirt/coat.

I have a 4300 external frame and really like it but one thing you have to be wary of:

If you aren't REAL careful your gear will swell to fit whatever size of pack you carry. Trust me, 90% of the time your trip will be WAY more enjoyable if you take a minimum of gear and keep your pack light.:thumbup:
 
Anyway finally finishing this up.


The next morning we big farewell to the Wilderness and headed out the pipeline and then out FR70 for the 3 mile walk back to our car:

theendu.jpg
 
BUT-

Being gluttons for punishment and good views we went out of Flatrock Plains via the Boars Nest trail for one final hellish bushwhack.:thumbup::jerkit:

An easy creek crossing
plucky1.jpg


And a short uphill brings us up on Flatrock Plains

plucky2.jpg
 
So the objective was to go to where the Boars Nest Trail drops off Flatrock plains and take a bushwhack trail to "The Sentinels" a rather cool cliff right on the edge.

We found the turnoff ok but the trail had sort of grown up the point to where it was a labrinth of thick vegetation.

I plowed ahead first but soon even though Ms Hd and Ratmahatta were VISIBLE there was no way we could reach each other. We seemed to be plowing forward stumbling from one laurel thicket to the next, always barely apart.

plucky3.jpg


Finally after climing up and down rocks and tearing my legs up(Ms Hd and Ratamahatta more sensibly wore long pants) I arrived at the Sentinels the cliff with the upright rocks that overlook the valley.
plucky6.jpg


Shortly thereafter and from a completely difft route Ms Hd and Rattamahatta arrived, disheveled but in good spirits:
plucky5.jpg


We then availed ourselves of the great views
plucky8.jpg

plucky9.jpg

reevesy.jpg


We all ate what little food we had left(we planned the food about right)
plucky7.jpg


And we chilled out and relaxed

plucky10.jpg

img2861p.jpg




Finally after walking out to our car and the Dolly Sods Picnic area we celebrated with the traditional bologna and brew


img2878d.jpg
 
Last edited:
Awesome trip! It's great that you got together for the hike. Thanks for the report. :thumbup:
 
Back
Top