Appalachian Trail Day 42 – Lost Mountain Shelter – Wise Shelter

Appalachian Trail Day 42

4-10-01, Day 42

17.4 miles, AT – 488.3 4,450 Feet

Sunny – 70°

Lost Mountain Shelter – Wise Shelter

Another hot day. I think the back of my neck is burned. I cant begin to describe how beautiful the Grayson Highlands are. It was unbelievable. Rocky, grassy and spruce and fir trees. The wild ponies were up there, too. One had a baby foal. It was tiny. I can see why Baltimore Jack said 7 out of 100 hikers say its their favorite spot on the trail. I saw two deer and got a photo of one. I also saw 4-5 chipmunks , too. Lots of butterflies around. It’s really warming up.

Grayson Highlands Ponies

Once again, my feet killed today. I had to stop on the first hill today. I was so hot; I was going to pop if I didn’t stop! My lower back is screaming even though Im sitting against the wall.

Grayson Highlands

Scatman 2011- The Grayson Highlands were amazing. I can’t imagine what it’s like later in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. You could shot an old west cowboy film in them. It’s all grassland and large rocks. A stark contrast to the green tunnel of most of the AT.

The ponies I mentioned were miniature. They were very short and round. I believe they live up on the Highlands most of the year but are brought down in the winter. They sure have a sweet life up there.