Sat, May 12 2012 - Pinhoti Trail (Cheaha to Adams Gap) (View Original Event Details)
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12 Miles of Pinhoti Strength
With the threat of rain looming over Pinhoti Backpacker's minds, they assembled at the end of the trail in Cheaha State Park. The shuttle was formed to make the trip to the trail head at Adams Gap and the group began the trip. At 12 the group stepped off for camp, making quick work of the first 1/3 of the trip. The trails were clearly blazed, blue, and the boulder field allowed enough blazes to not lose the trail. Arrival at the lookout for lunch was a welcome sight for all, after the treacherous uphill climb. The only thing that would have slowed this progress was rain, but thankfully the rain was nowhere to be seen.
After a break at the lookout for lunch, the remaining days hike was completed. This first section was roughly 7 miles and the group made camp by 3:30. With the expectation of rain, tarps were hung at the fire to cover a seating area thus helping to ward off the threat of rain. However this only worked for so long, and the monsoon was well on its way.
The highlight of the trip, to this point, was the large fire that persisted for 5 hours. Ample amounts of dry wood are available on the Pinhoti, the only problem is cutting it. One of the group members alleviated this problem with an amazing light weight folding hand saw. This saw allowed the group the use of the ever elusive backpacking trip fire logs.
At roughly 9:30 the first rain drops landed as all decided to bed down for the night. Little did the group know of the warning sign contained in those few sprinkles. Within minutes a deluge of water dumped from the sky. The sound of the rain equaled buckets of water being thrown on a tent. This roaring rain persisted through the night and into the morning and offered no relief until all emerged beneath the tarps for a quick breakfast. As the rain slowed to a sprinkle camp was packed and the group hit the trail by 8:45.
A dense fog surrounded the group eliminating any ability to see the vast overlooks contained on the remaining hike. However, the dense gray of the fog offered its own enjoyable experience, along with the light to heavy rain showers. As the rain built paths became mud and slick rock, with some trail sections becoming part of the creeks. All of the group members were wet, tired and having too much fun. Their abilities were tested and success came at around 11 when the final corner was turned and the arch to the parking area emerged. Amy, Ryan, John and Michael exchanged farewells and departed taking only memories of a rugged and fulfilling trip.
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