Linville Gorge

Saturday several of the Charlotte crew headed to Linville gorge for a hike. We had some plans but we were quickly rerouted by a very muddy road and a non 4wd vehicles. Instead we started down pine gap trail with an idea to hike to Babel and then back on the road. 

We quickly ran into some serious ice shelves. Most of us chose to turn around. 

Feeling happier as I'm almost to the road and free of ice. Mud I'm fine. Ice sheets scare me. 

We walked up the road for awhile which was a nice mental break as we didn't have to watch our steps constantly. 

With a lot of uphill got nice and warm!

We were at Babel and ran in to some people coming up it. There was ice but didn't sound as bad as pine gap so we went for it. At this point there were 4 on the pine gap to Linville gorge hike, 6 on Babel tower, and 8 who had bailed to home or a winery! 

Rob found us on Babel as he had left the other group. So we were 7 and 3. Ice here, but it wasn't near drop offs as much and was easier to navigate. 

Nice views over the gorge here and there. 

Finally a glimpse of the river. At an awesome camping spot I want to go back to. 

We then carried down what we were pretty sure was the main trail. After some indecision we ended up at a semi frozen creek. We thought the trail was meant to be along the river so we headed downward towards the water. 

This was a good decision as we found an awesome snack spot. It was unfortunately not actually the right trail, but worth it for the views. 

And time for a beer!

After enjoying the views it was time to head back up up up in attempts to find the real trail. 4 went back to Babel car park and rob, Teresa, and I headed onward. 

After a few "well, it's a trail.....I don't know if it's the trail...." moments we were excited to find an actual sign! 

We had made it to cabin trail, 0.75 miles long and 1000ft elevation.....but dinner time and darkness was approaching so we went for it. 

Excited to know we were almost there! 

Gorgeous views on the way up. And we ran into the other three who had taken a harrowing trip along who knows what trail between pine gap and here! 

Up and up and up. 

Rewarded with great views. Once we got to the car we had the added adventure of off-roading in the Ford Fusion and almost getting hit head on but some high teenager trying to show off in the mud. But we made it to dinner which was fabulous. Excellent adventure!!