We left Cherryville, NC about 3:30 am on March 17, 2008 and arrived at Hardee's in Cherokee for breakfast at 6:30 am and left at 7:00 am. We got to the trailhead shortly after 7:30 am.

As we were getting our things together and putting, our packs on about 6 guys from Knoxville News Channel 8 were starting their hike.

We fell in behind them and began our hike up the Alum Cave Trail. It wasn't long and the camera crew took a break from carrying all the equipment so we kept on our pace.  Before we knew it we were at Arch Rock, shortly after that we came up on Ed Wright and friends.

I had been wanting to met Ed for some time so this was great finally seeing him and talking with him.  After we continued on we came up on Ron Metcalfe. Me and Ron had been talking for sometime on the computer but never had met in person. It was great finally meeting him. Ron has taken some great photos in the past.

It seemed like time went very fast as we continued our ascent up the mountain. We met several other folks along the way but I don't remember names.

As we reached the Lodge the helicopter was already dropping supplies and the crews were busy unloading.

Myself, Norm and Eric were quickly put to work as they needed more help. Those 40 lb bags of flour and Lama Food pellets were 50 lb plus but felt like 100 lb bags. After helping out it makes you appreciate how that food gets there. Our arms were getting sore from the workout so we decided to take a break.  I sat down and talked with Ed Wright some more at the swing.  We met several other people up on top around the Lodge.  One guy we met was Jeff Cinnamon, very nice guy. He and his friend hiked up with us.

After helping with the unloading, we decided to head up to Cliff tops before the hike down.  The views from up top were as beautiful as ever.  We posed for a shot before we started our hike back down about 3:30.

Took a short break at Alum Cave on the way out.  Talked with two rangers on the hike out.  We had a very good day, the weather was perfect!

This was trip #3 and I hope to come back very soon.  It was a pleasure meeting everyone and seeing some workers that I had met before.

Here are some other photos from the trip.  View other hike photos here.

Larry Wright
Cherryville, NC