Appalachian Trail Caves

 With the forecast of intermittent rain, the plan was to hike to the caves just north of Piazza Rock on the Appalachian Trail.  From the parking lot on Route 4 to the Rock = 1.8 miles.  The caves approximately another 0.8 miles.  It has been years since I ventured on that trail and I knew the hardest part was at the very beginning (and then the very end).  A steep climb over wet and muddy rocks and roots.  It's good for warming up fast and then knowing how close to the parking lot - all good.

Crossing the Sandy River.


Many of the "balance beams" that rock, twist and are slick have been replaced with great flat stones!










And we made it to the caves!  It took me a minute to convince myself to crawl through the flat crevice.  But after removing my backpack - good to go.  It helped that I could see sunlight on the other side.  Also that Scott and Rebecca scared away any creepy crawlies!



We came out on the other side and then had to climb to the next area.  Not so easy and required some assistance.

The next climb - nope.  I stayed put.  Going up looked not so easy and I know coming down is always harder.  So I stayed put while Scott and Rebecca climbed to the top.


                                                            Looking up from my "spot".
                                                           
                                                            Looking down from my "spot".




I did wander a bit and found an easier route to part way up.


But then I came to this.  No.  Nope.  No way.
                                              




Rebecca took some great photos from the top.  Sorry I missed the view but no regrets!




The hike back was quicker and though we had a brief sun shower, the real rain did not start until we were in the car and pulling out of the parking lot.  Good timing!

Today also happens to be National Toasted Marshmallow Day.  Scott has been talking about s'mores since arriving - he bought Reese's instead of plain Hershey's.  The rain has stopped so we should be good to enjoy his concoction over the firepit!

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