Mitchell Winter!!!

When I was asked to write about my experiences with Mt Mitchell, I started to think.  When I think of Mt Mitchell, the words that come to mind are challenge, cold, cramps, fun, wind and did I mention cold?  I should point out though, that it is so cold probably because I choose to go in the winter time.  Or at least I try to go in winter.  I am sure Jeff would love to tell you more about the time I went on the first day of spring.

First Attempt

My first attempt on Mitchell was sort of a last minute trip that Charles, James and a buddy of James decided to do.  This was in February 2008.  The plan was to drive up on Friday night after work to Black Mountain Campground where the start of the Mt Mitchell Trail is located.  From there, we would hike up to the top, camp Saturday night at the top, and then come back down and head home on Sunday.

The group plan changed after the first cold night.  “They” decided that it was cold enough at the bottom of the mountain and did not want to stay any higher in elevation.  So we decided on a summit push and then back down to stay at the campground another night.  We got a late start and headed up the mountain around 10:30.  At around 2:00, at about 2/3 of the way up, Charles and I decided to turn around.  My legs were completely out of shape and beginning to cramp and the daylight was going quickly.  You see, this is yet one of the many challenges that one faces on Mitchell in the winter – the days are shorter.  So we turn around and head back disappointed, but still having fun in the mountains.  James and his friend would go on to the top, but come back into camp well after dark.  That could have been disastrous as they did not have food or shelter.

Second Attempt

The second trip was with Melissa and we decided to allow ourselves more time.  We picked a 3 day weekend and went up on Friday morning, which gave us an extra day to hike.  We started up when we got there and made camp about ½ of the way up.  The next morning, we went to the top and back and got back so early, we decided to go on home on Saturday to see our families.  You can read her post here.  And yes, Jeff, it was the first day of spring, so still no winter summit.

Third Attempt

The third trip was earlier this year, 2/10/09, and this time Jeff and Chris joined Melissa and I.  We went up on a Friday night and I met the three of them when they finally arrived well after midnight.  We camped at the bottom in the campground and planned to wake up early, and hit the trail.  We planned to hike to the halfway point.  Set up camp or at least lighten the load and hit the summit.  Then we would come back down and camp there and then come the rest of the way down on Sunday.  We got a late start again.  I don’t know what it is about going to sleep at 2 AM and it being 16 degrees out that keeps you from being motivated to get out of the sleeping bag.  We started up and arrived at the halfway mark and it was almost 2:00.  At that point, we did not stand chance of making it to the top and back before dark at the pace we were going.  So we decided to set up camp and see what Sunday brought.  And Sunday brought another frigid morning along with some light snow.  We decided that trying to summit would be slightly dangerous and would make us very late getting home.  So we will try again next year.  Be sure to read Melissa’s posts on this year’s trip here here and here.

So next year, I am adequately prepared to meet the challenges of winter on Mt Mitchell.  Whoever comes with me: be ready too!