Date: 2018-03-28
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

At the Standing Bear Hostel we were the King and Queen of our domain. Our tent was pitched on a flat grassy surface, we had access to running water, and even a kitchen. However, when we returned to the trail, we were quickly reminded who was boss. The first 4.5 miles consisted of a steady ascent of 2,500¢ to the top of Snowbird Peak. At least the ground beneath our feet was soft and a breeze cooled us off on an otherwise warm day. At the top of Snowbird we were rewarded with noticeably cooler temps and astonishing views. There was also something that looked a bit out of place at the top, a building, something that resembled a space ship, and, what¢s that, a car. Another hiker informed us that it was an intermediate air traffic control station, filling the gaps between large airports. Snowbird Peak was not the last climb of the day. Close Call had told us the night before that he was pushing 13 miles to Max Patch, an iconic A.T. Bald, where he planned to setup camp. Our original plan called for a 7 mile hike to the first shelter, followed by 13 miles on both Thursday and Friday to take us to Hot Springs. But, we decided to follow Close Call¢s lead. Not only would it offer us a great opportunity to linger on Max Patch, it would also leave us with only 20 miles to Hot Springs. On the downside (or is it the upside?) we still had two significant climbs before we would make it to Max Patch, after a final ascent. We stopped to filter water and eat lunch at around one o¢clock. The stream had a weak, disbursed flow, so I placed a broad Rhododendron leaf under a rock to funnel water into our 4 liter Gravity Works ¢dirty¢ bag. I will post some pics if you want to see how the system works. So far, we love it.5 1/2 grueling miles later we were at the base Max Patch, and WW was maxed out. We stopped briefly at a stream to filter more water for the evening/morning before proceeding on. I was hoping euphoria would kick in, fueling WW to the top. It did! Just a short distance after getting water, we exited the dense vegetation that was obstructing our view. Then, it opened up, in all its glory! An immense grassy mound lay before us. Never mind the 200¢ ascent and stairs leading to the top, WW was already there. The trail continued along the open field for another half mile before coming to the peak. Once again, we were rewarded for our effort, as we were simply awestruck by vast openness and an amazing panoramic view. Layers upon layers of mountains and hills in all directions. They were stacked up like ocean waves rolling into the beach. Awesome!!! Trail magic too? Yes, Veins, a 1991 thru hiker, had a cooler full of beer and some hotdogs. We passed on the beer, but gladly accepted a pack of hotdogs, buns, and potato chips. After a few pics, a short video, and a few minutes to just take it in, we found a spot just off the windy mountain top to set up camp, and cook up our hotdogs. We were joined by Close Call, Heartburn, and Twofer (a hiker we met yesterday).  I climbed back to the top for some sunset pictures before hitting the sack. Tired, but smiling on the inside, we were fast to sleep. What a day!¢ Next Step Elevation Data:Ascent ~ 5,200Descent ~ 2,490Grade ¢ 10.5 Weather:Day ¢ 60 degrees / CloudyNight ¢ 48 degrees / Windy Over the Horizon: Hot SprIngs, NC