variations on a theme

 

East Ridge of Cold Mountain

Over the years there have been some interesting variations on a theme with the Art Loeb Trail Adventure Run. Daunting though it was, I contemplated a repeat DALTAR until another idea piqued my interest.

Mark proposed bushwhacking up the East Ridge of Cold Mountain to the Art Loeb Trail. Carl graciously shuttled and Caleb jumped on board. Charlie and Kevin impressively kept to their DALTAR ambitions.

It was cold with a forecast for rain/sleet. Snow and ice lingered at higher elevations. The BRP was closed. We didn't know what to expect. I'd say we lucked out. The forest was open with few cliffs up to the ridge.

Mark, me and Caleb the cookie monster

We started at 7:30 am and enjoyed fleeting sunshine while following intermittent game trails through thicker vegetation, which occasionally pushed us off of the ridge. We got to Cold mountain in two hours.

Living the dream on the East Ridge

It was time to get cranking. Having started at midnight, Kevin had already flipped it at Tennent. We weren't sure where Charlie was and Caleb left us at Shining Rock Gap to return to his car at Big East Fork.

Mark descending from Black Balsam

A cold drizzle greeted us on the balds, but it stayed dry enough for Mark and me to scamper up Cedar Rock en route to camp. Charlie wasn't as lucky. The rain and dark caught him, but he finished DALTAR!

Mark near summit of Cedar Rock