"Conan The Librarian" wrote

This was the day to pay homage to B*g S*nt**tlah (and pay homage I
did). On my way I missed the turnoff and wound up driving a bit on the
Cherohala Skyway, continuing up to Hooper Bald and driving literally in
the clouds before turning around and spotting the proper turnoff for the
creek.

on the right days, the skyway can be one of the most beautiful places on
this planet. me and the ol duc du chocolat were treated to a gorgeous
morning there, a couple years ago. i have the evidence on my wall.



I crossed to stay with the main fork and on the way
spotted a large boulder with a sweet-looking plunge-pool below it. It
looked ideal for providing a bit of cover for a dap or two. Unfortunately,
as I was crossing towards it, a rock gave way under my foot and I landed
*hard* on both knees on the next boulder.

that was my greatest fear for you, fishing alone in water like that.
santeetlah is tough, and you can really get hurt in a fall.

(snip)


The spot where I came out was only a couple of hundred yards below the
car, and ironically was a spot I had passed by as being too steep for
access. :-}

congratulations. you have survived santeetlah gorge.



.. What a gorgeous area Kilmer is! Poplars rising so high you
can't even see their tops, and the creek itself is sublime.

indeed. one rarely sees the sun in there, the trees are so large and
lush. some of the last virgin hardwoods in the appalachians. the creek is
chocablock full of little rainbows, 5-7 inches.

keep the tr's coming, man.

yfitons
wayno