Sat, Jul 21 2012 - Panthertown Valley (View Original Event Details)
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We left the cars under sunny skies anxious to get to camp and set up, due to ominous threats
of approaching thunderstorms. As we dipped down off the upper ridge, into the deep valley of
tall trees and thick rhododendron, the skies clouded with thick rain clouds and the path became
as dark as twilight, with a thick humidity in the air, as we came to our destination, only to
find it already occupied with campers.
As we started back up the ridge, passing the trail head to Little Green, the rain started, so
we put our rain covers on, and started again. But by the time we got to the top of the ridge,
the rain stopped, and the sun poked out. We could hear thunder in the distance so we got to the
campsite about as fast as we could, set up camp, threw up several tarps, gathered firewood, ate
lunch, gathered more firewood, all while the thunder in the distance kept us moving. But
it never came. The sunny skies prevailed, the thunderstorms continued to go around us. At one
point, while we were down at Warden Falls, the thunder came very close, and we headed back to
camp. But by the time we got there, it had passed us by once again.
At this point, it was time to go down to the sandbar pool for a nice swim, some frisbee throwing,
and a bit of sharing of the beverage of choice, since it was happy hour. The sandy beach,
the cool clean mountain water, the great conversation, and story telling was a great way
to spend the late afternoon day in the mountains.
The variety of dinners as usual was interesting, but Serena stole the show by sharing her Korean
specialties. That spicey pork was excellent, mixed with a bit of rice on a leaf of lettuce. Yum!
Later, sitting around the fire listening to Scott play his quitar, we could see the stars poking
through the trees, so once again, we went down to the sandbar pool and just hung out for awhile
viewing the stars. I eventually went back to my tent to find quite a surprise waiting for me.
After cleaning up, 3 or 4 times, I finally got to climb into my tent.
The next morning was absolutely beautiful and the realization that we luckily missed the
storms really hit. After breakfast we hiked a bit in the vallies, before going up Little Green
Mountain, and hung up there just enjoying the views and the sun lit vallies surrounding us.
Then we went down to School House Falls, went for another swim, and headed back to camp to
break, and go home. But not before a trip to the Spotted Pig, to eat some excellent barbeque!
Man that was good.
Thanks to all of you who joined us on this adventure. As usual, there was quite a mix of
backgrounds, including someone who studies primates, so it was truly an interesting weekend.
Michael Johnson
Sara's pix: http://backpacking777.shutterfly.com/pictures/8
David's pix: http://s498.photobucket.com/albums/rr345/dudetrick/Panther Valley/
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