Don't try this at home!

I finally reached the top of Big Bald late in the day Wednesday. What a grind! Not only was I beat from a lot of uphill miles, but the weather was definitely falling apart. The winds at the summit were strong enough to blow me off the trail several times, gusting over 60 mi/hr. And chiiiiileee! I ended up hiking after dark by headlamp to reach the shelter and, man, it was a welcome sight.

view of Big Bald, Nov 12

I've reached this spot before on many day hikes, but it's a little different chugging up that grade with a full pack. You can see Big Bald Mtn. (5512') in the background, the highest point in this area with a great view. Unfortunately this section of trail borders on Wolf Laurel, a massive development with ski slopes and airplane runway. It's shameful how developers bully their way into ruining one of the formerly most beautiful, pristine views on the AT. They've already had to re-route the AT to avoid this mess. Shame, shame.