Benton MacKaye Trail, camping at Double Spring Gap at mile mark 82.9

The rain ended overnight. But it was so dark on this slope under the trees we woke up late. Still, we made time for coffee, love and breakfast before we packed up and started back the way we came toward the Ocoee River a little after 9 am. 

We knew the trail today, the climbs, the water sources, etc. We took our time, rested a lot on the uphills. Once we got up to the main ridge it was easier going for a while. We stopped only for a quick lunch and continued on, hoping to get to our campsite before the evening rain started up again. We met a trail maintenance volunteer cutting back the growth at the edge of the trail. He said the rain was supposed to start at 2pm. We picked up our pace. 

It started sprinkling a little after 2, but by 3 it was pouring. We’d put on our pack covers and rainhats, but skipped the jackets since it was warm and we were already soaking wet from sweat. It rained hard on us for an hour before the rain abated and the sun came out. As we climbed up Hemp Top mist was heavy in the air, with intermittent sun and tree showers. The last mile was up and down but no rain now. We finally descended to Double Gap Spring (where I’d fetched water 2 nights before) at about 4:30. 

The sun was sparkly and the birds were chirping. I hung a line for all of our wet things to dry a little. Karen made her famous spicy coconut curry ramen… and we lounged in the increasing coolness of the late afternoon.  About 6 pm I finally started setting up the tent at a flat area just 50 ft down from the saddle. Karen ran down to me soon after to say “the sky looks like rain again.” I hurried to finish setting up the tent while Karen gathered all our stuff scattered at the saddle above and got it inside. The rain arrived within minutes but not hard this time, and it stopped and started again all evening. It was a nice though, cooler and with few bugs, with plenty of time to journal, cuddle, and sleep.