Crabtree Falls

Annabel's first real hike in her backpack!  After a two hour drive, we arrived at Crabtree Falls, stepped out of the car and into the falling rain, and started up the mountain.  We hiked alongside several of Will's youth kids who braved the soggy conditions and came along for the ride.  Annabel did great in the backpack and even took a little nap on the way back down.  Tommy hiked almost the entire way by himself (I carried him for about .2 mile right as we got to the top) which ended up being 3.4 miles up and back.  Needless to say, he slept almost the entire way home.  Despite the constant dripping and drizzle we walked through, we had a great time getting out into the woods.  Will and I did the hike years ago and were glad to be back.  This time as we walked, we met a thru-hiker named "Spice Rack" who had wandered over from the AT on the blue blaze trail.  We compared pack notes, discussed food, asked about trail days, and offered him some snacks before we parted ways.  Hope he makes it all the way to Katahdin!  What a fun day!