As soon as the weather broke for a bit, I ventured out into the wilderness alone, to explore the Pinch-em Tight trail. I had enough of the weeks with 10 inches of snow and longed for that sense of freedom the trail provided. Plus, I was bored. Bored of being home, bored of being in Lexington. Simply. Bored.
With my copy of Hiking Kentucky's Red River Gorge in my hand, I hit the trail. I wasn't looking for easy, I was looking for something to wear my brain out and start finding myself again. Tired is always a good way for me to do this.
I wish I could tell you I had a better guide than this book and a worn printed map of the Gorge region, but no. The trial, leaf covered and hard to see in places. This was only my second trip to the Gorge and I didn't care. A friend of mine of late had become enamored with the Sheltowee Trace Trail, the Pinch-em Tight offered an introduction to the "Turtle Blaze" and was at least reasonably well blazed with the Gorge's diamond.
The stroll along the Pinch-Em Tight was enjoyable, the turn up the Rough Trail lived up to expectations. The climbs are painful. I hit an area where the trail was covered with ice still from the cold winter. In places the trail was blocked by downed trees. The scramble up Rush Ridge when I finally make it up from the creekbed through what amounts to a drainage ditch (yes, it was covered in ice), I stopped for a breather. Ok, I stopped along the way up to. I met another hiker who asked how the trail down there was, I said, "ok, covered with ice, not worth the climb down today." He decided to stay up on the ridge. A safe call in my book.
I suppose part of my problem with the Rough Trail is me myself being out of shape that makes it so difficult for me. I'm glad I brought along some water and snacks in my backpack, otherwise, I may have had to crawl out. This would not be the first time the Gorge would leave me feeling this way! |