I came up with this idea after missing a few runs in a row due to my beloved dog Theodore passing away. I felt the need to conduct a big effort with a heavier pack in preparation for my Double S.C.A.R attempt in a few weeks.
I carried everything needed and only got water from creeks even though the water fountain was working.. I wasn’t sure on the rules for getting water from or using man made mechanisms, so I only drank from creeks/springs.
I started from the Arkaquah trail head off of Trackrock Gap Road. I used my larger 22L Joey by Palante packs. I fueled for the first 2 hours off Fritos and tailwind. Once reaching the summit for the first time I decided to take the Wagon train trail next in the hopes of finding easily accessible water from one of the many springs/creeks running down the trail. I was successful and filled two liters of water around mile 10.3. I reached the red gate in eye shot of Young Harris College and headed back up the mountain. For the climb I fueled on Goldfish crackers, Oreos, & Big Sur bars. I was toting a MRE (Meal Ready To Eat) as my reward for making the second summit. Upon reaching the lookout tower for the second time.. I tried to use the portable john but it was locked. So sat down and prepared my meal and then ate in as I walked back down to tackle the Jacks Knob trail. Once I reached the base of Jack Knob trail, I ran around the information kiosk and took a side trail to a near by Creek. I filled 2.5 liters for my second and final resupply of water. I then made my way back to the summit of Brasstown Bald for the 3rd and final time. I fueled the final stretched with Pizza flavored Combos and Saltine cracker from the MRE.
I made it back to the Arkaquah trail head in 9 hours and 42 minutes.
This was a great test run for my planned Self-Supported SCAR effort in mid June.