Hanson's Point Sunrise - RRG
I had a friend coming in for the night an decided to show her a little bit of some of the most beautiful parts of Kentucky, the Red River Gorge at Sunrise.
We drove out, leaving Lexington around 8. After a stop at the gas station for a permit and an Ale 8 (the verdict is officially out, I'm not a fan) we were on our way.
The hike in took about an hour to an hour and a half. After stepping off of the maintained trails it was a little hit or miss as to what was the trail. Luckily though there were still people up and camped pretty much right off of the trail for guidance and direction. Ultimately though, if you just follow the path of least resistance, and the most footsteps you should be in the clear.
Upon reaching the area where we thought Hanson's Point should be, we stopped and looked around. What we realized was after you come up over the knoll and start down the other side, you're pretty much there. There was one couple camped in the last bit of woods before the rock outcropping started.
Per my typical adventuresome self, I decided we would be sleeping out on the point on the rocks that night. It was one cold night. I had given my sleeping bag to Hannah, and slept in a fleece sleeping bag with an LL Bean down blanket on the inside.
It was a decently comfortable rock.
The night was a struggle. I had to pee so bad, but I didn't want go get out of my sleeping bag. I had the thought that this was it and I was going to die by an exploding bladder because I wouldn't get out of my sleeping bag. Luckily, for better or worse, I was able to wait it out until the first beams of light started over the ridge.
This is why I sit in the dark waiting for the sun to rise.
There was a small inversion in one of the valleys which was extraordinary and made the trip worth it. I've seen inversions on the west coast, but never on the east coast, so to see a little one happen so close to home made me giddy with excitement. The sunrise was also spectactular and provided a plethora of colors. The clouds were at just the right elevation for the sun's light to dance around and provide a spectacular show.
Frost on the sleeping bag/pad!
The hike out was uneventful, and we finished the hike off with Spaulding's donuts back in town. We were pretty exhausted the next day from not getting good sleep, but the sunrise and hike was worth it.
Until next time, see you on the trails!
-POH