My morning was damp, as expected, but also loud. Everyone was jolted awake by someone on a bullhorn in the distance yelling "Good morning campers!". For some, this was the end of sleep, to them I say Zzzz. I could feel the wet air through my liner, and did not want to greet the day. Of course eventually I did, and the only people remaining in the shelter were Jukebox, Slim Shady, and NPR (still asleep).
I hiked out at 10am, which seems to be becoming my start time. I had 18 miles to go, with little water, and no shelter along the way. Not only was there no shelter for lunch, but the shelter typically located at my end point is under renovation, so the day would end with a good nights tent.
I divided the day into 3 separate 6 mile hikes, with a break between each. The first section ended at a spring, where I could finally get a morning drink. I slaked my thirst and filled my waterskins for the dry road ahead.
Another 3 miles up and I came to a campsite with rock chairs built around the fire ring. It was also of particular note, since I found a rattlesnake cut up and staked to a tree. I entertained myself for a moment by flicking its rattle with my trekking pole, and then continued up the trail. There's something a little unsettling about seeing animal skins strung up by the campfire in the middle of the forest. So 3 more miles and I sat down to take another real break.
I found another stone throne to lean back on, and dug into my feed bag for a while. Once back on my feet I made short work of the final 6 miles. The hike ended in a nice rolling glen of pine trees along a small stream. That's where I found a perfect flat campsite to lay stake at. It was a tenth of a mile before the tent site at the renovating shelter, but that was located a third of a mile off the trail. I opted to skip the shelter, just to shave those two thirds of a mile. Plus, it really was a perfect campsite.
Switchback and Steady Yeti arrived, and departed. They were continuing on another 6.2 miles to the next real shelter. Kudos to them. Jukebox and Slim Shady arrived next, and decided to set up camp. Long after I had finished my dinner, NPR hiked down, said hello, and decided to hike up to the shelter. By this time I was in my tent, preparing for a night of forest sounds. The cicadas are out in full force, and along with the rushing sound of a burbling brook, it's bound to be a loud one. The 18 miles were manageable, but still took it out on my lower back. I think it's time to make some pack adjustments of my own. I believe tomorrow will end with my at a motel, so I can clean up and make gear alterations there. After all, simple tasks are so much simpler without a swarm of gnats around your face.
