Guess what? I made my 13 mile day today! Not only that, I didn’t even start hiking until 11am. Starting so late, I figured on an 8pm or later finish. But no! I got here at 630pm with plenty of time for setup and dinner.
I must’ve crossed about 5 thousand creeks today. Some had nice log bridges over them. Others required very careful rock hoping to avoid getting wet. Trekking poles are very useful for testing rock stability before committing one’s foot.
There are Coyote out here. Not at the shelter site, but I can hear them in the distance. I started noticing them last week while still in the Smokies.
Gnats
Although I now feel good about this day, going through it was hell. The morning started with a good climb out of the shelter site followed by a short ridge walk then a descent to Brown’s Gap. People at. Standing Bear Farm kept talking about trail magic at Brown’s Gap so I had great anticipation. Unfortunately, nobody was there. So no trail magic for Mojo today.
After that bit of trail, there was a steep climb out of Brown’s Gap. Afterwards the trail profile showed a steady ridge walk. Well, it wasn’t. I must’ve gone up 100 feet then down 100 feet about 10 times before the next part of trail. Hey AWOL, dude I really love your guide book man, but maybe you could publish a super high resolution version of the guide! Some hikers hate when trail features don’t show up!
I also think I was followed by a swarm of about 5 billion gnats. These gnats out here are HORRIBLE!!! You can’t stop for 5 seconds without being swarmed by them. All insect repellants are useless against them. It can get really frustrating when climbing and need a short breath-catching break.
The highlight of the day was Max Patch. It is the peak of a mountain which is another bald. I took photos and videos but as usual, you have to wait on those.
After Max Patch, the rest of the day felt like a death march. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the hike, but neither did I enjoy it. I guess I was just doing what needed to be done to make this shelter tonight.
Woodstock, Giggles and Maynard are definitely behind me now. I heard from other hikers today that they only hiked 2 miles out of Standing Bear yesterday. I’m sure I’ll see them somewhere again.
So tomorrow has rain in the forecast, but that’s all good because tomorrow I hike 13 more miles into the town of Hot Springs! Although I’ve already been to many trail friendly towns, this is the first “real trail town.” See, the trail itself actually goes right through the town!
So I’m off to sleep now. Hopefully the Coyote will quite down soon. They’re pretty active tonight.
Wandering on…
Mojo
I feel your pain re those nasty gnats:-( A Georgia store even makes gnat hats in camo! Hikers have tried numerous ways to rid their lives from them. Gnats go for eye secretions. They like moist heat and fly to highest basal heat, so you could hike with a tall buddy, or tie a sweaty piece of your clothing to hiking pole held high, or stop at next hardware store for safety glasses. Later is most effective (also with black flies) and least likely to draw negative attention;-)
Haha… yeah, I keep challenging them to get closer to my mouth so I can simply eat them. Because I will! Good protein!
13 mile day Way to go !
Mojo, you are awesome man! 13 miles! Wow. Keep the spirit. You may be Mojo, but to me you will always be Obi Wan!
Your eyes can deceive you, don’t trust them! 🙂
13 miles in excellent time! Keep it up! hugs….
Kelly,
I concur with Joe Buchanan’s post on Day 43 – you need to visit AT Trail Days in Damascus VA during the three day May 15-17, F, S, U) annual gathering. Vendors such as Hyperlite Mountain Gear are expected to display their wares, lots of food, parades with locals and entertainment – check out the website.
Keep that Mojo pumped!
Bob
Hey Bob… Definitely am considering Trail Days. I don’t think I’ll make it there via trail, but should be able to hitch or shuttle.
Way to go Mojo!!! You have really hit your stride. Hearing about the gnats reminds me of all the mosquitoes you and I encountered on Portsmouth Island…I guess that was training for this day LOL! Can’t wait to hear about your experience in Hot Springs, and awaiting more pics and videos!!
Hey Billye Jean! 😉 yeah those skitters were pretty brutal. While repellants work against those, they actually attract the gnats. Bastards! 🙂
Awesome on doing 13!!!!!
Thanks Mera! Glad you guys are still following along. How’s the weather down in lake winipasaki? Oops… I mean Florida!
Wow! 13 miles woo hoooo! Can’t wait to see more pics! Love ya!
Thanks sister! 🙂