Thursday, 29 August
Destination: Route 44 and Trout Run Road (MM 23.7) | Today’s Miles: 3.95 |
Start Location: Naval Run Campsite (MM 30.95) | Trip Miles: 42.05 |
Bob and I were up early and hiking by 7:30 after a good night’s sleep. It cooled off nicely and things dried out some. We had coffee and breakfast before starting the morning with a 1,000+ foot climb. As we neared the top the sun came through and gave us a great view of Pine Creek at the vista. Things leveled off for a couple of miles to the Old Cut Off Trail. This shortened the hike by about two miles skipping a 1,000 decent followed by an immediate 1,000 foot climb with no vistas and only a campsite near a stream at the bottom.
The Old Cut Out Trail was 0.6 miles. After about another half mile on the road, we reconnected with the Black Forest Trail. Soon we were back to the car. Wiped off and changed into clean cotton clothes.
A stop at the Mountain Top Inn for lunch. A pork and brisket barbecue sandwich with a side of pickled eggs was a little piece of heaven after the week of hiking food. Back to Bob’s house and then home and the real world.