Tuesday – 17 September

Destination: RT. 271 Shelter Area (MM 56.9)
Start Location: RT. 56 Shelter Area (MM 64.9)
Today’s Miles: 8.0
Trip Miles: 13.2

No one came into camp. Nearly a full moon last night. Good sleeping weather, 56 overnight. Bob and I were awake at 6:00 before sunrise. We made coffee, instant, and had our breakfast. After filtering water, started hiking at 8:00.

Our biggest climb of the day was the 0.4 miles from camp back to the trail, about 200 feet of elevation gain. In the morning we arrived at a controlled burn area. The burn was about 1 1/2 years ago. There were traces of the fire but most notable was that the undergrowth was thinned out. The resilience of the forest is amazing.

Most of the morning was misty and breezy. The weather forecast was for rain tonight. Bob and I debated staying in one of the shelters. It stayed overcast but the wind died down. Last time we were able to check the forecast was improving. We even had a minute when the sun pushed through. So the final decision was our tents.

We saw no other people out today. No new animals but teaberries were the highlight. They have a mild wintergreen flavor. Unfortunately, no blueberries.

Today’s camping area is a mile off the trail so we start tomorrow with a one mile climb that does not even count for our seventy mile hike.

After arriving at the camping area at one thirty we pumped some water. This is the old fashion well hand pump and boy do you have to work to get water. Next we selected our tent sites. Then over to the woodpile to split wood for a fire before relaxing.

One of the interesting things on the LHHT is that there are concrete mile markers for every mile. Since we are heading south, each marker tells us how many more miles until the end. Today we passed mile marker 57.

After dinner at five a run to fill up with water so we do not have to struggle with the pump in the morning. A fire to play with until it gets dark and then in the tent at hiker midnight for a little reading before going to sleep.