Day 22

Long Branch Shelter to Winding Stair Gap 7.2 Miles.  AT mile 109.6

Card of the day – Queen of Wands

So last night ended a tad more nosey than i would have wanted which I suppose was more evidence of the bad vibe, and I guess that should really read just not my kinda vibe by that point.

There had been a hiker that had announced they would be quiet after 8, and who did not actually be quiet until closer to 9.  If your brazen enough to announce to camp your going to be quiet from a particular point, then surly you should stick to it?  Hay Ho!

Any way we were off and out by some time after 9am.  Walking into the shelter was Kitchen Sink, who we had not seen in quite some time!  He was with a hiker called Sun Eater who walked with us for a while.

Kegstand kept an excellent pace, which was commented on by Sun Eater.  It really was the first time we could walk up hills at pace and still talk!  Maybe we are starting to get good at this?

Out on the trail I saw a snake!  It made me jump as I had not seen it when I first walked past it to find a tree to wee at.  After letting out a little scream as I do in these times, I pointed it out to Underhill and Kegstand.  This must be the first real “wildlife” I’ve seen on trail!

Later there was a little chipmunk at shelter, again on the way to the privy and a few more playing down at a stream crossing.

What I would say about todays hiking is that the trail has been a tad Rustic, like an old shepherd path.  It felt old, and winding and covered in tree roots.  It was nothing short of breath taking at times, both in the literal sense and the nature and views that surrounded us.

About half an hour before Winding stair gap we were passed by a father and son that had left Amacolola 9 days before!  9 days! And here I am on day 22!  Shocking I know, but I guess I’m doing a platinum blaze and smelling the roses, and I’ll continue to do that till Hot Springs, just like Vagabond had told me to.  When we reached the gap the mother of said hikers had some good trail magic, and by that of course I mean Beer!  Corona and even like slices!  We chit chatted and shared some hard earned advise with the hikers, and introduced them to liner socks!  After that there was a guy waiting to give hikers a ride Into town!  Perfect!

We got to the Motel shortly after 3pm, hit the shower and went to the other Brewery in town for beer and food.  They did not have any food on but allowed us to order Dominos!  What a bar!  Chris joined us for a few beers and it was off to bed!

All in all a rather good day!