Day 64

Stagnant Pond to Elk Garden 12.3 miles – AT mile 495.2

Card of the day – Ace of Pentacles

This morning Cheeto asked if he could ask me a question, sure I said.  He asked how long it takes me to poop in the woods, he wondered if that was why I did not like to dig cat holes!  No dude I don’t like it because it’s minging!

Any way I set off and it was nice hearing the river in the valley as we climbed out of the camp site.

Then you hit the creeper trail bike track, and suddenly you understand why so many people were happy and laughing as they were riding along it yesterday, it was a dream to walk along and only a steady incline.

What’s been interesting about some of the hiking recently is when you look at Far Out and go oh my that looks steep and then see it’s only 500ft! Hikers hike.

This positivity about up bits will not last, trust me.  The first part up to the shelter was ok though!

It odd when you’re hiking in what you think is wilderness and suddenly you hear traffic.  Your like, who put a road there?  It’s a reminder that our little 6 ft corridor is really not all that remote.

You make your way into a beautiful meadow, and once again I’m reminded of home, especially when you smell the cow poop!   As I make my way through the field, suddenly there were cows in the way.  It was a momma with her calf so there was no way I was getting right of way.  I just did what I always do and shouted “hay cows, how are you?” And then gave them a wide birth as I walked through the field and back towards the trail.

I feel like we had been spoilt by the meadow as it was a tough, rough path up the mountain.  Those switch backs even hurt!

But hay, the view was worth it!

Underhill was up at the top of the hill and we hit the carpark at the top for lunch.  There we found an old guy and his dog just walking in.  They had a flat tire and we offered our help, but the old guy had it covered and the dog just sat with us in the shade whilst we ate, clearly trying to pick up any scraps.

10 miles by lunch, 6.6 to go!

We got to Elk Garden and were convinced to  stop early for trail magic.  Noodles and Snicklefritz laid on beef burgers, hot dogs, crisps and snacks, beers ect.  It was a hiker feast to be sure.

There must be 17 tents or hammocks with old friends and new.  So a good night was had by all.  They are doing breakfast tomorrow so that surly means a late start!  It’s hard, this hiking.