Centennial Trail (SD) Day 2: Miles 6-21

On the Second Day

After a nice morning at the edge of Custer SP (without the originally projected rain,) we stepped off at 7:15 and proceeded to get confused by the Custer SP  arrow posts for 9 miles (approx 1500 ft total elevation gain.) There were lots of arrows that would seemingly point to two trails. There was just enough tree cover to not be able to see super far ahead on either trail. We got the hang of it eventually, just walked down one path 100 or so yards to see if theres another post, and if not, turn back.

At around 11 we arrived at French Creek Horse Camp. It was quite busy with horses, but not at all overwhelming. We took a couple hours break to eat and refill water. Because there were a lot of roads for the campsites, it wasn’t super intuitive where the trail would pick up again.

Section 2

Our second section passing French Creek headed to Legion Lake was only 6 miles (approx 1300 ft total elevation gain) but there was quite a bit of tough hills. Although it was only 75 degrees, the lack of tree cover made the rocks super reflective of the heat. We were cooking for a while there, definitely slowed us down. 

Arriving at Legion Lake at 3:45 was like starting a new day, it was beautiful! We met a local trail angel named MASH who got me a new belt buckle and provided us some beer! This was out first experience with trail magic and now I understand why it’s called that. Definitely an out-of-this-world kindness experience. The rest of the evening consisted of swimming in the lake and breaking out Backpacker Pantry’s new entree, pesto pasta (10/10.)

 

Views

Incredible morning views!

bear log

This burnt log scared the crud outta me, looked exactly like a black bear in my peripherals

Looking back in Custer SP

Looking back in Custer SP

goats far away

I spy with my little eye…

goats zoomed in

…some billy’s on our trail

View from French Creek Horse Camp

View from French Creek Horse Camp

french creek

French Creek. We took our shoes off to cross. It felt great!

goats

Momma goat and baby goat

French creek

French creek again…

rock wall

… this time it was easy to walk on rocks to cross

leaving the valley

Catching views of the other side of the saddle

cool rock

Cool rocks:)

Legion Lake

First view of Legion Lake! Campsite is at the far end

Rocks at Legion

Second views of Legion Lake!

              

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