Author’s note: I begin each trip report with an explanation of the section’s route, followed by a breakdown of each day.

The route: Clear Creek Campground to Town

This section was supposed to continue North to South, starting in Morehead and ending at the Clear Creek Campground. However, the country store that normally serves as the shuttle point had fire damage a few years ago and the lot is no longer available. This meant the section would again be walking into Morehead, but from the South this time.

This section started 26 trail miles south of Morehead at the Clear Creek Campground. Over the first one mile, the trail followed a small creek in a valley with a modest 200-foot elevation gain. The trail then climbed 300 feet to the top of the ridge and continued along the ridge top for about three miles. The trail then descended 400 feet to a cove of Cave Run Lake and after crossing a creek followed along the banks of the lake for the next seven miles. The trail came to a dam and the Stoney Cove recreation area, which would serve as the camp for the night.

After a short road walk and crossing the dam, the trail went into the woods behind a ranger station and picnic area. There was another 400-foot climb to the top of the ridge, and then several miles of the dreaded “bunny hops.” The trail eventually evened out and widened into an old service road, and then passed four side trails that are great for mountain bikes. The service road turned into a gravel service road and the trail weaved in and out of the woods and on the gravel road for a few more miles. After passing a local rock outcropping that is a popular hiking destination, Amburgy Rock, the trail descended out of the woods and onto a paved single-lane road.

The rest of the section was a 4-mile road walk on this road, through an old neighborhood, and then into downtown Morehead and the shuttle pick-up point where my car was parked.

The Hike – Day 1: Dreariness Turns into Cheerfulness

The shuttle pick-up point was the same as the last section and a little over an hour from my house. I again opted to take the early shuttle at 7:00. Unlike the last hike, this section did not start with the hope of no rain! When I left my house, it was already threatening rain and the radar showed that it was slowly moving east towards me. I ended up battling the rain on the trip to the shuttle point, even slowing down well below the speed limit on the interstate. By the time I reached the shuttle point, the rain had died down but was still a steady drizzle.

This was Super Bowl weekend, so I think a lot of hikers opted to hike the following weekend instead. Several people started on Friday so that they could finish up on Saturday and have Sunday free for the Super Bowl. With fewer hikers, we did not need a small U-Haul for the packs, so we all got to shuttle with the packs in our laps or next to us! Once we got to the shuttle point and got out of the vans, it was still raining. It looked to me like Steve was telling us to just go on and start hiking and would not take the group picture. This starting point has a pit toilet, and 32 ounces of Gatorade made this a mandatory stop for me. By the time I got out, I realized that they did take a group photo and I missed it! By the time I got back to the vans, everyone was starting to head down the trail.

The rain ended up lasting for about two hours. I was smarter this time and started wearing my rain jacket! I know some jackets come with pit zips, but I need one that comes with elbow zips! It never fails that water pools up on the inside of my sleeves and will trickle down my sides when I raise my arms. The weather was unseasonably warm, and I wish I had worn my shorts to start. I should also probably look into getting some rain pants as well.

After the trail descended off the ridge, there was a small water crossing. I have heard stories about this crossing, and this area can be prone to flooding. Steve mentioned that the forest service did something recently to alleviate this flooding, and it was very shallow when I went through. I had targeted around mile 9 to stop for a break, and I was able to pick a decent spot to have an early lunch. I packed in a Jimmy John’s ham and turkey sub, and this was a welcome treat. The rain had stopped by then and the sun was just starting to peak out. By the time I started hiking again, I was able to take off my rain jacket and hike in my short-sleeved base layer!

The often-flooded creek.

I ended up making it to camp around 12:30, set up my tent, and then rested in my tent for a little over an hour. I set my rain jacket and clothes out to dry in what sun was still around. More hikers from the 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. shuttles had shuffled in by then and a crowd had gathered around the campfire. I took my camp chair and settled in for a few hours of great stories and warmth by the fire. I turned into my tent around 6:00 and did some reading. My night ended on a down note as UK lost their basketball game to Gonzaga. Boooo. It is bleak times for the basketball program right now.

The author’s hike recording for day one.

The Hike – Day 2: I Fought the Mud and the Mud Won

The weather forecast was calling for rain from about 1:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., so I had no plans to get started early. I did hear the rain die down around 5:00-ish, and plenty of people seemed to be getting up and heading out. I woke up at 6:45 and ate breakfast in my tent, then packed up and headed out around 8:00 a.m. I did a bonehead thing and left my rain jacket hanging on a tree overnight. Luckily the day was rain free, so I never had to use it!

The big hill climb at the start of the day just seemed to go on forever! I was beyond excited to finally reach the top and then deal with the constant up and down along the ridge tops. When the trail widened, the mud started to become a factor and I slid several times. I was able to avoid falling at first, but I eventually succumbed. During the last descent to the paved road, the trail had a steep switch back and it was extremely muddy. I tried to use a tree as leverage but ended up slipping and falling when trying to get my footing. I face-planted and had mud on my glasses, beard, nose, and right arm. I was able to avoid serious injury, but my left thumb is still sore.

The author after losing the battle against the mud.

The road walk after the descent was welcoming since I didn’t have to use my trekking poles and put added stress on my thumb. After getting to my car, I changed shirts and again visited the local Dairy Queen. Just like last time, I took the back roads home enjoying the slower pace.

The author’s hike recording for day two.

The People You Meet

For me, one of the best parts of the Hiker Challenge is the time you spend at camp with fellow hikers. Each night at camp is full of laughs and great stories, and this past section was no exception. A couple of guys (Rusty and Roy) had completed the challenge before and mentioned that no one would remember them, but always remembered the dog they brought, CJ. Sure enough, a mom and her daughter came and sat down at the fire and after a little bit, turned to Rusty and said he looked familiar. Then the words “Didn’t you hike with a dog?” Everyone around the fire then roared in laughter!

The Next Section

March is going to be a fun month. I mentioned before that there were 11 sections. Well, that was wrong. There are actually 12 sections, which means that one of the months will have two hikes. This year, that month is March. Both of the hikes in March are very difficult and for different reasons. You can expect my next report the first week of March.