Date: 2017-04-17
From: Wind Rock

To: Stealth campsite just between Sinking Creek and Ke
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

I forgot to tell you about the tremendous amount of down trees that had to be negotiated yesterday. One of the shelters I passed was actually closed as the number of dead trees in the area are considered a risk. I had a bit of trouble getting over/under some of the large trees lying across the trail. It wasn't a very pretty area with all the dead trees. It will probably stand out even more when the leaves of the live trees come out. The wind howled around Wind Rock last night, but the rocks themselves shielded me from the wind. Crispy, Tumbleweed and Peaches did spend the night in the area as well. I tried sleeping in a bit today, but was still on the trail by 8. I started my day by going south, but I was able to get cell service to send yesterday's journal to Mark and a couple text messages. I didn't go very far south before I realized my mistake and turned in the right direction. The trail was very nice all the way to the War Spur Shelter. I rounded a bend and there was a doe right in the trail about 20 ft from me. I just stopped to watch her and when she finally noticed me, she slowly walked in to the forest. Nice encounter. I caught up with Crispy, Peaches and Tumbleweed at the shelter about 10 for a snack and water fill up. I spent about a half hour with them and had a nice time getting to know them a little. It started to drizzle a bit while we were there and it continued to rain most of the day. Just a gentle rain, so not to horrible. The next section was a hard up for me. While at the shelter, Tumbleweed said that even though she has been out here since February, she still has to take breaks on tough uphill climbs. The breaks are less frequent, but still required. I left the shelter before her and she passed me and I didn't see her take one break. She was probably just being nice. The last .6 of the climb was very steep. It was wider then normal, rocky of course, and had what I call speed bumps (really they divert water away from the trail), because they really slow me down. The fog appeared as I climbed up the mountain. There was supposed to be a view up there called Kelly's Knob. All I saw was fog. I took a short break where the view was supposed to be and then passed a hiker going the other way. I asked him what direction he was headed and he looked at me very strangely. I just wanted to make sure I was traveling the right way. Haha. I was. I then walked down out of the fog to Laurel Creek Shelter for another break. Tumbleweed was still there, but moved out shortly. I filled up with the water I'd need for the night and morning as I was headed to another dry camp. I walked thru some pastures at the end of the day and saw lots of cows in the distance. I do like the change of scenery that pastures give me. I arrived at where I wanted to camp and Trinity, Hugs, and Falls were already set up. I found a spot I liked and set up camp. It stopped raining while I set up my tent. Very nice indeed. Hugs started a wonderful fire and we all had dinner around the fire while a gentle rain fell. Very nice evening visiting with them. I am starting to see more hikers and I think the next shelter is crowded tonight. They told me it was haunted and they were looking forward to spending the night there. I really felt the climb today. I plan on doing a bit shorter day tomorrow and I won't have to lug any water to it!