Date: 2019-05-16
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Limestone Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 21.8

Something went very wrong with my ability to read today.The day started out bright and clear after the rain last night. Buckeye and Flash left camp before me but I got out but 7:30.It was a quick few miles along the river. The ford across Ginea Brook was a fun change of pace. I used my camp shoes and waded in up to my knees to get across. The water was strong but not dangerous. I wouldn't recommend those rocks across the stream. It's way safer walking across the stream bed.After that I ran into a couple who lives on the same street as Hudson and we passed by the hostel this afternoon. We had a great few miles talking about Jack and the Pauper, Trilliums, and garlic mustard.  From there it was a steep climb to the shelter for lunch and an extra .5 miles for water. I spent about 45 minutes drying out from all the sweat and used a liter of water to rinse off. Ran into two section hikers on their way south. The afternoon was good trail. Slightly rolling with short 75 foot ups and not too many rocks. I made it to my destination campsite (planned two days ago) by about 1:30 but decided to keep going because of the nice weather and because it was so early in the day.The trail ended up staying nice and mostly level until it dropped into some farm fields next to a river, Road walking past a high school, then back up into the woods again. Eventually it turned into another river walk before the hydroelectric dam and I ran into an outspoken man hiking with his dog who said he wouldn't take up my time but probably ended up talking forn30 minutes anyway about the worlds problems. He recommended Information Clearing House as a news source which I'll check out once I'm back.I reached the transformer station where the guidebook says is water, shower, and tenting except there were signs everywhere saying tenting wasn't allowed. I found this very frustrating and wish the ATC guidebook had been more specific about where the tenting sites were. I had already hiked farther than I should have (18 miles) and really wanted to stay, but there was nowhere I could see where tenting was allowed. I figured I had to go to the shelter so I made another mistake and read the water source was .5 away from the shelter and decided to load up 3 liters to carry up the mountain with me so I wouldn't have to add the extra .5 later.The hydroelectric dam was impressive with all the water coming down!The hike up o the shelter felt good considering how far I'd gone. I guess I was nice and warmed up today because I covered the 3 miles easily enough. The problem came when I got to the side trail for the shelter. Turns out I read the guidebook wrong and it was .5 West to the shelter, not .5 to W (or water as the guidebook uses). There was nothing for it. What's worse is I lost almost all the elevation I had just gained on a VERY STEEP, VERY ROCKY climb down. With all the extra running around I figure I am closer to 23 miles today.I got into camp with enough time to cook and setup before sundown. There's a southbounder here and Buckeye came in just before dark. It's now past 10 and I can't wait any longer to sleep. I hope I can move in the morning.I have 7 miles planned tomorrow and a resupply in town. I'm going to take it easy and spend another day in the beautiful state. It's good to know I can still do 20 mile days, but I'll try not to plan anymore for at least another week.Levi