Date: 2014-05-24
From: Lynn Creek Camp

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

I got up really early since a big climb was coming up and I didn't want to attempt it in the heat of the afternoon. The bad thing about leaving camp first is that you get to break all the cobwebs across the trail. It is really annoying when they get on your face!The hike out of Lynn Creek Camp was steep and tiring. I kept hoping the mountain would crest and I'd start downhill soon. Eventually, it did and l descended down to Lick Creek.At the bottom, there was a huge fallen tree across the trail. I chose to go around it through the bushes and my black shirt became whitish with all the cobwebs. I had to brush many spiders of my hat and clothing. I hope the trail maintenance folk get a chance to clear the trail soon for other hikers.At the road crossing, there was a bit of trail magic left by 'Pops'. I had a couple little blueberry mini muffins before starting the huge climb up Chestnut Knob. I met an older couple thruhiking named Mr. clean and Sweep. We gave each other encouragement before embarking on the climb.The trail steeply rose up through the forest and I huffed and puffed towards the top. A southbound hiker named Feather passed me and told me it flattened out really soon. I was elated because I thought the whole 4.5 mile climb was going to be steep like this.The trail did indeed flatten out in a meadow. There was a cool, clean spring with refreshing water near a pond that I topped off all my water bottles with. I loved the rest if the climb up to the shelter because it offered open, gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.The shelter at Chestnut Knob was a little enclosed concrete house. It was a really cool spot and I'm sad that I had missed seeing the meteor shower up there the night before. Lots of hikers were laying in the grass and soaking up the sun. I didn't want a burn so I ate a packets if peanuts and moved on.The trail down to the road looked deceivingly easy on the elevating map. It was actually a series of steep hills filled with stones and boulders. All the other hikers I chatted with were also disappointed it wasn't going to be a easy leisurely walk!The rocky, stony stuff really slows me down because I have to watch my foot placement. The best part of that section was seeing a young deer close to the trail grazing on plants. It was adorable!That 5 mile stretch seemed to go on forever. At the road crossing that was a fantastic trail magic set up from an older hiker named E.T. He generously had cold pop, water, chocolates, fruit, chips and fixings to make sandwiches. I had a delicious peanut butter & banana sandwich. Yum! E.T. was really cool to chat with and the trail magic was appreciated by all the hikers after that difficult section.Homestretch and I left the road at the same time and chatted together for most of the way to Jenkins Shelter. I'm slightly slower than her so I appreciate that she slowed her place for me. My feet were really sore on the downhill from the pounding on the rocks earlier.At Jenkins Shelter, I met a really cool mom section hiking with her 10 year old daughter. It was great to see a female family hiking team! Lt. Dan & Medic also came to the shelter that evening.