Day 137: Rainy Creek Crossings
I awoke to the soothing patter of raindrops on my shelter's roof, a welcome change from the previous nights' restless slumber. The rain had been relentless, but today's forecast promised a break, and I was eager to make the most of it. With only a 13-mile hike to the next shelter, I had the luxury of taking my time, enjoying the tranquility of the morning.
As the rain gradually subsided, I embarked on my journey at 12:45 p.m., eager to explore the surrounding wilderness. The initial descent was steep, but I paused to refill my water supply, ensuring I was well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Bucky, a fellow hiker, joined me, and we exchanged pleasantries before continuing our descent towards a creek crossing. Despite the recent rainfall, the creek was manageable, allowing for a thrilling rock-hopping adventure.
The real test of my endurance came with the ascent of Moody Mountain. The initial half-mile was a steep climb, featuring rock stairs, sloped slabs, and even metal rebar ladders built into the mountain's side. The summit offered a breathtaking view, but I quickly descended, only to face a more manageable but still challenging downhill trek. Another creek crossing and a rock-hop later, I reached a road crossing, where Trail Magic awaited.
Patriot, a generous soul, offered breakfast pizza, drinks, chips, and candy. I indulged in a couple of slices, a Coke, and some candy, feeling refreshed and energized. I chatted with fellow hikers, including Shooter, Mantis, and Tortoise, before helping Patriot pack up his tent and chairs. The Board of Directors had revised our goal to a stealth site, but with a demanding climb ahead, we needed to move swiftly.
The ascent of Old Blue Mountain was a formidable challenge, with an elevation gain of 2200 feet over 2.5 miles. The initial half-mile was the steepest, leaving me drenched in sweat. I paused to admire the valley and South Arm Road, taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The climb continued, and I reached the summit, where stunted evergreen trees blocked my view.
The descent was swift, but the trail was wet and slippery, creating impressive mud pits. I replenished my water supply at a flowing stream, enjoying the refreshing, clear water. As darkness approached, I realized I hadn't brought my headlamp, and the last mile became a treacherous journey through rocky terrain. I stumbled and tumbled my way through, eventually reaching Birdie's tent, where I set up camp and enjoyed a well-deserved dinner.
Despite the challenges, I felt a sense of accomplishment and a deep connection to nature. The Appalachian Trail NOBO in 2026 is a daunting endeavor, but I'm determined to make it happen. I'm a novice backpacker, but my passion for exploration and adventure drives me forward. I've hiked the Inca Trail, Trans-Bhutan Trail, and Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Ice Age Trail has prepared me for the trail's demands. I'm eager to see where this journey takes me and to share my experiences through this blog.
(Note: The affiliate disclosure at the end of the article is irrelevant to the narrative and has been omitted for the sake of the exercise.)
