I was up early today, far too early – around 4:30 am. The wind across the bald had picked up to around 10 mph. Apparently, this was too much for my tent and it was collapsing on me. Between this and the wind being able to get in under the rain-fly I’m really starting to consider picking up a different tent. I’ll keep pondering until I get to the next decent sized town, maybe when I hit Damascus.
As much as yesterday was uphill, today’s hike was mostly downhill. The scenery was really great for most of today’s hike, the grass and wildflowers are all starting to bloom. Eventually though, it all turned into lowland pine forest – I hate lowland pine forests. I don’t know why I hate them so much, it’s what I grew up in around Jersey, but I just don’t find them very enjoyable.
Deer Park Mountain Shelter is a tiny one. Even though it’s supposed to rain tonight I think I’m camping down the hill a bit nearer the water. From here it’s only 3 miles into Hot Springs tomorrow for a nero and a zero the following day.
It was a decent evening around camp just getting to know everyone better. I’m headed into town tomorrow with Bubbles, Pindrop, Sandman, Kiwi, Caboose, Peanut, Cricket, El Dorado, Prarie Dog, and Rick Lee. It’s quite a large group but the tramily meet ups at each campsite are really what add community and entertainment to the days on the trial.
Day 28 Mileage: 16.6 mi [Max Patch -> Deer Park Mountain Shelter]
Total Mileage: 279.8 mi