Day 66 (Tuesday, June 17th) - Mile 800 to Spy Rock

Today's Miles: 18.50
Trip Miles: 819.30

Got up and out early after washing up in the creek. Passed the Brown Creek Shelter a mile down the trail. I guess we could have made it there last night if we used our headlamps, but another mile uphill, twelve hours into the day seemed like forever. At US 60 we found some trail magic of beer and cookies. Thanks!

The uphill trek continued with a vertical so steep you could almost reach out and touch the ground ahead of you. Natalie and I picked our way slowly up Bald Knob while Mike jogged on in front. Creep.

Water is again an issue. Not always available and not always in quantity. You have to plan well through this section. Should I carry six pounds of water or do I trust that there's water ahead as listed in the guide? You have to balance. I tend to be cautious and carry a little more weight. We heard from a group of southbound scouts that they had left trail magic at Salt Log Gap. Coolers with sodas and goodies; thanks guys!

We hiked on to Spy Rock, a huge boulder field with great views. The last half mile climb really tore me and N up. The accumulation of miles and the heat of the last few days is wearing us down. We ate on the rocks (which requires a little scrambling to get up onto), made some calls, then I headed to bed. There are great campsites here just off the rocks. One couple is set up on the rocks.

Well, I'm beat. Bye for now.  

Tenting at Brown Mountain Creek

800 miles!

Brown Mountain Creek

Mountain flowers