Sleeping on the top floor of the shelter was an unqualified success. I was neither cold nor eaten by mice and I was back on the trail by 9 am.
Today was a major milestone, I crossed the border from Georgia into North Carolina! I almost missed the border sign, it’s so small and honestly anticlimactic. The twisted tree of N.C./G.A. border lore was far more impressive, it also seemed like a good place to stop for a snack, dig a splinter out of my finger and celebrate this milestone.
Knowing that I’ve finished my first state and that I’m out of Georgia is a huge morale boost. However, North Carolina immediately hit me with a category “fuck you” 1,000 ft climb. Once I reached the top I stopped and turned south to take my last picture of Georgia.
This is the third day since Kacy left and I finally broke down and started playing music on the phone. I know it’s frowned upon but I still don’t have headphones and it’s just too boring to keep going in silence. I could tell you a long story about how USB-C headphones are hard to find in your average trail-side town but it all seems self explanatory. I do plan to pick up headphones in the next few days but I’ll probably have to order them online and have them delivered to a future re-supply location.
Muskrat Creek Shelter was my lunch spot and a much needed break from the climbs. Passed the giant water oak tree that resides in Wateroak Gap and had to scramble over some rocks on the way down into deep gap.
I finally arrived at Standing Indian Shelter around 345 pm and it was deserted. This shelter is pretty exposed to the wind and there’s trash already drawing in birds, a sure sign that there will be mice tonight. After covering 12 miles I was more than ready to be done for the day and not willing to walk on to the next shelter. I found a tent spot far enough from the shelter to be confident I wouldn’t be a mouse target along with 3 other folks that pitched tents nearby. There were 3 bold folks that decided to stay in the shelter, I hope it goes well for them.
Day 10 Mileage: 12.2 mi [Plumorchard Gap Shelter -> Standing Indian Shelter]
Total Mileage: 94.2 mi
Paul – i just came upon your blog – i really like how you have it laid out – I live in roanoke, VA and have sectioned hiked half of VA – thanks for sharing this and I look forward to following you
Glad you’re enjoying the blog! Look for updates every Sunday and check out my Instagram and YouTube channel (also Paul Takes a Walk)