Turkey Day

I left Stover Creek Shelter early in the morning, packing up my gear quickly and quietly to avoid waking up the hikers nearby. Early in the day, I hiked past rivers, mushrooms, and wildflowers. Petals from Tulip Poplar trees littered the trail. Climbing up to Hawk Mountain Shelter, I startled a turkey. Later, at the top of a climb with a view, I found an abandoned piece of candy on the ground, wrapped. I ate it — and packed out the trash.

I felt tired and sore from yesterday. I tried using trekking poles for the first time today. I think they helped at least to keep my momentum moving forward up the tough climbs.

Around noon, near one of the many gaps, I met two other hikers, and we talked about the dry conditions. Between taking in the views and struggling up the climbs, I'd run out of water. While looking down at my phone for the next water source, I nearly tripped over several gallons of water left on the trail by a trail angel.

The day ended at the Lance Creek Restoration Area. There were four hikers already set up on the four official tent pads. I set up my tent in the dirt behind the fire pit. I stayed up, talking about backpacking gear with the hikers and eating dry ramen, tuna, and a Snickers.