3-19-06
Start: Cedar Falls (BT)
Destination: Tar Hollow State Park (BT)
Miles: 18.2
Weather: sunny and cool again
Toady was mostly road walking, but we seemed to have a good day. Nothing really started hurting until 2:00, and even then it wasn't so bad. Usually I have some foot fatigue, especially on pavement, as well as a stubborn knot in my back that likes to burn and twist at the end of the day. Mom had a sore back, but soon realized it must have been gas pockets -- a few burps took care of it. I'm going to have to try that tomorrow!
The morning was pretty uneventful. We get our best hiking in in the mornings - it's like we're completely mission-bound. Then the afternoons hit and we get worn out and loopy. We had to climb this huge hill that kind of turned into a creek, and it was the same thing down the other side. And on our way down, a pickup truck was going up! The driver yelled out the window, "It's a lot easier in a truck, ya' know!" I'm not so sure... it was pretty rocky, narrow and steep. Looked like fun, though. And as we walked the bottom toward a main road, about 10 4-wheelers came zooming by us. Pretty active area! You wouldn't know it by looking at it. It was difficult to walk on in some spots with large rocks and deep ruts from water running down the hill.
Then we came to a wide creek that we weren't able to cross without getting wet, so we took our boots and socks off, slipped on our Crocs and forded the cold, cold creek. It was exciting. Tomorrow might be the first day of spring, but the water is still ice freaking cold. And so are the nights. We had frost on our tent this morning -- brr!
When we got to the end of the Old Man's Cave section of the Buckeye Trail, we decided to hike an extra .3 miles down the road to a store. We filled up on water (yay - I don't have to filter!), bought some Snickers bars, Cheetos, and a big can of light beer to share. We weren't planning on walking much further for the day, so we figured we'd take full advantage!
Then we got onto the footpath, and we saw what looks like an old trail shelter. That's what we're calling home for the night. It's a bit overgrown, but we aren't picky campers! I do hope there aren't any mice living in here, though! Mom's cooking up some potato and wild rice leek soup, and it sure is smelling good! I'm gonna get some Cheetos! It's been a really, really good day!!
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