Friday, June 5, 2009

I stepped off from the US-431 trailhead heading southwest on Friday afternoon. I had planned on hiking this section in March, but bronchitis forced me off at Porter’s Gap. I was now set to make up some or all of the miles I had left behind in March.

I was immediately glad I had chosen to wear lightweight long pants. Summer foliage was out.


But the trail itself was still smooth and largely clear of blowdowns. I enjoyed not only the well-worn trail, clearly marked with blue blazes, but also the many older turkey track blazes of the early Pinhoti.


I made quick time up the mild hills, enjoying the stop at a gorgeous waterfall.


I pushed on, crossing CR-24 and heading on to Friendship Campsite. It was a nice spot where you could tuck away 4 or 5 tents easily. The creek was a clear water source that sang me to sleep quickly in the evening.