I think I’m actually going to make it to Cheaha State Park before sunset. I’m feeling quite proud of myself, just as the trail turns into mostly rocks.
Rocks and downed trees, and…wait where is the trail. The blue blazes have disappeared. I use the app to get back on track, and then it happens again. And again.
Then the trail turns into almost crawling.
Or maybe this isn’t the trail.
One thing is for sure, I’m loosing lots of time, and I can’t run over these rocks. I’ve committed though, so 26.4 miles is still the goal, even though I stop checking the time and the map, because it doesn’t matter anymore.
Once I get to the top of the mountain, there are some prime camp spots.
I should really make camp here. There isn’t that much time left until sunset, and these are ideal. Nice views, very flat, and even fire pits. There’s enough time that I can have a fire.
But of course that’s not what I’m doing. I decide to try to run down the mountain because I love making bad decisions.
Until I trip once and my face goes head first into some upward pointing sticks with thorns on them.
I could have easily just lost an eye. I’m running out of time to make my goal, but I need to stop and re-examine my life decisions.
At this point, going back up the mountain and going forward is about the same time-wise, so I decide to keep going, but slow, and more carefully.
The restaurant closes at 7, so I only have to make it there before then.
I turn my headlamp onto its brightest setting, and realize I can get a much better view of I angle it properly.
This isn’t so bad. I should have camped on the mountain, but this will do.
As I enter the state park, I pass by some car campers drinking beers near their truck. Trucks and beer on the trail. My favorite.
They seem friendly, but I’m on a mission. I do feel a little rude, as they tried to start conversation, but I only responded as I was past them.
I had a hamburger to acquire.
As I come out of the trail, I made it. 26.4 miles, as the forest ranger pulls up in his truck and asks if I’m all right.
Yes, just trying to make it to the restaurant before it closes.
It’s closed.
It’s been closed for days.
wat.
But my 26.4 mile hamburger.
The store is still open, you can probably get a hot pocket.
wat.
I walk into the store in a haze, and I get two candy bars because I can, damnit. A Fast Break and a Heath Bar.
I mosey on for about a mile, and make camp and a not top of the mountain, nor prime camp site.
I did walk 27.7 miles today, though, and move at a fast pace, and probably preemptively worked off all the calories from those two candy bars.
It’s annoying; but overall, a good day.