If it was a growl, the source moved on. I was not disturbed for the rest of the night. It’s 5AM, and I’m off.
If I’m going to night hike, I want it to be in the morning.
The trail is really pretty today, and the landscape is beginning to change to winding trail towards the top of mountains. Climbs are involved, but it’s a welcome change.
And then, Dugger Mountain.
Dugger is a wilderness area that is largely unmaintained. Because it’s wilderness, the trail cannot be cleared with chainsaws, or any other mechanized devices.
You can see where some people tried to cut some downed trees, but gave up.
Some look like they were cut with chainsaws - I found out later that volunteers sometimes break the rules when they know the forest service ranger is away and come to clear out trail anyway.
It’s slow going, and I often lose the trail.
Two hours before sunset, I come upon another shelter, except this one isn’t near water, and it’s elevated above the surrounding mountains.
It’s perfect for my first shelter experience.
Another benefit of the bivy is that I can drop it in the shelter and still have protection from creepers and other nefarious forest dwellers, and the cover does wonders for preventing condensation.
So luxurious.
It’s pretty early, so I use the time to try to start a fire.
I fail, miserably. I don’t know how to start a fire in wet forest; Arizona was comparatively easy.
No matter.
Dinner. Sleep.