Timeline

I chose the right camp spot.

There was no fog and no wind and no condensation, at all. Everything is 100% try.

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.

By 730, I’m walking on the trail. Lots of winding woods again, but I’m all refreshed from a night indoors.

I’ve been doing around 17-18 miles per day, which is reasonable, I think, considering the mountainous terrain.

After winding through the woods for half a day, the map shows another adjacent road that I switch to in order to break up the day.

There are some nice backcountry houses along here that clearly depend on well water. There’s even a well with a bucket.

I’m awake, and warm, but it’s clear the fog has taken its toll on the bivy, and everything inside.

The quilt is noticeably wet, and it has the recognizable smell of wet duck feathers.

I get dropped off at the trail a little after 8, and it’s quite a road walk before I get to the woods.

More aggressive dogs. They get pretty close, unnervingly so, but the steady pace keeps them at bay.

This was not the best campsite; the path runs in between steep hills, and close to water, which means there’s a lot of trapped moisture.

Good for trees, bad for condensation.

Coming out of the woods, we have a road walk of several miles. It’s starting to get dark, but still some light left.

Every yard has a dog that is very intent on guarding its territory. My method of handling the situation is to continue to walk at a steady pace, unless they get within 3 feet.

What kind of pack is that; I don’t recognize it.

wat.

Now, it’s been established that fashion is at least 49% of what is important on the trail. As I’ve said before, not everyone agrees. If you’re reading this, and you have a scowl on your face from lack of understanding, that’s ok. I still respect you as a human being.

Not everyone has the genetic code to unlock such mysteries.