Day 74, Wednesday May 12, 2021

     

Leviticus 

Hightop Hut campsite to Big Meadows campsite- 20.4 miles hiked today - 926.8 total AT miles hiked to date.

We decided early to aim for the Big Meadows campground today instead of pushing for the 24 mile hut originally planned.  They have a lodge with a restaurant there, so we could get a hot meal.  I left around 7, to get a head start on the faster hikers in our group (which are all three of the other hikers in our group).

Early on, I crested Hilltop Mountain which had some great views.  Shortly thereafter, the trail crossed a major highway before continuing to climb up Saddleback mountain, followed by a climb up Baldface mountain.  The trails, springs, and overlooks are well marked here in the park, all on concrete posts.  It makes it very easy to find water, shelter, and side trails.

In the afternoon we passed the Lewis Mountain campground, which is open to campers, tents, etc. From there the trail passes right by an active cemetery, also right on the trail. One thing to keep an eye out for is the high grasses, now prevalent along the trail.  With high grass comes the likelihood of ticks making it into your clothing where it brushes   against you as you hike by.  Diligence is important in monitoring pantlegs continually as you hike.  So far I’ve had to brush a few off, but none have latched on yet.  In the event that happens, I have my handy tick key to address the problem.

I did pass under a very irate raven, who took exception to anyone passing under the branch he was perched on.  The section of trail today was also very active with day hikers, as we passed dozens of them throughout the day.

By late afternoon we’d reached the campground and set up our four tents in the one site.  We then headed up to the lodge for a great dinner.  I had the fish and chips, topped off with the Blackberry Ice Cream Pie, a specialty of the lodge.  Tomorrow we’ll get a hot breakfast there before hitting the trail.  Tomorrow will be a relatively short day due to the limited camping options in the next section.

Until next time…