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Journal
| About Downunda | Trail
Facts | Hiking the Trail |
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31st May 2002 From:
Pinefield Hut About three weeks before I left for the trail, I got an e-mail invitation to come to Frank's Organic Farm and work-for-stay. The farm was located about three miles from the AT at highway 33. I decided to give it a shot provided I could hitch a lift within 15 minutes. Well, 20 minutes went by and no one even looked like picking me up. The problem was that we weren't near a town and most of the drivers were probably not locals. My experience to date has shown it's local town people who pick up hitchhikers with backpacks…..so it was back to the AT. It was now 1:00 P.M. and I had a challenge - about 9 miles away on the AT was a campground with a store. I wanted to get to the store before it closed at 5:00 P.M., so I hit the "go" button and put on some speed. Halfway to the store I came across a fawn standing in the middle of the trail. Momma deer was about 20 feet away and looking rather nervous. The little thing could barely stand, let alone walk. I managed to grab my camera and get a fairly close shot. These young deer are easy prey for the bears until they are a few months old and can run fast. What a difference to 2000 - I hardly saw any wildlife then; this year, I'm seeing it all. I need a short day, so tomorrow I'm only doing 12 miles to the next shelter. As it happens, The Big Meadows Camping Complex is at mile 8, so it will be an early lunch at their store or restaurant. At the shelter tonight are: 'Sidewinder', 'Gold Bond', Three Day', 'Zac', and four older section hikers. Goodnight all, I'm off for a good sleep. |
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