(cont'd)  "Interesting fumes" were noticed coming from the van (whose occupants were openly smoking self-rolled cigarettes).  They were courteous and Coleman gave them directions.  After Kerri left (to return to civilization), Coleman and I continued on the trail to a point approx. 1 mile past Clairmont Gap.  It was slow going due to the rock fields.

Monday, March 16, 1998:
Coleman and I woke up early to get a fast start on the last leg of the trail.  We started hiking at 7:15 a.m.  We had about 8 miles to go.  At Chandler Springs, we stopped on the roadside, for approx. an hour, for an early lunch/brunch (9:15 a.m.).  Then, we continued up to the last ridge and down the other side for the last 3.5 miles.  We got to the car (at Hwy 77) at 11:15 a.m.  We had kicked in the thrusters (and with the early start) had made excellent time.



(This is the end of "session #1 and #2" of the Pinhoti hike.  We will go back at
a later date and pick up the mileage lost during our two days off of the trail. 
Until then, good hiking!  - Tina)