Bud and Vicki Hogan's 1996 Appalachian Trail Journey
May 21
Stover Creek to Justus Creek.........................................................................10.7 miles
Passed Three Forks, a pretty rhododendron-lined walk, mostly downhill. We ran into several Army Rangers about to start a training exercise, they were the resupply team bringing food and water for the troops. Long Creek Falls was just a short hike off of the trail and we weren't in a big hurry so we took the side trip. What a beautiful falls.
Hot and sweaty, we ate lunch at the Hawk Mt. Shelter. Vicki was feeling free and easy and wanted to cool off, so she took off her top. Of course, just then some guy came by and got an eyeful. She quickly re-robed. The hiker had a big grin on his face as we exchanged "hellos." He's probably still talking about this half naked girl out on the trail. It probably made his day, I know it would make mine.
I went for water, 0.3 miles away and 0.3 miles back. That's over half a mile. This was interesting. Having to walk over half a mile just to get water. We had a steep climb up Sassafras Mountain and Justus Mt. Walk ten feet...then rest....walk ten feet....then rest. This was hard walking, then the descent down. I like the downhills much better. Justus Mt. was decimated by hurricane Opal the year before. The local AT club did a great job in clearing the trail.
It was getting dark as we hiked on, on to Justus Creek. What a welcome sight. A beautiful camping spot with a cool, flowing stream. Three guys were already there. Vicki and I crossed the creek to our camp spot. We said hello to the guys, then went about our business of setting up camp., all the while we traded conversation with the three. We had dinner, set up our camp chairs, then I joined the guys around their campfire. Don, Taz, and Brian. Don-70 year old, retired, and a homespun philosopher. Taz, (nickname and adopted trail name, short for Tazmanian Devil) bearded, tattooed, threatening-looking (until you got to know him) Brian-college music student with no tent, only a tarp. Don taught me what sassafras was. I'm really starting to like it out here. It rained that night. Vicki and I stayed nice and dry. Not Brian.
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