Friday, May 25, 2012

Trail Journal 05.25.02

Late afternoon on a short day.  We pulled into camp around 2:30 (after an hour long lunch break about 5 minutes up the trail).  We had originally planned an early day today but had not seen anyplace inviting.  We crossed Laurel Creek on a magnificent footbridge but the adjoining area is by a road and heavily trashed.  We had decided to push on to Bland when Gary spotted a very nice spot right by the creek and away from the road--it even has a picnic table.  Red had a sleepless night last night with a cold so it seemed like a good place to stop.  Bathed in the creek, washed clothes and sketched the bridge.  In all, a good day after yesterday's hard walking.  Sky is clouding up a bit but otherwise the weather is very nice.

8:00 pm now.  Almost dark.  The sun is behind the ridge and twilight is upon us.  The woods are quiet except for the rushing of the stream below camp and the occasional vehicle on the road.  Other people are camped in the area but they are not at all obtrusive.  The forest floor is darkening, especially in the rhododendron thicket to my left.  The canopy is light green still.  Sky is a bit overcast bue we should get moonlight.  Moon is full or close to it.  Last night was very bright as the moonlight filtered through the trees.  Even got a glimpse of Venus in the western sky.

This is the time of day that I like most.  Everything is done--no walking, no chores--just relaxing, waiting to turn in for the night.

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