Guthook topology depiction of Black Hills.
AZT Map Miles 584.4
Miles Hiked 574.1
Elevation 4,519 feet
Miles Hiked Today 16.8
I camped last night in sandy soil. Not the best for holding tent stakes in place. I had to put rocks on a couple of the stakes. I had this vision of the stakes pulling up and the tent collapsing on me during the night. Well, surprise! The tent was fine.
I was up early for my second day go around with the Black Hills of Oracle. This is like a roller coaster. The trail goes up and down a hundred feet or more repeatedly. There’s a section of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia that is called “the Roller Coaster.” In comparison, it’s a joke next to the Black Hills.
Despite the strenuous trail, I was making good time. I decided to go for Oracle tonight. I texted the Air BnB owner where I was staying Sunday and asked if her place was available tonight. It wasn’t but another Air BnB across the road from her was. I reserved it.
Now I had an incentive to push for the American Flag trailhead and Oracle. I made it by 4:20. Anne, the Air BnB owner of Restful Oak (the Air BnB RV rental) picked me up and dropped me at the Landmark (the other Air BnB). What a nice place. It was better than any hotel at which I’ve stayed. It made me glad I was off the trail.
