Just lookin’ for an excuse…
The Ouachita Trail was what I expected and not expected. While the rocks were mentioned when I researched the trail, the plethora of them was an eye-opener.
The title “… The End” almost didn’t happen. A wild storm blew in at 3:30 a.m. It afforded me the opportunity to see a test of the Scott Tarvin Shelter.
Sun up and time to hit the trail. It’s tough leaving the luxurious Red Bluff Creek Shelter. Two days to finish, so off I go to the Scott Tarvin Shelter.
I had to quicken my pace to get to the next shelter before dark. The Red Bluff Creek Shelter came into view just as it was starting to get dark.
The rocks were back and towards the end of the day there was a big climb to the Brown Creek Shelter. These climbs to shelters cannot be a coincidence.
Today’s plan is to go little less than 9 miles to the Oak Mountain Shelter. I was off by 7:30 a.m. This was another day of rocks and going up and down gaps.
Today’s target is Moonshine Shelter. That’s another 15 plus mile day. So, I got an early start this morning and began hiking in the dark.
I’m heading to the Blue Mountain Shelter. If I’m going shelter to shelter and intend to finish in time to catch my flight, I’ll have to do some bigger miles.
I was on the trail by around 12:30 and on the way to the Bill Potter Shelter for the night. The trail went up but not very far before it leveled out.
The Bluebell Country Store has a provision package of mine, which I need. They also have food to eat, which I also need. I’ll spend at least one night in town.