Day 22, Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Chambers Creek Campsite to Jerry Flats

Mile 238.4

Miles Hiked: 15.7

After chucking my imposter salami in the lake two days ago, I was relieved to find three extra things in my food bag—a Picky bar, a pack of Lorna Doone’s and a pack of ramen. This was good news. My plan is to hike through to the end over eight days. There’s a better chance now that I won’t be hungry. Or forced to ration.

Thru-hiker problems.

Day hikers ask the darndest questions.

I met two ladies on the trail today who wanted to know if I was spending the night.

Then they followed me through the long, dark, creepy tunnel that marks the end of the “Road to Nowhere,” a popular destination for day hikers and riders (of horses). They were a long way behind me, but once in the tunnel, the acoustics made it sound like they were hovering just over my left shoulder.

GULP…going in. Wouldn’t hurt to have a headlamp (she says in retrospect).

The crowds thinned out on the other side of the tunnel. No one left but me and a couple of fishermen and lots and lots of big rushing creeks.

The BMT isn’t your hike if you live for epic mountaintop views—they’re there, but only a handful. If you love the sound of water rushing over boulders, though, I’d put this hike on your list. Plenty of places to take a dip, get your feet wet.

Possibly more than you bargained for.

I’m thinking of river fords because it looks like there may be several in my future.

Wouldn’t want to make this endeavor too easy, right?