Sheltowee Trace Section 2

As I begin to think about the section 2 hike this past weekend my mind is flooded with thoughts.  Thoughts of conversations we had while walking, thoughts of what life really means and thoughts of blisters popping up on my foot.  Section 2 has a 6 mile road hike in Morehead, KY that beat my left foot up.  I did have a quarter size blister on the ball of my foot.  Nothing a safety pin, band aid and duct tape couldn’t handle though.  But most of my thoughts focus around the special people that are making this journey with me.

As we left Morehead, I struck up a conversation with two of the youngest hikers on the team, Frank & Robert, who are 13 years old.  We talked about staying warm mostly, just a short conversation then some quiet hiking.  Sometimes words are not necessary.

I also had a conversation with Gina about juicing vegetables & eating a vegetarian diet.  We got to know each other a little better and I found that we have several things in common.  We both like to hike, mountain bike and be outdoors.  She is a really nice person and fun to hike with.

Another conversation focused around home schooling and how one must be disciplined to pull it off.  Arlene, Frank and Robert’s mother, is an expert in the area as she is a home school teacher. 

As the road section ended, I could see Karen’s vehicle and I knew the trail was getting ready to disappear into the forest.  Through a muddy field and across a quaint swinging bridge, I was at home again amongst the trees.  They seemed to welcome me back as I worked my way deeper into the forest.  The wet and muddy trail was so kind to my road sore feet.  With every step my feet were cradled in the soft mud.  The weather was cold at around 30 degrees but I was comfortable with my multiple layers of clothing.  I would unzip my fleece shirt or zip it up to regulate my temperature.  I only got chilly when I stopped to stretch.

The day’s hike was to be around 14 miles and as we closed in on the dam at Cave Run Lake, I was getting excited to set up camp.  I was ready to toss my pack and kick back around the campfire.  We camped in the forest at Stoney Cove just off the Sheltowee Trace.  I configured my tarp into a half pyramid and rolled out my sleeping bag.  After dinner we hung out around the warm fire as the snow fell.  This is where the social life is when hiking.  Stories are told, life events are shared, political conversations are debated and friendships are strengthened.  The bonding seems to accelerate when you are part of a group that is all struggling for the same goal.  There is a camaraderie that grows deep.  As the night wears on most don’t make it to 9 pm.  One by one people ease off to their home away from home and attempt to hunker down for the coldest hours of early morning.  The low for the night was around 22 degrees F. 

It was mostly a peaceful night and as I huddled warm in my sleeping bag, I could hear a coyote close by.  One howl from the beast broke the silence of the night then slipped off into the forest.

When I awoke Sunday morning the ground was covered in a thin layer of snow, a light dusting I would say.  It didn’t take long to break camp, boil water for an oatmeal breakfast and be on the trail.  Walking in the forest after a fresh snowfall is a special experience - a life changing experience.  As we hiked toward the Clear Creek trail head, I thought of all the people getting ready for church.  The ones who decided it was too cold and slept in.  The ones that would miss out on this beautiful walk in the forest that I was experiencing with 11 other adventurous souls.  It takes some effort to get out and hike but the reward is repaid ten fold.  The snow covered the tops of the downed trees and the forest floor but left the trail visible.  It was a thin ribbon of brown to guide us in.  I can’t express how viewing the world from within the forest on a snowy morning changes your perspective.  You must experience this for yourself.

The hike for the day was about 10 miles and went by pretty quick, a little too quick maybe.  So I’m 50 miles into a journey that will take me the length of the Daniel Boone National Forest and straight into Tennessee.  I look forward to the next hike just as soon as I begin my drive home.  I start planning what food I want to bring on my next hike and what gear I can start leaving at home as spring slides in.  I look forward to hiking through the Red River Gorge and on past Natural Bridge.  I wonder how the mountains in the southern part of the trail will be and can’t wait to see Cumberland Falls.  I have a new respect for the small changes in elevation and love living out of a small pack on my back.

I want to thank Billy Sherlin for hiking with me, encouraging me and proving you can have a breakfast burrito on the trail.

It was a good hike with good friends on a good day and it made for a good story. I'm glad I went!

Next we head out for section 3 of The Sheltowee Trace Hikers Challenge, which is an overnight 27 mile trip.

It's going to be a great hike but it could be even better if you joined us!!

There are two hikes per month on the Sheltowee Trace, Team 1 and Team 2. You can join in for a weekend hike if you want. Just contact Steve Barbour at the link below. You can also contact me and I'll help you get signed up and geared up.

More info about The Sheltowee Trace Hikers Challenge can be found at http://www.sheltoweetrace.org