Tuesday, June 28th

Stealth Site by Boblett’s Gap Shelter (748.9 mi) to Cornelius Creek Shelter (767.2 mi)

Hiking Miles: 18.3

Total Ascent: 5,265.4 ft

Total Descent: 4,263.5 ft

Total Grade: 519.8 ft/mi

Steps: 47,719

I woke up with everyone but I headed out on trail immediately after breakfast to get a head start. It had been a late night but I had a good night’s sleep despite waking up a few times, which is the norm for me. Our goal for the day was to reach Thunder Head Shelter on Apple Orchard Mountain which would have put us at 23.6 miles for the day.

Later in the morning, Stevie ran on trail to catch up with me to tell me that the group decided to grab a shuttle to Middle Creek (in Buchanan) which was a great place to get burgers, shakes, ice cream, etc. and to take a dip in the lake. I was so open for that – especially the sound of ice cream, cold drinks and a burger.

A young girl named Victoria picked us up and shuttled us 1.2 miles to the campground. It was a nice little oasis and a great way to break up the day. The first thing we all did was order some food. Then we chilled in their game room where I played a mean game of ping pong against DT. He won!

Later, everyone (except for me) decided to have some water fun and they jumped in the lake to cool off. Even a dog wanted to join in the fun, but unfortunately was leashed to a platform.

When we finally got back on trail, we stopped short of our goal and decided to camp out at the Cornelius Creek Shelter, which was about 5 miles from the Thunder Hill Shelter. Green had hiked ahead of the tramily and actually reached Thunder Hill alone where he stayed for the night.

At our site, we met a hiker named “Mothman”, who was accompanied by his wife “Radar”. The two of them were staying in the shelter with us, and Mothman started a campfire, with DT’s and Stevie’s help, for everyone to enjoy. And there was one other hiker named Kat who later joined us. Marty had heated some water for Stevie, who was extremely appreciative, and used it for his ramen dinner. It was that evening that we gave Marty and Kai the trail names of “Grin” and “Smirk”, respectively, to appropriately go along with “Smiles”.

That evening, our six member tramily all snuggled into and fully occupied the shelter for the evening, while the other hikers stayed in tents.