Back at the trailhead – Trip over, and a modest 19.15 miles hiked and 2,000 ft. of elevation climbed. Time for a shower and a beard trim! And, of course, some end of trip thoughts. Two-minute read
November 17, 2021
Backpacking 11-14-2021
A four-day, three-night trip to Hercules Glades Wilderness to relax and catch the last of the fall color. November 2021.
November 17, 2021
Another backpacking fashion show – Not. Here I am all packed up, ready to head back to the trailhead and showing off what the well-dressed backpacker is wearing nowadays. One-minute read
November 17, 2021
Reptilian – I don’t know what this type of rock is called, but it is very reptilian in appearance.
November 17, 2021
Day Four. Camped in open oak woodland – It was the warmest night so far, so a good night not to have set the tarp. +3
November 16, 2021
Four-thirty and it’s starting to get dark – it’s a problem with camping in hollows- The sun is still catching the top of the hill opposite. There’s rain in the forecast for tomorrow, but I decided not to set my tarp tonight. I wanted to fall asleep enjoying the stars from the comfort of my hammock. I love that chair, but it is one of the most dangerous pieces of gear I own… Two-minute read, +1
November 16, 2021
Seven Miles – and just under a mile to go before I set up camp for the night – I ended up hiking a total of 7.76 miles with 730 ft. of elevation gained.
November 16, 2021
Fall color on the Pilot Trail (heading east) – Hercules Glades Wilderness.
November 16, 2021
Hercules Glades Wilderness from the Pole Hollow Trail – Looking east. Two-minute read, +1
November 16, 2021
Lunch break by Long Creek – The Falls on Long Creek are a popular destination, so I normally stop a couple of hundred yards or so further downstream to keep away from people. Two-minute read, +2
November 16, 2021
Long Creek, Hercules Glades Wilderness, Fall 2021 #2 – Wide angle view.
November 16, 2021
Long Creek, Hercules Glades Wilderness, Fall 2021 #1 – I set myself a deadline of 2 p.m. to arrive at Long Creek. If I made it by then, I’d stop for lunch at The Falls. Otherwise, I’d carry straight on and head up the creek and the Pole Hollow Trail, to head for my campsite for the night.
November 16, 2021
On The Devil’s Den East (Upper Pilot) Trail – The fall light is wonderful. However, I need a blaze orange cap or a blaze orange hatband, because the low angle of the light makes it impossible to see where I’m going at times. Plus a bonus stereo image version! +1
November 16, 2021
On the Devil’s Den East (Upper Pilot) Trail. Hercules Glades Wilderness – The Devil’s Den East (Upper Pilot) Trail joins the Pilot (Tower) and Rock Spring (Long Creek) Trails. Arriving at the Rock Spring Trail at what we’ve dubbed ‘Sheep Frog Pond.’
November 16, 2021
Gary at the Devil’s Den East (Upper Pilot) cairn – I’m just about to take the Devil’s Den East (Upper Pilot) Trail over to Rock Spring Trail, and head down to Long Creek and The Falls. Plus some notes on yesterday’s hike and and encounter with some deer. Two-minute read
November 15, 2021
Gary at the Pole (Pete) Hollow cairn, Hercules Glades Wilderness.
November 15, 2021
Fall Trail – Heading west on the Pilot (Tower) Trail. Hercules Glades Wilderness.
November 15, 2021
Spring – I am always on the lookout for reliable springs we can camp near. Hopefully, this one keeps running all year round.
November 15, 2021
Camped near the Pees Hollow Trail, Hercules Glades Wilderness.
November 15, 2021
Day Two. Morning tea in bed. +1
November 14, 2021
Fire Tower at the Tower Trailhead, plus a nearby find. +1