Everything in Pairs

Leapfrogged with different hikers today and that was kind of fun. Took my time getting started this morning. Even boiled water to make a latte. Really roughing it out here!

Things seemed to come in twos today. The trail followed two creeks, I saw two snakes, I soaked my feet in two water sources, and there were two bridges to cross. Actually there was a third later on in the day. Unfortunately that wasn't the only thing to break tradition with the "twos". If my thermometer is correct, the temperature was in the triple digits. Something else amusing about all the pairs? I hiked with a guy named Noah today!

I had gorgeous views of Deep Creek most of the day. I stopped taking pictures because it was cutting into my hiking time. A thru-hiker fell and died in this section a few years ago. I can understand why because it's hard to watch the trail and the scenery at the same time. I was careful to stop when I wanted to look.

At mile 308 was the famed Deep Creek Hot Springs. It is a "clothing optional" swimming hole. The creek and the hot springs combine in the area. There were people other than hikers there--still a hike for them, but not as long as ours!. With such hot weather and no showers for the hikers in a few days, most threw modesty to the wind and jumped in. I didn't stay too long because I knew there were many miles to cover before there would be a place to camp.

Saw my second rattlesnake today. One more step and I probably would have stepped on it! It was just trying to cross the trail. I gave it the right of way and it just went straight across, shaking its rattle the whole time. The other snake looked like a rattler but wasn't. I could just see a section of it across the trail. It didn't move even after I threw a little stick at it. I nudged it with my hiking pole and it still didn't move. I figured it must be dead so I decided I should move it off the trail so it would t scare someone. At that point it sprang to life and slithered off. It was a big one, probably over 4' long.

You know when you get a sense that you're not alone? I had that today when hiking shortly after leaving the hot springs. No, my hair didn't stand up on end, but rather I smelled something that let me know someone was around. I looked up to see a couple about 30 feet ahead. I smelled her perfume. Amazing how it stood out in contrast to the "smelly" hikers.

I passed another milestone today, 300. I'm at 318 tonite. There's a McDonalds at mile 342. There are two others sharing my campsite tonite and they both have plans to get there for dinner. I'm thinking I'll show up around 10 in the morning the following day for breakfast and then stay for lunch :)

Too many miles for me today. I think it was nearly 27. My left foot was pretty bad by the time I stumbled into the creek/campsite this evening. I hope it's better tomorrow. I really had no choice because camping is not allowed in the Deep Creek area and this was the first flat spot after that.

Overall a very good day. Oh, and if you're curious, yes I did :)