I spent a very enjoyable two days in Slickrock Creek area. I had a few miles on the BMT to hike so returned to the scene of my Toughest Hike Ever. What a difference it makes to hike these trails when I am rested, with more familiarity of the area, and with beautiful weather.
It still wasn't easy. I hiked to Nichols Cove and took Nichols Cove trail to Slickrock creek. Nichols Cove trail hasn't been maintained. It was a challenge to follow and many times I chose my direction based on where I couldn't go due to blow downs, impenetrable vegetation, etc.. I had two fords of Slickrock Creek and did them both with confidence...the 13 previous times helped to dissipate any fear.
I made camp at Nichols Cove in early afternoon as my hip was achy and I didn't want to reinjure it. It was a great opportunity to practice my fire-making skills and was able to start a fire with one spark from the lighter. It's easy when everything is dry. I carried a drop spindle and some Alpaca roving and enjoyed spinning by the fire.
After fording Slickrock creek, I climbed Ike Branch trail, the 0.7 mile trail that was a nightmare the last time I hiked it. Previously, it had numerous, dense blowdowns that took all my energy to get around. Later, I learned that trail was considered impassable. I was so happy to see that a maintenance crew has been at work and cleared the worst of it. What took me nearly two hours to hike last time, only took me 20 minutes.
My reward was an awesome burger with fried egg and pimento cheese, French fries, a beer, and exciting kayak viewing at Tapoco Lodge.
It still wasn't easy. I hiked to Nichols Cove and took Nichols Cove trail to Slickrock creek. Nichols Cove trail hasn't been maintained. It was a challenge to follow and many times I chose my direction based on where I couldn't go due to blow downs, impenetrable vegetation, etc.. I had two fords of Slickrock Creek and did them both with confidence...the 13 previous times helped to dissipate any fear.
I made camp at Nichols Cove in early afternoon as my hip was achy and I didn't want to reinjure it. It was a great opportunity to practice my fire-making skills and was able to start a fire with one spark from the lighter. It's easy when everything is dry. I carried a drop spindle and some Alpaca roving and enjoyed spinning by the fire.
After fording Slickrock creek, I climbed Ike Branch trail, the 0.7 mile trail that was a nightmare the last time I hiked it. Previously, it had numerous, dense blowdowns that took all my energy to get around. Later, I learned that trail was considered impassable. I was so happy to see that a maintenance crew has been at work and cleared the worst of it. What took me nearly two hours to hike last time, only took me 20 minutes.
My reward was an awesome burger with fried egg and pimento cheese, French fries, a beer, and exciting kayak viewing at Tapoco Lodge.
Lost in the right direction.
