The snake collection grows (day 27)

This morning I woke up later than usual at the shelter. I knew it would be my longest day of hiking yet, about 15 miles. There were only two big climbs today, the second and highest being Bluff Mountain. The top of the mountain was described in FarOut as a “summit without a view.” This assessment was correct, as we stayed in a green tunnel for most of the day.

Another snake!

I spent most of the day walking with other people, which turned out to be a good experience. Normally I prefer to hike alone, but on these more «mundane» days, company can be nice. Not long after the morning began, I saw something slithering out of the way and was excited to find another snake. This is my fourth tour so far. It was a snake, something I have seen frequently around my home in Kentucky. It is the third different species of snake that I have observed in the OT.

Last camp before the city

Tonight we will camp at Deer Park Mountain Shelter. It will be a short hike to Hot Springs, North Carolina in the morning to resupply. The family of a friend I’ve been hiking with has booked an Airbnb in town and has kindly offered to let some of us stay the night. It will be nice to shower and do laundry, sticking to my once a week schedule so far. We’re expecting more rain in the morning, but I hope to get out of camp early before it hits us.

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