The McDonalds – Day 26

I arrived at Boots Off Hostel around noon. I completed all my tasks by early afternoon. The shuttle service into the city only stopped at Subway and McDonald’s. So, I ate McDonald’s for probably only the third time since I worked there in high school.

Route report

The trail area around Laurel Fork is very beautiful. The rocks, the canyon and especially the waterfall. It was a special area that I will remember.

I spent most of the day at Boots Off. I spent most of the time trying to dry and clean all my gear from the rain last night and this morning.

The ferry also stopped at a small local grocery store. As soon as I walked in, I saw that they had blueberry Pop Tarts without frosting on the discount table. I grabbed them like a kid in a candy store! They were my favorite as a kid and I hadn’t eaten any in probably 25 years.

Thought of the day

Don’t stress over the little things. I’m trying to learn this lesson here, but it’s been HARD for me. I have a problem with the tent stakes disappearing. I’M TRYING SO MUCH NOT TO STRESS ABOUT IT!

people i met

Met Walmart and Scatter today at Boots Off. They are very kind and friendly people. I mentioned to Walmart my need for a couple extra tent stakes. He said, “No problem,” they had extras they had picked up at the campsites.

Look… I’m trying not to stress. Everything will take care of itself.

Plant of the day

Cat’s ear is the plant of the day. In reality, it is an invasive species that was introduced to America from Europe. It is also called false dandelion.

bird of the day

Today’s bird is the Northern Parula. They like to build their nests with moss, especially Spanish moss. It is common in the southeast and migrates to the Caribbean during the winter.

“Northern Parula by Dan Pancamo” by Dan Pancamo is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.