I went looking for a snow-free backpack on Memorial Weekend and this was a good option in country I'd never visited. This fit the bill and was a great day but not without it's drawbacks. If you're willing to accept blowdowns and ticks, this rolling hike has great views and varied terrain.
Highlights - rolling hills than rolling forest, good views and great weather. Blowdowns on the second part and ticks took away from the allure. All the creek beds have water for now.
The plan was to hike to the end of the trail at Hall Creek Road, camp, then head back the next day. I got a 5:30am start so I made great time and enjoyed the morning views, including one bear and two coyotes. At the intersection with Thirteenmile Road, just east of Mile Mountain, I ran into a backpacker who said he'd run into ticks on the trail I'd just finished. I thought I'd lucked out, but more on that later. After this, the trail enters the woods. The mosquitoes weren't bad, but the blowdowns got worse and worse. By the time I got to Bear Pot, I'd gone over/under/around 30-40 trees. The cabin and pond were worth it, but I wasn't interested in going any further. It was only noon, so I decided to start heading back and camp later in the day and out of the forest. Sure enough, as soon as I got close to Mile Mountain, I started picking up ticks every few minutes. I counted 10 over the mile and half stretch. I realized later than 4 more had found their way onto my legs under my pants. This was my first experience with so many ticks and having them attach - creepy but now I can say I have. After this, and by the afternoon, I was close enough to finish by 6pm so I kept hoofing it to the finish.
Overall, it was a good day. Challenging in all the right ways for me right now.
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