My quilt got a little frosty, though according to my notes it was only 30°F. +1
Paddy Creek — Day Three.
December 6, 2023 16:00
What is that I spy up on the ridge? Well, I’ll be … I’d just crossed Big Paddy Creek, and I was taking advantage of the lack of Foliage to try and find the Scenic overlook, and there it is — center frame. +1
December 6, 2023 15:11
Looking down Big Paddy Creek — not a lot of water flowing. No surprises there.
December 6, 2023 15:10
A selfie for the folks back home — I actually had some cell service here!
December 6, 2023 14:22
Scenic overlook on the Big Piney Trail — Looking Northwest.
December 6, 2023 14:05
Scenic overlook on the Big Piney Trail — Looking Southeast.
December 6, 2023 14:04
Scenic overlook on the Big Piney Trail — This view was the reason for my trip. I’d seen this vista in the spring, and I wanted to come back and see it in winter. I’m glad I did.
December 6, 2023 14:03
Making lunch — That’s the objective of this trip achieved, I’m at the Big Paddy Creek Scenic Overlook. It is time to make lunch and enjoy the view.
December 6, 2023 13:56
Signs of civilization — The yucca plants appear wherever there used to be an old homestead. Backpacking the Big Piney Trail, December 2023.
December 6, 2023 12:41
Frosty Morning in Paddy Creek Wilderness — Not that it is easy to see the frost in this picture, but it is there!
December 6, 2023 9:19
Running Repairs — I’ve always had a plan for dealing with broken shoes on the trail. But … that plan reckoned on the toe post breaking not the side posts. I did a bit of head scratching before I came up with this solution which lasted me the ten-plus miles I needed to hike to get back to the car.
December 6, 2023 8:14
Frosty Morning in Paddy Creek Wilderness — The temperature dropped to 19°F (-7°C) overnight. The predicted low was 28°F. Once again I was glad I changed my mind and packed my bigger and heavier 10°F quilts. 4
December 6, 2023 8:13
Paddy Creek — Day Two.
December 5, 2023 15:00
Spring with pools — I camped a short distance downstream from here where the hollow widened out letting me set up my hammock well away from the water sources.
December 5, 2023 14:55
Not where I expected to be, not what I expected to find, and some minor problems along the way — Finally I found a spring with lots of water. 3 2
December 5, 2023 14:51
Don’t take a step back …
December 5, 2023 11:14
Have a go at spotting my hammock — You should just be able to make it out. Center frame on the skyline!
December 5, 2023 10:38
Hammock Camping in Paddy Creek Wilderness — As it is going to be a short day in terms of mileage, I don’t have to rush to get on the trail. I took the time to light up my Firebox Nano stove for my morning coffee, breakfast, and a follow-up cuppa tea.
December 5, 2023 9:02
Morning view from my hammock — Day Two, Camped in Paddy Creek Wilderness.
December 5, 2023 7:40
Paddy Creek — Day One
December 4, 2023 21:00
Ooh, it fits! Camped in Paddy Creek Wilderness, at a spot I’ve nicknamed Paddy Creek Trolltunga. Backpacking the Big Piney Trail, December 2023.
December 4, 2023 16:17
The well was dry — I was surprised to spy a rat at the bottom of the well.
December 4, 2023 15:35
Gary on the trail (and a new hat, too) — on the South Loop at the short cut junction. Backpacking the Big Piney Trail, December 2023.