Day One

I’ve not been out backpacking since July. It seems that having loads of time to go backpacking gives me lots of excuses to leave it for another day. When I was here in May, I made a note to return at some point in the winter, when the temperatures were easier, the trees had lost their leaves, the bugs would be gone, and I could have a clear view from the scenic overlook. I had also spotted a potentially great place to hang my hammock that I wanted to try out.

I plan to stay out for three nights, but the weather is only looking favorable for the overlook on Day Three. I had a plan that ought to work. Water might be a bit of a problem, I’d find that out when I got to Little Paddy Creek.

Day One — I’d hike the four-and-a-half miles on the South Loop to a place I’ve dubbed ‘Paddy Creek Trolltunga’ and camp there. There’s no water on the ridge so I’ll fill up at Little Paddy Creek and carry in enough for the night.

Day Two — Would be a short day, taking the short cut over to the North Loop, hiking around three miles or so to a spot where there has been water on my previous trips.

Day Three — Would be a longer day, six or more miles, completing the North Loop and starting back on the South Loop, stopping for lunch at the Scenic Overlook, and camping at a campsite near the trail and Little Paddy Creek. I’ve taken a look at this site before, but I’ve never stopped for the night.

Day Four — Hike back along the South Loop, and along the spur-trail to the trailhead, six-and-a-half miles.

The weather was going to be a tad chilly at night, with lows of around 30°F but warm enough, in the forties and fifties during the day.

At the last moment I switched my summer quilts for my winter quilts, just in case it got a bit cold. I’ve hiked this trail a couple of times before, so with the heavier quilts and four days’ worth of food, I decided to save some weight and leave my camera behind. My phone’s camera would do.

Miraculously, I managed to get away from home in good time, and I arrived at the trailhead at 11:30 am. It was 41°F, and heavily overcast.