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.
Morning view from my hammock — Day Two, Camped in Paddy Creek Wilderness.
Paddy Creek — Day One
Ooh, it fits! Camped in Paddy Creek Wilderness, at a spot I’ve nicknamed Paddy Creek Trolltunga. Backpacking the Big Piney Trail, December 2023.
The well was dry — I was surprised to spy a rat at the bottom of the well.
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.
Sun burst through the trees — Taken on the South Loop at the short cut to the North Loop trail junction. I’m continuing on the South Loop — into the sun. It took me just over three-and-a-half hours to get here.
Roby Lake Trailhead — The Big Piney Trail, December 2023. And my plans for a four-day, three-night trip. Three-minute read, +1
New Parking Lot for the Big Piney Trail at Roby Lake. Big surprise, our car is the only one parked here. +1
Hike over, back at the new registration point. There’s a new parking lot, and they’ve moved the trailhead so it is on the parking lot. 18 miles hiked and 1500 ft of elevation climbed.
Black Snake by the Big Piney Trail — It got fed up with the attention it was getting from me and slithered off.
A quarter mile of sticky muddy mess. This is back near the point where the North Loop and South Loop join together.
Another drop-off.
Leaves, leaves, and more leaves. Gary takes a picture and then leaves too.
Up on the ridge.
Crossing Point — Little Paddy Creek.
Crossing Little Paddy Creek — I stopped for a brief lunch before making the final crossing.
+1
Well to the left and stock pond right in front. What an overgrown mess. This will be my last time on this trail until the winter. +1
Can’t see the bluff for the trees. The bluff’s some 50-60 ft. high. There might be a decent winter camping spot here too. +2
Tangled mess — view of a small hollow off the Big Piney Trail.
Day Three — Rocky Outcrop by the Big Piney Trail — South Loop.
Camped at sunset.
Camped at the end of Day Two — And I’m facing east, ready for the morning sun.
Ticks and Chiggers and snakes! Oh my! This (and the heat) is why I don’t like summer backpacking. All those places for ticks, chiggers, and snakes to hide! And don’t forget the spiders too…