Ooh, it fits! Camped in Paddy Creek Wilderness, at a spot I’ve nicknamed Paddy Creek Trolltunga. Backpacking the Big Piney Trail, December 2023.
Paddy Creek Wilderness
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.
December 4, 2023 15:33
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.
December 4, 2023 15:31
Not a lot of water — This is Little Paddy Creek. I’ve never seen it this low, it was not really running. That doesn’t bode well for my trip. And all the small springs I have passed so far have been dry too. 2
December 4, 2023 14:32
Roby Lake Trailhead — The Big Piney Trail, December 2023. And my plans for a four-day, three-night trip. Three-minute read, +1
December 4, 2023 11:27
Journal: Three days hiking the Big Piney Trail, Paddy Creek Wilderness, May 2023. I plan on spending three days on a slow hike of the 16-mile loop of the Big Piney Trail in Paddy Creek Wilderness. Unlike previous trips, it is forecast to rain on the first day, not the last. Journal: 10 43
May 21, 2023 18:00
New Parking Lot for the Big Piney Trail at Roby Lake. Big surprise, our car is the only one parked here. +1
May 21, 2023 16:10
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.
May 21, 2023 16:09
Black Snake by the Big Piney Trail — It got fed up with the attention it was getting from me and slithered off.
May 21, 2023 15:56
A quarter mile of sticky muddy mess. This is back near the point where the North Loop and South Loop join together.
May 21, 2023 15:38
Another drop-off.
May 21, 2023 14:58
Leaves, leaves, and more leaves. Gary takes a picture and then leaves too.
May 21, 2023 14:57
Up on the ridge.
May 21, 2023 14:56
Crossing Point — Little Paddy Creek.
May 21, 2023 14:35
Crossing Little Paddy Creek — I stopped for a brief lunch before making the final crossing.
+1
May 21, 2023 14:07
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
May 21, 2023 13:37
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
May 21, 2023 13:05
Tangled mess — view of a small hollow off the Big Piney Trail.
May 21, 2023 12:56
Day Three — Rocky Outcrop by the Big Piney Trail — South Loop.
May 21, 2023 12:32
Camped at sunset.
May 20, 2023 20:28
Camped at the end of Day Two — And I’m facing east, ready for the morning sun.
May 20, 2023 18:15
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…
May 20, 2023 16:43
I had just crossed Paddy Creek Road for the second time today.