Рет қаралды 1,048
Sheltowee Trace Trail
April 24th, 2023
Day 8, 26.3 Miles
Another chilly morning in the books, hardest part breaking the seal of the sleeping bag. We had a time split to reach of 5pm to meet a trail Angel, Professor had been messaging with, and 26~ miles to do so. The inevitable came and we broke the seal.
Perplexingly as the morning stepping began the cold began to get deeper. A full hour or two were spent with hands in the pockets, hoods sinched around the ears, and that rigid shuffle that comes from the brittleness of the bite of deep chill.
The first creek crossing was as promised, ice cold. The second, slightly less so, but whether that was from losing feeling or actual temperature, who is to say.
Eventually the weather began to warm and we bounced along soggy and saturated two track, many twists and turns to avoid deep puddles.
The final crossing of Horse Lick Creek (most Kentucky name ever) was about knee high and removed any need for some extra caffeine for a mid afternoon boost.
Road miles, porta-potty’s, and jowly doggos was the flavor of the next few miles, and finding a bridge across Rockcastle River, we waited on Horsepower to see how his challenge was coming along.
He cruised right by with the determination of the last mile and last beer, and we all met at the following creek to witness greatness. He finished the challenge with time to spare, and was no worse for the wear. Only thing that he said felt different was his level of dehydration as he put it “I haven’t drank any water in 24hrs…” (unless you count all the Natural Lights he was drinking).
He added another 24 to the challenge with the lack of water….
Cruising along beautiful single track we set our sights on I-75 to meet our pickup. All extremely well maintained besides a small stream section where we found a little bushwhack, finally!
Afterwards passing by a battlefield where if you donate enough to the Sheltowee Trace Association you are allowed to fire the canon. (JOKE). You may not be able to fire the canon but it still would be a good thing to do.
Road miles through beautiful countryside brought us to the road where we were met by the legend of trail angels, with cold drinks, a ride into London, a chicken fried dinner, and great conversation with full Kentucky warmth and hospitality.
A quick jaunt to watch the new Mario movie (that humans are definitely in) back to the motel after a gas station resupply, and basketball and jokes capped off the night.
Another wonderful day out here, Kentucky you are something special.