Today’s hike to Woodtick Trail was our first day hiking with the Eckerts, who have joined us the last few years on the NCT. It was a 16-mile trek (25.8 km) for us, so moderately challenging in distance. They hiked in to meet us, and had a shorter day.
We began from FR 2117, or Old Grade Road NE. It had been raining (of course), so there was a lot of wet vegetation – and the mosquitoes were intense.
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I hate to say it, but I didn’t take many photos and really didn’t have time to enjoy the scenery, due to the weather and bugs. Ed and I, and the Eckerts, who were hiking toward each other, both stopped for lunch where we found non-buggy spots.
Heading to Woodtick Trail
After we met up, we enjoyed our hike to the end. Tonight we are staying at the Akeley City Campground. It’s small, but on 
Eleventh Crow Wing Lake, which is quite pretty. The owners/managers are very nice, and even bring ice to your campsite! The bathrooms and showers are nice, too.
Best of all, a writing colleague of Amy’s and mine, Lisa (from St. Cloud), drove up to say hello.
Tonight, we heard both loons and coyotes.
Snowshoe
MN NCT miles today: 18 (29 km)
MN NCT miles to date: 659.1 (1,060.7 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 2,677.6 (4,309.2 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 1,922.4 (3,093.8 km)
Best gear today: Bug nets! You can’t hike in summer without them.
