Today’s trek to Hubble Pond was so enjoyable! The only bad thing was that Ed had to go home today, so after shuttling us this morning he missed probably the best day’s hike.
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The morning started out with a beautiful sunrise. Ed shuttled the three of us, then left to return to The Wilds to pack up our tent and head home. Almost as soon as we started – or maybe right away – the trail led us through the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. We saw loads of herons, ducks and other birds, and the trails were easy to navigate.
At one point, the map/app indicated a scenic overlook, but there was none to be found. This happens often on hiking trails. Presumably a one-time scenic overlook has had vegetation grow and obscure the view.
Trekking to Hubble Pond
The three of us lunched at a great parking area that also had a bathroom – score! In the afternoon, a sign indicated that the trail would cross the Otter Trail River, I believe. Amy hates having wet feet, so she and Bruce opted to hike on the roads 
around the trail. I enjoy (most) river crossings, so I forged ahead.
Since it was the end of the day, I didn’t care if my feet got wet. The river was shallow (mostly ankle-deep, although up to my knees for a few steps), and not rushing. I enjoyed it. But then it became clear my itinerary was off. We thought we had a few miles left after the river crossing, but suddenly came upon our car.
Amy offered to drive their car to the next trailhead, which is where I had wanted to stop, and hike in to meet us. It was just over 2 miles (3 km) ahead. Bruce and I hiked on.
Getting Lost + Ice Cream
The trail began on a wide path for vehicles, so I wasn’t as alert for the blue blazes as I should have been. I suddenly 
realized we were off track. Thankfully, it was only a quarter-mile back to the turn we missed. Once on the correct path, we saw two stands of trees uprooted in some prior storm. Normally, you see one big tree uprooted. I’d never seen an entire stand of trees blown over before.
Back at The Wilds, we rewarded ourselves with a much-deserved ice cream treat.
Snowshoe
MN NCT miles today: 18.5 (29.8 km)
MN NCT miles to date: 776.4 (1,249.5 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 2,794.9 (4,498 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 1,805.1 (2,905 km)
