I was really looking forward to the trek between Bear Run Road and Upper Archer’s Fork Road, mainly because the day was FINALLY to be sans rain. That being said, I was also nervous, as this area has had so much rain over the last two weeks.
Once again, Chrissy shuttled me and I began hiking backwards. Today was almost all trail.
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Making My Way from Upper Archer’s Fork Road
The morning went incredibly well. The trail wasn’t too difficult and there were little waterfalls everywhere. My feet stayed dry! I did take along a few plastic bags, which I slipped my feet into for the water crossings that were maybe ankle deep. They worked great!
After stopping for lunch, things got more challenging. The trail was steeper in the afternoon, which slowed my pace. The water and mud did the same. Then, as I was nearing my car, I had three or four water crossings. I didn’t know this ahead of time; I thought maybe the first one I encountered was my last. So I was careless and got my feet wet. Rats. Then, for the subsequent crossings, I figured screw it, and I just walked through the water.
Day Is Almost Done
Finally, I reached my car. Yay! But I discovered that during one water crossing my AirPod container had slipped out of my (deep) pocket. Grr! I’d already lost one pair of AirPods AND the container/charger on a previous NCT hike in Ohio. I’d also had one AirPod fall out of my ear while crossing a river on another NCT hike. I was NOT going to leave this container/charger on 
the trail.
I’d already taken off my soaked shoes and socks, so I put on a new pair of shoes and trudged back onto the trail. I had to cross the water three times (times two) to find the container/charger, and wasted an hour in the process. Still, I felt good to have recovered it.
Tonight I’m in a motel in West Virginia. Ha! I’d booked it when I thought I’d be closer to this area, and after camping many nights. But with all of the rain and mud, I’ve barely camped. But I couldn’t cancel the reservation without paying full price, so I drove over.
Not sure what tomorrow will bring.
Snowshoe
Ohio NCT miles today: 14.4 (23.2 km)
Ohio NCT miles to date: 760.4 (1,223.8 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 3,608.1 (5,806.7 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 991.9 (1,596.3 km)
Most useful gear today: My ALTRA Lone Peak trail shoes, which have a wide toe box that accommodates my bunion and other foot issues.
