Officially not the Road to Nowhere

After the fourth bridge, the trail turned to grass, then mud, then the trail narrowed to 2.5 feet wide with downed trees and rocks blocking the path. The creek is now to my right. I'm officially in the wilderness in my own with nothing but an Italian leather backpack and a bottle of water. I'm seriously beginning to doubt that I'm on the road to nowhere at this point. There is no phone signal.

There is an area by the creek with lots of rocks. One rock is large and flat enough to make a bed on, so I head that way. My right foot slips on a rock and I splat down on my behind on just the rock I had intended to sit on. I take a break to enjoy my surroundings and drink some water. I'm not rationing yet. Why would I? If I need water, the clear cool water of the creek is right there. I find a sign. I'm on the Noland Creek Trail at campsite 65. Just beyond this, the creek ends into a still lake and I officially decide I'm NOT on the road to nowhere. I turn back and retrace my steps. To be continued...Read more