I woke up unburdened, still resolute in my decision to end my Centennial Trail hike today. Nancy and I ate quickly, packed up, and stepped off quite early to beat stormy weather due this afternoon. Gratifying to see long shadows as we shouldered our packs, but don’t be fooled – we know rain is a-comin’!
Lest we think that we’ve put all the hard work behind us, early on the trail warmed us up climbing above Pactola Lake. Still in deep shadows.
Following the now-familiar pattern of old logging roads and single track, the trail led us through open forest and meadows, showing off flowers and ponderosa pines.
We’d heard tell of an unusual object on the trail, no signage or particular landmark to indicate its presence…if you’re looking at your feet you’ll miss it…
A good belly laugh in the middle of the woods
to pick up where I left off
Yesterday (just before the lightning storm) Nancy called and scored a last-minute cancellation for a cabin, so no pitching tents tonight. Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date info.
Today we were greeted by Harley, the owner, and collected our resupply boxes, no longer necessary for me but imperative for Nancy. What was of utmost importance to me was a monster Mountain Dew from the icebox that I guzzled down immediately.
a dry roof over our heads and a porch swing!
At the bathhouse I showered, put on clean clothes and started a load of laundry. A thunderstorm came through as I transferred my clothes to the dryer. I stood under the breezeway roof, safe and dry, listening to the rumble and watching the downpour flood the gravel drive alongside the RVs. How many more affirmations do I need that this is my stopping point?
Summer staffer Paula and her furry friend Maisy (because she is amazing) drove us to the Sugar Shack for takeout food. This iconic local joint is a much-anticipated stop for thru-hikers on the CT and a hub for the locals. [In December 2023 Sugar Shack was completely destroyed by fire, devastating to this rural community where neighbors support one another. They are now operating out of the Merritt General Grill. Plans for rebuilding are in the works.]
Nancy and I sat at our little picnic table by our cabin and enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation with our food and adult beverages. It was sad that our time on trail was ended but (no surprise) Nancy made a friend at the showers (Lynne) and they decided to hike on together to complete the trail. I felt very happy that she made this new connection, for companionship, speed, safety and fun. (She’ll finish the trail in 2 days, where I had estimated another 4 days for me.) We made plans to meet on Monday at Bear Butte State Park, the northern terminus of the trail, and we’ll summit together.
Nancy organized her gear to continue her hike while I contacted Roam’N Around for a shuttle pickup tomorrow morning. I also booked a room at Comfort Inn in Rapid City and rearranged my rental car that I had reserved for later in the week.
In the very early morning rain Nancy shouldered her pack and slipped out the cabin door. Bridget from Roam’n Around arrived mid-morning to pick me up - so happy to see her! (Read about our shuttle ride with Bridget to start the trail here.) She was transporting another solo woman (Dani) who was taking a day off for the rain, going back to stay at Bridget’s. The SUV was filled with chatter as we compared experiences on and off-trail.
Bridget and Dani dropped me at the Rapid City airport with all my stuff plus Nancy’s big duffel bag, which I wrangled into a massive Ford Expedition, very nice indeed for little ol’ me. At the Comfort Inn, I holed up with more sodas and candy bars and my resupply box, clean towels, a king size bed, more big fluffy pillows than anyone needs.
The hotel was full (Saturday night) with middle school age soccer teams in town for a tournament. At 2:00 am someone set off a fire alarm and we had to wait outside for the fire department to come and clear it.
BUT after that I was inside and warm and dry.
Instead of my planned 4 days post-hike, ahead of me now is 7 days of fun “roamin’ around” South Dakota before my return flight. What shall I do? Stay tuned.
Did it smell like vanilla?
ReplyDeleteI didn't smell anything, but supposedly it can smell like vanilla or butterscotch on hot days due to a chemical in the bark. My sense of smell is pretty lame, can't smell notes in a glass of wine, but I can smell banana bread baking!
ReplyDelete