Mapping the Sheltowee

[sheltowee wanderer]

I woke to find my neck feeling much better and decided that It was time to leave. After all, I gained a whole 45 degrees of movement that I did not have the day before. Looking at the map I made Great Meadow campground my goal for the day. I said farewell to the new friends and they wished me the best of luck. As I reached the Southern Terminous for the Sheltowee I noticed an interesting sign on the right side of the road. It was a discharge point for the State park’s treated wastewater. It’s destination? Thompson Creek, a water source that runs through the area. I took a mental note to hold off on water re-supply.

The weather was awesome and was actually cooler than normal. On the trail I found my self constantly finding reasons to take my camera out and quickly realized that I had to change my picture format to medium if I were to have enough room for a weeks worth of pictures. In the meantime I figured out a system for carrying both the Camera and the GPS in such a manner so that I can access them easily yet ensure their protection while traveling. I moved eagerly though the area noting all the unique rock features and hydrology, taking pictures and GPS waypoints whenever I could. I tied into the John Muir Trail at the Thompson Overlook and make my way to the Kentucky State Border. At one point I am on three trails at once. The Sheltowee Trace, the John Muir Trail and the Rock Creek loop. A little confusing at times to say the least! With the Sun high overhead I decided to take a late lunch beside Rock Creek just before ascending to the state line. It was then I discovered that I had left the alcohol for my stove back home. Cold soggy pasta for a week… hmmm. It could be worse. Right? I took an hour nap to let the hottest part of the day pass and got up at dusk and on to Great Meadow campground. I soon got to the state line, knowing this only by referring to my GPS, I jump over my trekking poles that served as the border in celebration of coming back to my home state. Soon, I reach the intersection for the John Muir Trail and Rock Creek Loop and leave them behind.

The last 3 three miles to the campground were hiked in darkness and at one point a bat flew circles above my head as investigated some glowing fungus inside a rotten log. I tried to take a picture of the glowing fungus but no luck. When I arrived at the campground I was greeted by
three curious campers who gave me some snacks and soft drinks. They were hanging out and waiting for some more people to meet up with them to celebrate the upcomeing fathers day. Great Meadow campground is free of charge to use and is composed of two campgrounds, Deer loop and Raccoon loop.There was no room at that Deer so I found a place at the other for the night. As of now I am to meet my Father at Cumberland Falls State Park in one week for data dump and re-supply.

The Photo Album - Day 2