Day 19
Location: Lone Tree
Distance: 17 miles
Weather: overcast and 60s, perfect hiking weather!
Mood: happy
Spot the toad!
This section of the SHT as we make our approach to Duluth is a really lovely, easy section through a county managed forest. There are markers along the trail indicating when the trees were last harvested to show how the forest regenerates after 5, 10, 20, or 30 years. Though this section isn't as sweeping and beautiful as the sections up north, there are no hard climbs, and lots of good trail to put miles behind us quick!
The one thing it does have, as in other sections, is abundant mud. I slipped twice today on a boardwalk and an old log, ending up knee deep in mud both times. Ah well, it's been a while since my shoes were soaked.
We met several section hikers today. One visiting all the way from Virginia, and another woman, maybe in her 50s out for her first backpacking trip ever. It's really exciting to meet people on their various adventures in little bursts of connection throughout the day.
Tomorrow we head into Duluth for a 2 day break and visits from our spouses. Can't wait to see them and enjoy a luxury weekend indoors, preparing for the second half of our journey. Maybe we'll even miss the rain that's supposed to come through!
Finally, a funny end to the day as we hung up our food to keep away from critters, and almost from ourselves: