Tuesday May 20: Morning on the Deep Creek Trail
The hikers awake and greet the new day. Clouds battle the sun for dominance of the sky. Before long the sun claims victory by burning away the morning mists. The packers celebrate over breakfast, reorganize their packs, tear down camp, and head off for their next camp site six miles up the Deep Creek Trail. The first day has come and gone without a hitch and our wanderers look forward to a full day of hiking.
Tuesday May 20: Afternoon on the Deep Creek Trail
The group collects at campsite 56 along the Deep Creek Trail. Derek and Jessica enjoy the brief sojourn in the shade of a gnarled old fir tree. Together, these two broke many of the trails for the others. Dauntlessly forging ahead with quiet resolve and stoutheartedness, determined to get the best spot at each camp site.
Tuesday May 20: Deep Creek Trail, Afternoon to Evening
From
the journal of Ben Lebofsky,
“What a day! My pack is way too heavy and my boots are soaked, but here we are.
The site is beautiful, a wide open area at the base of a steep hill with a creek
flowing beside us. The headlong rush of the turbulent waters fills the site
with a sound that is both calming and expectant, it is the sound of heedless
motion. Everyone goes about setting up camp and starting fires, bellies growling
in anticipation of the evening meal. The group has split into smaller cliques,
and it has created a healthy air of competition which serves to drive us forward
as we greet each new challenge along the trail..”