MST-10

Hereford Road to Little Rogers Road

This hike in January had the potential of being nearly eleven miles, but on the way back I took Shaw and Cheek Roads to make it a more manageable 9.5.

I don’t like to park on shoulders, but this road was a dead end near the washed-out portion of Hereford Road, so I didn’t worry. I always ask God to protect my car while I’m out hiking!

Into the woods! And five minutes later it was back out of the woods, returning to the car for my forgotten walking pole and a warmer layer. It was cold!

Falls Lake Trail and Mountain to the Sea Trail. Random location and too small to sit on for a rest, so I’m not sure why it was there.

The route crossed Cheek Road, with Turkey Vultures greeting me.

Water for MST hikers, and some walking sticks, as well. There was an unmarked campsite nearby.

There was a directional rock near every bench!

Deer season is over, duck season has one more week. Turkey season isn’t until April, so after today the vest can stay off for a couple of months.

I sat on the bench with Hank for a water break.

But this was the best! An Irish Wolfhound, complete with his own safety vest, so he didn’t get mistaken for a small deer.

Turnaround point. It’s .2 miles up to the parking area where the next hike will begin.

This was the messiest portion of trail. I crossed through it four times! Once on the way out, once on the way back. And then I figured out that my printed trail directions had fallen out of my pocket when I stepped behind a tree to…pee. So back I went to find that piece of paper, because you don’t leave litter in the woods!

One last view of Falls Lake. What a pretty day!

Yet despite the beauty of nature, I remember what I read in the little devotional I carry when I hike:

“In a world of created changeable things, Christ and His word alone remain unshaken.”

There’s time to sit and reflect on that for a few minutes!