MST-27

East Clayton Community Park to Bob Wallace Jaycee Kiddie Park in Smithfield (Segment 11)

June 10. This was my first point-to-point hike (14.2 miles), because of a wonderful Trail Angel who gave me a shuttle ride! Thank you, Grace!!!

So, I parked my car here in Smithfield, at this cute little park. Grace picked me up and drove me back to Clayton, where I ended the last hike.

Back to my Rock of Rest at East Clayton Community Park.

And away I go, heading mostly south along roads.

There were short stretches where I went into the tall grass to avoid traffic.

But almost always there was a wide shoulder, and I could walk well off the road when traffic got busy.

I broke out my “Valley of Vision” meditation early, because there was a long 3-mile stretch along Powhatan Road.

I found a little shade over by the restrooms at Wilson’s Mills Park.

Whatever works, to walk away from the narrow road shoulder!

My mom and dad were almost killed by a train, so crossing tracks holds a certain morbid fascination for me…

Halfway point at the Family Dollar near I-70. Not a scenic rest-stop, but the shade was appreciated. It’s quite warm!

Ok. This was the most awful bridge crossing. Over half a mile on this narrow shoulder with lots of fast traffic. I went as quickly as I could.

The bridge was crossing the Neuse River.

The Neuse has expanded into these adjacent marshes–thus the length of the bridge!

I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to be on a sidewalk. Phew!

I took a good break here at Smithfield Community Park. Doing the power-walk over that bridge took some spunk out of me. I was pretty tired for the last three miles.

But the rest of the hike was mostly shady and traffic-free, so that was nice.

Final stretch is on the Buffalo Creek Greenway.

The Smithfield Boat Launch is also the start of the alternate 216-mile Neuse River Paddle Route of the MST.

It looks like a fun route, but I’ll be continuing on foot!