Hillsborough to Mebane, westbound
July 26. I had wanted to finish up Segment 12 this week, but the weather near Roseboro has either been too unsettled or the heat index too high.
But today in Hillsborough it was a great day for hiking, so I did 16.5 miles going west, from my front porch to Mebane, with a shuttle back home by my husband!
I left the house before dawn at 5:30am.
From my house, it’s 1.25 miles down to the MST.
I used my cell phone flashlight on the steep hill so I didn’t trip on roots.
Still pretty dark when I crossed the Eno River.
This is a really pretty section of the MST, so I recommend doing it in the full daylight to appreciate it. I walk it all the time, however, so I didn’t mind missing out.
By the time I got to Gold Park it was daylight, although it stayed overcast all day.
Decent temperature for hiking, but still pretty humid.
The textile mill produced denim.
Once I left the Hillsborough River Walk, it was MISERABLE walking along some very busy roads. I mean look at this tall, wet grass you have to plow through.
My “waterproof” boots were not up to the task, and I had wet socks and feet for the rest of the hike.
Traffic never let up enough to walk on the asphalt. Even when the grass wasn’t tall, it was uneven and mushy.
FIVE MILES OF THIS!!!
It was pretty stressful, and I didn’t stop much to admire the scenery.
But I did find an unfamiliar flower!
I tried out this product today, adding a packet to my half-liter water bottle.
It really hit the spot!
FINALLY, when I turned onto Lebanon Road at mile 9, traffic eased up!
Thank you, White Cross A.M.E. Church, for a little place to sit and rest for a few minutes.
I’ve been to this park many times, because interesting birds show up here.
Lovely, lovely, safe and dry sidewalks began near Mebane.
Mebane in Alamance County is pronounced MEB-un, by the way.
My endpoint was Mebane Community Park.
The best part of having a shuttle to take me back home is that I’ll never have to walk along those dreadful Orange County roads ever again!
My.Bird.Walks. 
“Little Blue Heron (the white bird) and White Ibis (the dark bird)”
That gave me a chuckle.
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Both juveniles! Eventually they’ll get their name-appropriate, adult plumage.
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Hey, lots of familiar scenes, to me, up to when you head toward Mebane.
Thanks!
Lorraine
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