MST-45 (segment 14)

Holly Shelter Game Land (Shaw Hwy) to Burgaw, westbound

October 3. I’ve had difficulty figuring out shuttles or other options for the western portion of Segment 14, so I skipped over that problem to do the easternmost section, with a morning shuttle by gracious Trail Angel Katie. I hiked 15.5 miles.

Entrance to Holly Shelter Game Land. I can’t wait to do that hike–it’s a terrific location for birds, including our endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

But today’s hike was in the opposite direction, back to Burgaw.
The first 5 miles were on this very pleasant “highway” that had hardly any traffic.

On a long, un-shady stretch I brought out my morning devotion. I knew once I hit Highway 53 I would have to pay constant attention to traffic!

Boom! There’s the real highway! Almost nine miles of this. Fortunately, the shoulder was usually wide–although some places were unmowed and uneven.

I was delighted to find this pretty little spot for a hydration break.

Lots of blueberry farms. My first-ever paid job was picking blueberries, at 8 cents a pound. If you worked really hard you could get to 100 pounds, for a total day’s wages of $8.00. For the five-day work week that added up to $40, which for a 12-year-old in 1970 was serious money!

The NC Forest Service property was also a pleasant place for a short break.

Apparently, she was picking up a piece of plywood from the side of the road when she was struck and killed by a truck. Be careful out there!!!

Narrow bridge over the Northeast Cape Fear River. Choose between being inches from traffic or perched up on the concrete wall with your center of gravity WAY above the railing.

Sadly, not playing ‘possum….
They are noctural and slow, which makes them a frequent roadkill.

I decided to go with sturdy sneakers today. It seemed fine while hiking, but hours later my feet are hurting more than usual after a long hike. Boots provide more stability for the foot.

I rewarded myself for finishing up that nine-mile stretch of highway!

Yay! The start of the Osgood Canal Greenway and Urban Trail.

I slowed way down here, because there was a lot of bird activity, including two species of warblers which will be migrating soon. (American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat)

Such a nice way to end a road walk, on this scenic path around Burgaw!

How do you say you live in the south, without actually saying you live in the south?
“I parked my car at the Piggly Wiggly!”