MST-46 (segments 14 & 15)

Moore’s Creek Battlefield (segment 14)
Holly Shelter Game Land, eastbound (segment 15)

October 7-8. From now on, for all my trips heading to the sea, I need to plan overnights, because driving both ways and hiking all in the same day isn’t safe–I’m too tired to be alert coming home. On this expedition I did 1.5 miles on Day 1 and 19 miles on Day 2.

Traveling south on Monday afternoon, I first did a slight detour to hike 1.5 miles around Moore’s Creek Battlefield in segment 14, since the MST makes a little loop there. I still have 36 miles to complete in that segment, but I haven’t figured out transportation yet.

What you can’t see in this peaceful photo are the……mosquitoes. Pretty bad. slap. slap. slap.

Despite annoying insects, I really enjoyed reading about the history of this decisive military skirmish, which solidified Patriot control of North Carolina in February of 1776.

The British Scots crossed the bridge over Moore’s Creek with confidence, (although the cross-planks had been removed), thinking the Patriots had already fled.

But they had not. Patriot muskets and cannons quickly overwhelmed Scottish broad swords.

This extra loop wasn’t on the MST route, but I couldn’t resist!

I grabbed dinner at Food Lion (several fast food options are also readily available) and spent the night at the Burgaw Motel.

The next morning it was only 15 minutes to Holly Shelter Game Land off of Shaw Highway. Much better than getting up at 4am for a long drive before hiking!

It’s always such a good feeling to be underway before the sun is up.

The roads through Holly Shelter were very comfortable to walk on. Even the sandiest portions are well-packed and firm.

I highly recommend hiking Holly Shelter from north to south–“eastbound.” The first ten miles have some long, straight stretches that are best accomplished when it’s cooler and you’re fresher. This Y-intersection was the height of excitement in the first three hours of walking!

Don’t forget the orange vest! If the gate is open, it’s hunting season. I carried 4 liters of water, which was enough for the mid-70’s. More would be necessary in the 80’s. And this hike would be dreadful in the humid 90’s.

I had plenty of time for devotional hiking–and no traffic worries, either.

Besides a few new wildflowers and plants, the most entertaining thing that occupied the miles was trying to decipher all the animal tracks in the sand.

This one was easy!

Wild Turkey

Snake

I have no idea…something dragging its belly or tail, like a lizard?

No idea whatsoever. But light, like a bird.

Crow

Raccoon

Coyote

Another small animal mystery

Something traveling UNDER the sand!

This straight- line track had me really puzzled….

….until I saw this little guy!

I did mention “long and straight” roads, right?

But, a little over half-way through, the terrain changed. There were more curves and the trees closed in a bit for occasional shade.

At 12 miles I took my sit-down, shoes-off break. The only place to sit was right in the middle of the road. May I suggest an Eagle Scout project could be some much-appreciated benches at key intersections?

Even bench-less, the break felt great. I carry a spare pair of socks, and having dry feet and dry socks really set me up nicely for the last 7 miles.

I also carry a small supply kit, and was happy to finally get to use it to repair my broken binoculars strap.

This is perfect habitat for the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and I was really delighted to find two of them.

Look at these kind drivers, moving their construction vehicles way over to ensure my safety.

The southern terminus of Holly Shelter is on INCREDIBLY BUSY US-17. Boy, I’m sure not looking forward to the next four miles of the MST along that road!

My gracious Trail Angel was Nancy T., who drove me back to my car and provided a most welcome cold water, fruit, and Oreos for my drive home.

Although I had to wait a bit before I could actually drive anywhere….