MST-56, segment 16

North of Newport to Neusiok Trailhead on 101, eastbound

January 13, 2025. All road-walking, with only two turns, plus an extra mile away from the MST route to my car at a trailhead parking area, for a total of 9.3 miles.

Jimmy, ONCE AGAIN, gave me a wonderful shuttle from my car to this church on US 70. Traffic wasn’t particularly heavy here, so it was no problem crossing over four lanes when I needed to.

I got this cool neck-garter from my daughter for Christmas. It sure came in handy, as it was below freezing starting out.

After an hour I shed the coat and hiked the rest of the day like this. My mom knitted me this wool sweater years ago, and it is my go-to winter hiking layer.

The shoulder was safe enough on US-70, but I continued straight on the road-in-progress.

This is probably the widest “trail” on the entire MST!

I spent two nights at a hotel in Havelock. That allowed me to string two hikes together. Driving time is now about 3 hours each way–too far for a day trip.

After 2.5 miles, the first turn was onto McCotter Boulevard.

Amidst a flock of very common Yellow-rumped Warblers, I spotted this little fiery ball of orange. I know it doesn’t show up in this cell phone photo, but with my binoculars this is what I was seeing:

A Baltimore Oriole! Very cool and unexpected. A new bird for me for Carteret County.

After another 2 miles, the second turn was onto US 101. Lots of options for safe walking.

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
There were lots of interesting flight craft throughout the day.

Roadside Still Life

Sadly, another roadside still life. In this case, a Gray Catbird. I’m always sorry to see a dead bird, but it is an opportunity to see plumage and structure up close. The catbird has a spunky black cap and a rusty orange “vent” area.

At four miles the MST route turned north, but I continued straight on 101 for an extra mile to where I was parked. This will allow me to do a figure-8 hike tomorrow, without needing a shuttle from anyone.

This was a relatively short hiking day, but it had been a month since my last MST hike, and I wanted to ease back in, to make sure I was still in shape for longer miles. Also the last hike I was wishing I was in SHORTS, and now I’m dealing with winter weather.

But we had chilly weather last week in Oregon, too, so I’m ready!