MST-58, completing segment 16

Neusiok Trail to Harlowe

January 27, 2025. When I made my non-refundable Airbnb reservation, the weather forecast was quite favorable, but this turned out to be a wet, cold, soggy mess of a hike–all 18.5 miles of it.

This particular “trail angel” cost me a pretty penny–but it served as a reminder of WHAT WONDERFUL HELPERS our volunteers are!!!!

I threw on my rain-poncho, signed in with my little golf pencil that I finally remembered to carry with me, and hit the….snowy….trail.

Carteret County had an unexpected heavy snowfall last week, and that certainly affected trail conditions.

Some sections less so….

Some sections more so!

And it was raining.

If it had been POURING all day, I would have cancelled the hike entirely, but I thought I could manage in these conditions.

The boardwalks were the most treacherous surface, actually, because they were slick and icy.

If possible, I walked alongside them. Otherwise, I stepped very, very gingerly.

It was somewhat of a relief to have two miles of forest road.

I took a short break inside the Blackjack Lodge Shelter. It looks like it would be a lovely place to camp–in dry weather!

As I approached Oyster Point Campground, the rain began to let up.

HURRAY!
That completes Segment 16!

I spread out my poncho to sit on while I had a shoes-off, dry-socks-on break.

Then I started right in on Segment 17.

It started back raining. I must have looked pretty bedraggled by now, because three different drivers stopped to ask if they could give me a ride.

The MST takes a right-hand turn here, but my Airbnb was straight ahead on NC 101.

I had completed 17 miles of MST, but then had an extra, evil 1.5 miles to go to get to my lodging.

1. Hot shower
2. Hot beverage
3. Hot food
4. Clothes in dryer for tomorrow

5. A good night’s sleep, and I’ll be ready for another day on the trail!