Big Branch Shelter to Clarendon Gorge

It rained all night, but when we got up this morning, the rain had pretty much stopped. First half of the day was fairly challenging with a climb, muddy trail and lots of sharp rocks. Had to high step a lot and be selective about foot placement. Came to Little Rock Pond in the morning...very pretty. Still on the lookout for our first moose...

We didn't have to kill big miles today, so we did some dilly dallying. Took a side trail to White Rock Cliffs for the view and came across a spot with hundreds of cairns. (A group of rocks, marking a landmark, trail or memorial) I'm sure hikers have been adding to these cairns for years and some of them were so unique. We added a few stones of our own.

It was a pretty cool sight and really made me think about all the people who had done this journey before me.

So, the guys are a day behind us, and in yesterday's post, I put a photo of us on the top of Bromley Mountain in the lift chair. Well today.....someone copied our photo. :)

The second half of the day was up over Bear Mountain, and although there was a good climb, there were nice switchbacks and the trail was great!!!!! Best we've had in weeks. Not muddy, not rocky, and not rooty. Pine needles. Soft on tired feet and smelling like Christmas, which inspired me to sing a little Christmas tune :) We made quick time to Clarendon Gorge, motivated by the fact that there was a deli just a mile off the trail once we got to the road, but it closed at 7.

We got to the road and got a ride with a trail maintainer to the aforementioned deli with an hour to spare. Grabbed a sandwich etc (and by etc I mean diet coke) and he dropped us back at the trail. Hiked about another 1/10th of a mile, put up tents by the river running through the gorge. 

Borrowed this from a friend.