Big South Fork Day 3- Station Camp to Peter’s Mountain Trailhead

13 map miles
13.12 recorded miles

Last night was terrifying! There were loud, high speed winds and I could hear trees and branches falling all around me. I didn’t know what else I could do besides stay put and take my chances. It didn’t look like any of the trees nearby were dead. I didn’t get good quality sleep but somehow got packed up in a light sleet and trudged on. Today was cold and miserable overall. My feet were wet and it was still fairly windy. My heavy pack was really discouraging me. It just felt like it was getting heavier and heavier. I had a stream crossing that I needed to either take my socks and shoes off altogether or put my frozen boots on. I ate lunch while contemplating what to do. Well putting those boots on was worse than I even expected. It was like wrapping ice around my feet! I hauled my pack over the crossing and my feet warmed up after a mile or two. They really warmed up on the climb up to the John Muir Overlook. The views were expansive. Definitely a highlight of the trip. I just wish I hadn’t been so grey. Thinking about the sub-30 degree temps forecasted, and listening to my aching back, I planned to get off the Sheltowee and take a short cut back to the trailhead where my car was. The shortcut was nice. This time, an actual easy shortcut. Flat trail and road and definitely easy to follow. I ended up back at the car and was excited to turn the heat on! This Sheltowee section kicked my ass for sure! I’ve got to get a lighter pack and train for bigger mileage days! The Hiker Challenge is going to be a challenge for sure!😓