Burney Falls

July 21: Just like the hike into Burney, the hike out of Burney was flat and fast. I covered lots of miles while it was still cool. I made it to Burney Falls State Park in no time at all, for one last try to see if my package arrived. 

The falls for which the park is named are spectacular! Not a bad thing to have to look at as I waited for the mail to arrive. The park was also filled with tourists for the day or car camping, which makes for nice conversation and story telling. ("Yes, just like Reese Witherspoon") I just may have created a couple future thru-hikers! 

Alas, my package did not arrive. So as to not make this trip to the park a total bust, I got a Dr Pepper and ice cream cookie sandwich and then headed out.

Beyond the park, the trail starts climbing again, which is good for views, but bad for tired and overheated hikers. (the air conditioned zero day was all but forgotten once we started climbing) The good news is, the trail provided something even better than air conditioning: rivers!

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There was a lovely river with deep pool under a bridge that provided some nice shade. I joined a whole bunch of hikers for lunch in the river. It was glorious! Some of these guys were talking about spending the entire day here in the river and they getting the miles in after the sun set for some night hiking. I briefly considered this, but then decided that I really like hiking during the day. So I said my goodbyes and headed on.

I passed several other small groups who had set up in shady spots and were napping. But I continued with my short-frequent-stops-in-the-shade strategy and continued to walk during the day.

Around 5, I crossed a dirt road and ran into Honey Badger -- who had also hiked the AT in 2013. We both had the same ending spot in mind, so we hiked together to Clark Spring, had a nice little dinner party, had some time to chill before the sun went down. Its nice to camp near water, even nicer to camp near water with an old friend!

Peace. love, and trail magic!