REI Charlotte area stores provided treats for hikers
Its the 7th annual Uwharrie Thru Hike, organized by the Three Rivers Land Trust and Uwharrie Trailblazers. 40 miles in 4 days, 72 backpackers. We parked about 45 cars at Tot Hill Golf Club and shuttled everyone down to Woods Run on 5 zoo buses. First night was Yates Place. This area is loaded with Pine trees which provide a nice soft ground cover for tenting. REI was on site with gourmet s'mores.
Level ground is hard to find in the Uwharries
Second day takes us to Jumpin Off Rock. We used the Ophir Community Building for our supply of water and charging up batteries.
Saturday evening's entertainment
Third day takes us to Walker Creek. Day hikers joined in the fun today. Our State magazine had a writer and photographer stalking us throughout the day. Rumor is that we'll be in one of their issues next year.
Celebration night
Saturday night is Trail Celebration night. There is food, entertainment, beer, REI hospitality, a live auction, raffle, campfire and the Trailblazers'presentation. This year's Trail Champion award was presented to Crystal Cockman for her conservation efforts and support of the forest. She put together the Thru Hike concept and has organized all 7 of them.
Uwharrie elf parking attendant
Healthy snacks for everyone
More health food
View from Little Long
The campfire
REI hospitality
The blazers
Saturday night attendees
Hikers wrapped in plastic
Final day on the trail begins with the dreaded road walk. Barking dogs, 60 mph traffic and wet grass get the morning started rudely. Right about the time hikers were ready to enter the forest on trail, rain began. At times the rain was quite hard. No one stayed dry but there were happy faces at the finish line. After the last ones finished, Trailblazers reconvened at Four Saints.
He never stops
Trail Mix
No comments:
Post a Comment