This post and the associated series were first shared on the Lone Star Hiking Club Facebook Group page, directly from the trail. I had gained much useful information from this group, so I wanted to give back. This was my second attempt at thru-hiking, my first attempt being a couple of years earlier with Samuel when I completed most of it. This time I completed it, sleeping six nights on trail. Here is the story from day 1:
Started at TH15. Very many thanks to Charlotte Tomkavits for the shuttle! Hiked to the Tarkington primitive camp at MM83.55. The trail was great – surprisingly not muddy nor wet except in a very few places. Got to camp with dry feet. Great job by the maintainers. Evidence of the run off.
First, mozzies (English slang for mosquitoes). Terrible at trail heads and along Tarkington Bayou especially, but very few at campsite. I had treated all clothes with Permethrin and covered arms and legs with clothes. Used Picaridin on hands and neck. But the hero of the day was a headnet! Not a fashion accessory, but it worked. I seem to be bite free this morning…
Great water at San Jacinto river at MM92.5 (from a small stream just north) and Tarkington Bayou at MM85 where the pipeline crosses.
Last night’s storm was interesting… campsite flooded but I stayed dry except for the splashing into the tent. Campsite area had a recent controlled burn but nature is growing back nicely!
We’ll see what today brings. I think I’ll be taking the East San Jacinto detour!
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The Adventures of the Cajunlimeys 