10 miles today. Total miles so far: 326..
Last day on the trail. I decided, again, to opt for some gravel road so I wouldn't have to rush today, and because a comment on the trail app noted a thigh-deep, high water ford, which I wasn't comfortable doing. So it was an unhurried morning for once. Except for the very early morning alarm of a bald eagle, followed not too much later by a fly-over of trumpeter swans. There were so many birds this morning, along with a few slugs hanging out on my tent.
I packed up, took advantage of the nearby bench near the river to watch the sun rise and reflect on the trip with a mix of happiness at what I'd done and sadness (but rightness) at the end. I'll miss the morning birdsong but not being stinky. The last few days on trail have been generally good ones, and while I partly wish I was starting on trail, I want to stop before the heat and the inevitable bad times it would bring for me.
Soon, though, it was time to hoist the pack and get moving before my toes got too chilly since my socks were wet and clammy (something I won't miss). On the last bit of trail, I tried to absorb the last cool morning. One last mile of flowing trail, with legs and hiking poles moving together in concert. One last cobweb to the face. One last chance to see a porcupine (nope). One last gravel road to find an agate (also nope). One last mobbing by mosquitos. One last mile to listen to the birds.
