Bartram Trail cutoff

I am half a mile up the trail and one mile down the road, at Rainbow Springs Campground; an unplanned stop. I have 1) showered; 2) started my laundry; 3) called home; and 4) sat down for some lunch, a pepperoni pizza and a Dr. Pepper. Just met Spider and his dog Girl (both very sweet), and Liverwurst and his dog Miles, all getting a ride back to the trail in the camp pickup. Packman and Robert are showering now. A load of people that had spent the night here were leaving as I came in. Saw T;rather, he spotted me,for which I was very glad. Got his e-mail now. He said he plans to spend an extra day in Wesser on Friday (his birthday) rafting. My hope, when I'm done here, is to ride back to the trail and hike to the Bartram Trail cutoff, about 12 miles.

Okay, a little more about last night at Rock Gap. Despite my concerns the five of us in the shelter slept well. Only Robert and I had our heads pointing out—the others had them by the wall and the mice. Achilles started a real nice fire in the ring; he, Packman, Lobster and Chowdah and I sat up and chatted til about 9 or 9:30p. We talked hiking/outdoors experiences, environment, Bush, California energy crisis, etc. We noted that few Republicans seem to hike. I hope that's not true!

Got the scoop on Packman's trail name: when he pulled into Neels Gap, his pack weighed 91 pounds! And Packman is not a big guy. Among other things, he had a 12-lb fruitcake (great trail food, but how 'bout slices next time?). Oh, and the stars were out last night, too, brilliant and beautiful.

Bartram Trail cutoff Well, it was hot this afternoon, mid to upper 80s. By the time I got to the Bartram Trail cutoff sites, about 4pm, I was bushed. Thirsty, too. Pleasant camp with a campfire for cheer and bug repellancy.