Team Rugby – June 8-9, 2024

By Stephen D. Bowling

It is hard to believe, but this year’s adventure is more than halfway through. With five hikes left, our time in the woods together is drawing to an end.

Hike Seven for Team Rugby was another hike to remember. The temperatures were great, although there were hints of warmer days to come. The clouds occasionally opened to allow a flood of sunshine to warm up the air, but soon, a cloud covered us again as we walked. Many “Tramilies” have formed, and hikers have generally found other Challengers who hike at a similar pace. We are all learning that the trail and especially the Challenge are more about the time we spend with people rather than the miles we walk.

The trail guides indicated that Hike Seven would clock in at an enjoyable 27 miles over the two days, with the longest day on Sunday. In fact, Sunday did prove to be the longest, but the entire weekend measured out at about 31, thanks to several downed trees from recent storms to navigate through, over, or around.

Our June hike started with a shuttle pickup at Laurel Lake Dam by Steve and Karen. A shuttle ride back to London and up Interstate 75 to Wildcat Battlefield got our day started. We hiked down to Hazel Patch and on to the Halfway point and on to a short break (unless you ordered something) at the 49er Diner. And, Yes, they will have to kill a fresh hog for your biscuit- just be patient.

From 49er, it was up the hill and over the Red Rocks. We were pleasantly surprised with some trail magic courtesy of Scott Lyles along the ridgetop on Falls City Road. We hiked past numerous waterfalls and some beautiful sights along our way to the Hawk Creek Log Bridge. It was up out of Hawk Creek, across Highway 80, through Poison Honey Creek, and on to Camp Steve Barbour. Many hiked on the additional miles to the Pine Creek Church for the night.

Around the campfire that night, we had many laughs, discussed our day, and ate some pizza. We met “Almost” and learned what happens when a Gen Alpha girl gets bored. The Eastern Whip-poor-will stayed away for the most part until the morning. The bear chose to ramble somewhere else for the night. We were serenaded to sleep by the soothing lullaby sounds of a couple thousand revs of the engines at the nearby dragstrip. The only downside was the loss of a very valuable object (which he called “Precious”) that slipped from the pocket of one of the hikers. He fears he may never see that grand prize again. He was consoled but was much downcast for the rest of the hike due to his loss. It may be someone else’s great find in the coming years. At least he wore the right bandana color at the truck stop.

After a good night’s sleep in the cool June air, it was up and out of camp by 6:00 a.m. and over to Pine Creek Church and the cemetery. We arrived too late to see the light show. Then, we hiked down to Sinking Creek and through the river crossing there. Several in our group chose to look closer at the ground by getting up close and personal, thanks primarily to the work of an unnamed “serial pusher” who crept up behind hikers to practice her art. We even had a “Karen” who constantly yelled for us to get the manager.

It was up another hill for a walk around Bunch and over into Big Dog Branch and its many creek crossings. Stopped to visit Johnny McFadden and through the tornado forest. We turned down the hill and made the long walk to Vanhook Falls. Our group took a short break under the Falls and, then tackled the tough and muddy climb up to Highway 192 and the awaiting shuttle.

Here are a few images from the weekend.

According to the official calculations, we have now completed 200.1 miles, or 56.01% of the trail.

Hike Seven lived up to its billing- great view and good trail conditions. After the recent destructive storms, there was much more mud than I expected and fewer downed trees than anticipated. Steve and Karne were again gracious hosts and had all we needed at Camp Steve Barbour on FS 4255. The weekend reinforced that the real challenge is not the physical feats of each walk but the mental ones. Having a good hike team makes the miles easier and more enjoyable. Yes, the trail and the views make the trail great, but the real not-so-secret secret of the Sheltowee is the friendships that we make with the people we meet.

Now stop celebrating and get ready for “10 Miles of Joy” as we prepare to walk the “Misery Miles” next month. Oh, yeah, and we get to climb up Thunderstruck.

Have a great week. I hope to see everyone on the trail.

© 2024 Stephen D. Bowling