The rain was originally supposed to start early this morning, but it held off and I was managing some decent miles. Around noon and after probably 12 or so miles I was able to get a cell signal and saw the large storm system about 1-2 hours west and heading for me.
Although I could have easily finished the final 5 miles or so of the route this afternoon I decided to stop at 1pm and set up camp. I’m not so wild about road walking 15 miles or trying to hitch to town in the rain after finishing. So I waited out the rain in my hammock. Right after I set up it began raining and continued for nearly 12 hours straight. I have to hand it to my hammock, kept me bone dry the entire time!
Corridor 8. So glad I passed through this before the rain!Waiting out the rain high and dry in my hammockWaiting out the rain high and dry in my hammock
Snow mobile trail Corridor 8 was a heavily traveled trail for final few days. Most of these are from C8.
Snow mobile trail Corridor 8Groomers have right of waySigns on Corridor 8Corridor 8 trail markerNick Stoner Trailers Snowmobile ClubBlind hillRoyal Mountain Moonlighters
After leaving Piseco today the route weaved its way in and out of snowmobile Corridor 8. Seems like I was on and off trail and road between Routes 8 & 10 at least 3 or 4 times. Twice on purpose and once accidentally following a side footpath. It felt like a lot of running in circles to avoid both private lands and road walks. Round and round we go. Not sure the mileage but seems like maybe it would have made more sense to just walk 8 to 10 to Arietta, NY.
I tried finding a place to camp at Good Luck Lake but no luck there. It was Saturday and all of the designated spots around the lake were taken. I could have camped 200 feet off trail nearby but I had some time so I pressed on.
I made a detour following signs for the “Arietta Hotel” thinking maybe I could get a room and avoid the deluge of rain coming tomorrow only to find they were not a hotel, at least not anytime in recent history, just a restaurant. Looked like a nice dinner stop but it was getting dark and I needed to find somewhere to camp so I headed back into Corridor 8. Should have been only a 2 mile detour but the trail was rerouted into Areitta. Probably 4 mile detour round trip. Oh well. Round and round again.
Defintely one of my longer days. Hiked 12 hours today. Found water and a place to camp for the evening. I’m hopeful I can get some hours in tomorrow morning before the rain hits.
