Cheaha Wilderness Adventure - Day 2

On day 2, we woke to find a very gusty morning on the ridge.  Even though the temperature was warm, the wind was cold and had to be blowing at least 15-20 mph.   We made breakfast and ate it in the tent to shield ourselves from the wind long enough to enjoy our meal.  After eating, we packed up camp and proceeded on our way along the Pinhoti Trail.

Pinhoti Trail not far from Cave Creek Connector

A view of McDill Point through the trees of the next ridge.

 When we reached the next ridge, we could look back toward McDill Point and see where we were the day before.  The plane crash is very near McDill point.  It was much prettier from a distance than it was when we were standing on McDill Point.

Some rocks along the Pinhoti Trail before climbing the ridge to traverse Cave Creek Trail.

After hiking a mile or so down the Pinhoti and climbing more rocks...literally climbing them...we reached the Cave Creek Connector trail which took us up over the ridge and to the other side where the Cave Creek trail meanders along the side of the ridge. Not long after hiking the trail, I decided that I would rename the Cave Creek trail.  It will now be known by the name Fallen Tree Trail because of all the downed trees we either had to climb over or duck under.  There were so many I lost count.
After hiking for about a mile, we reached the bottom where Cave Creek was located.  We decided to rest there for a while.

Cave Creek

Cave Creek

Cave Creek

A root in Cave Creek

Yes, the root.

Oooh...more water.  

Brent's foot and some water.

A tree and plants on the shore of Cave Creek

As you can see, I took lots of pictures with my camera to stave off boredom while Brent filtered water.  When Brent filters water...it takes a really long time.  After tiring of taking pictures of water, I just ate a bunch of trail mix. Yeah, I was bored.

Brent, filtering water from Cave Creek.

Under a rock at Cave Creek.

When Brent was finally ready to hike again, we continued along Cave Creek until we saw an awesome campsite that could only accommodate one person.  It was situated under a rocky overhang and shielded by another rock off to the side.  There was only one flat spot which was only big enough for a sleeping bag but not a tent.  Fun!  See the scorch marks on the rock near the fire pit?

A one man campsite under an overhanging rock on Cave Creek Trail.

Cave Creek Trail.

Brent at a rocky overlook on Cave Creek Trail.

The view.

Looking down from the rocky outcrop.

Brent on the rock...again.

Me on the rock!  Finally! 

Brent and I together on the rock.  We <3 rocks. :) 

Cave Creek Trail. 

 After reaching this point, the trail was mostly downhill.  Brent and I worked up a fast momentum and traveled the next two miles of the trail very, very quickly.  We were passing lots of people.  One couple stared at me like I had two heads.  What?  You've never seen a 5'4" petite female wearing a bandanna on her head and carrying a pack that is almost as big as she is?  I'm glad I amused them.  :)  I bet they only wished they could walk as fast as me while carrying 24 pounds on their backs.

There were LOTS of downed trees on Cave Creek Trail.

 To go under or over...that is the question...

Brent and his Big Leap.

Brent chose to go over...I chose to go between.  LOL.

After crossing these last logs, we only had about a half mile to go before we reached the parking lot where our Jeep was sitting.  We were glad to be off the trail and were anticipating our return home to sleep in our soft bed.  It was a fun weekend!