Well folks, month two of the Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge is on deck, and we’re tackling miles ~25.5 to 51.2—but headed northbound for a section. This northbound path helps accommodate the number of hikers. So instead of leaving out of Morehead and heading on south we flip flop for parking logistics.

I have been on this section of the Sheltowee many times during college. We are covering the Cave Run Lake area and the hours I spent there in my 4 years at MSU were plentiful. I am excited for the lake views and the memory lane walk it will produce. Throwback story time: Me and some college friends were camping one weekend and a suspicious person appeared and wandered around for a bit. We were convinced they were an escaped inmate from the nearby facility. We packed up so fast and left for home. haha. I am going to guess now it could have been Sheltowee Trace hiker….lol.

Forecast says overcast but warm Saturday—nice, right? But by Saturday night, we’re talking rain, rain, and more rain all day Sunday. So yeah, it’s gonna be a soggy adventure! But, I’ve got my new hammock setup, with a rainfly that’s (fingers crossed) gonna keep me high and dry. That means I’ll have a cozy little hangout zone—cooking, even just lounging while the rain does its thing. Let’s talk feet—waterproof socks are gonna be the star this month. I’ve got my trusty Sealskinz ready to keep my toes from turning into prunes.

Now, the internal stuff—my biggest fears are jumping out and begging to be tackled early in this challenge. Cold, check… rain… about to be checked. Yep, the rain, and being wet is a misery for me but again the Sheltowee is here to teach me to embrace the suck and carry on. I was taught cold can be ok by proper gear from forcing myself into last months frozen tundra for this hiker challenge. This weekend I am going to learn to trust my rain gear. Last month, I also removed myself halfway from illness—but not this time (fingers crossed again) as the ability to complete a full section is still a thought that troubles my mind. BUT, I’m geared up, fired up, and ready to conquer those miles. So bring on the puddles, bring on the mud—Sheltowee Trace month two, here we come. Let’s do this!