So...I just had to complete the small segment of the Tanbark Trail that I didn't get to cover in my previous section hikes. There was just a small stretch of trail that I missed, near the Hickory Creek Wilderness, maybe less than a mile in length. The forest there is so pure, the trees so tall, and straight, and silent. I believe this is within the bounds of the Hearts Content Scenic Area, so camping is not allowed.
So I parked at the trailhead for the Hickory Creek Wilderness and instead of going into the wilderness, I took the Tanbark toward the east branch of the actual stream for which the wilderness is named, Hickory Creek. The hemlocks were angelic, even if the trail was very poorly blazed in places. Maybe someday I'll volunteer to maintain and blaze the Tanbark as my gift to the trees and to everyone who loves them and finds their presence life-giving.
This hemlock was grand and ancient. I had to stop and rub my hands over its bark... I'm not sure if that's an appropriate homage to a venerable hemlock, but it was all I knew to do.
This stretch of trail took longer than I expected because it passes through some slippery climbs among boulders and also because I occasionally lost the trail and had to look for it. Clearly, we're assuming these days that everyone who comes out here has a hiking app to show them where the trail is. I still resist trail apps because when I'm backpacking, that's not how I want to spend my phone's limited battery. After all, I've got pictures to take for my blog. But! Mission accomplished. Now I have hiked the entire 9-mile length of the Tanbark Trail. It would have bugged me constantly to know that I did all but one mile of it...
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