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May 18, 1983: Derrick Knob shelter was in an excellent spot, similar in appearance to Russell Field. About a dozen small deer were wandering around nibbling the grass and the lower leaves, and they let me approach surprisingly close. It is pretty amazing how brave the deer are in the national parks, where no hunting is allowed.
#backpacking #hiking #NorthCarolina #Tennessee #mountains #nature #AppalachianTrail
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As I followed the side trail down to the spring to get water for my dinner, one walked past me on the trail, even closer than this one did, close enough for me to touch.
After dinner, Dave and I found ourselves talking to a nice couple from Louisville, Kentucky named Steve and Diane. Their backpacks were outside the shelter, as they were going to pitch a tent outside for the night in order to escape the crowd. As we talked, a small raccoon started messing with the packs.
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They chuckled warmly at his charming cuteness, until he suddenly lunged, grabbed a dish and a spoon, and sprinted away. They had to chase him for more than a hundred yards before he ditched the booty and took off into the thicker woods surrounding the old field. They returned to the shelter, grinning sheepishly. It is tough to look cool after chasing down a criminal who weighs all of ten pounds.
More of My 1983 Appalachian Trail Hike in Photos at https://www.georgesteffanos.com/places-i-ve-been
George Steffanos