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I Almost Step on a Rattlesnake (Day 92)
The Trek • • science
Key Points:
- The hiker had a comfortable overnight sleep and planned a shorter 12-mile hike to Eagles Nest Shelter, aiming to camp where water is available due to scarce water sources along the trail.
- Around 11 AM, intense heat caused heavy sweating, necessitating frequent hydration and electrolytes; the hiker encountered a large timber rattlesnake on the trail, which warned with rattling before moving away.
- The latter part of the hike involved navigating through tall, overgrown grass harboring ticks and snakes, indicating poor trail maintenance in that section.
- Upon arrival at Eagles Nest Shelter, the campsite was nearly full as many hikers sought refuge from the extreme heat and prepared for the upcoming dry trail segment; some hikers experienced heat-related symptoms but improved after hydration.
