THOUGHTS FROM THE TRAIL: MERCY PRIMITIVE CAMP

Folks seemed to enjoy the last Blog featuring logbook entries from Big Woods. Here is another collection of logbook entries. This collection came from a completely full spiral notebook at Mercy Camp. It reflects a selection of entries from September 2021 through April 2025. Approximately 35 thru-hikers provided an entry and the most faraway hiker shown was from Minnesota. The entries came from hikers of all ages, first time hikers, returning hikers, day hikers, and very experienced backpackers. 

In the many pages of notes, hikers have expressed a lot of thanks, bits of wisdom, reflection on life, and a few fun thoughts. Some entries were pages long, some just a few words. There was artwork and poetry. We have grouped the entries having similar thoughts or themes. Some hikers needed to learn some lessons and I think the forest helped instruct. But most hikers just wanted to enjoy a moment in the forest with friends and family; others appreciated the solitude. We all hike our own hike, and these snippets provide a glimpse into mindset for some of the LHST trail users. 

ENCOURAGEMENT and INSPIRATION

• Day 6 of my trip. I hiked 40 miles 2 years ago and vowed to finish. My last day is tomorrow. This has been my biggest challenge so far. In one month I’ll be 65 and I believe this is a great way to celebrate.
• 1 year into the pandemic. We survived the great freeze 2/21—several days without power. Worry less; love more; always be prepared. Be strong.
• Bless this place and all who travel here.
• Just what I needed. 2 months post-surgery and feeling great. So good being back out in nature with great friends. 
• Thru hiking. This camp was truly a Mercy! Mile 100 here we come.
• I’ve been pushing my dad to his absolute limit throughout this hike. We stayed at Double Lake last night after hiking 16 miles…Today we did about 14 miles before deciding he needed a little “mercy”. 7-ish miles tomorrow and dinner at Chuy’s tomorrow night to celebrate!
• Stopped to sit on the bench. I love a good bench after being in the woods for 5 days. A few more miles today and finishing tomorrow. It’s been great being back on a trail with just my backpack and my thoughts.
• I’m going to do it this time.
• A thru-hiker haiku by the poet “Squarepeg”

I’m almost finished!

The 2nd time is the charm!

9 miles to go!

LEARNINGS

• Doing a westbound thru hike solo. Went east last time. Was very wet between winters bayou and here! Up to my ankles, nearly fell in the strong flowing creek with no bridge trying to cross in the dark on a sketchy log. Testing out my new quilt and tarp tonight. Feels toasty so far!
• Last night camping on the LSHT. This is day 10 of 11 EABO. Taking our time. First real thru hike. We definitely will be upgrading some of our gear after this.
• We set out in the wrong direction. Then we retreated in another wrong direction. We are really hiking now, ‘cause we are here with you now on the trail!
• Doing an overnight trip to get out of the house. Quite humid. Campsite has been cleared and looks nice. Saw a large hog 50 m away from the entrance to camp. Be careful. As I write this, I can hear them fighting squealing not too far away. Noisy things!

OFFBEAT PERSPECTIVES

• Quiet and peaceful, except for the live Tejano band in the distance. It helped lull us to sleep. (no bigfoot sightings in this area)
• March 31, 2020: It’s been Day 3. The zombie apocalypse has taken place. All radio stations shut off. I abandoned my house and friends and surviving on maggots and snake meat….April Fools!
• Hiked in from eastern terminus last night. So many spiders! You can see hundreds of little eyes shimmer in the headlamp light. Also happened upon a shadow demon hauling through the wood with one of the most terrifying sounds you’ve ever heard. Probably an owl or hogs, but we ran anyway. Having a great time anyway. Happy trails!

GRATEFULNESS

• My first time at this part of the LSHT. It is so peaceful out here. Supposed to be a pretty good freeze tonight…Thank you to everyone that makes days like this possible. You guys are truly awesome. 
• A huge thank you to all the people that make this trail possible! I’m with most everyone else—part of me wants to turn right back around and do it again but I am also craving something greasy and fried, and can’t wait to crawl into my own bed after a hot shower. Haven’t bathed since 2/6. Embrace the stink.
• First time EVER backpacking. I’m going to be 61 in May. So happy my body lets me do this. Thank you Park Rangers, Volunteers, and other hikers we’ve met on the trail!
• Thank you to all the volunteers and rangers for keeping up the trails and campsites. Happy hiking!
• This has been an amazing adventure. I’ve got 6 blisters and an awesome attitude. The trail is well maintained and I appreciate all of the hard work that must go into it.
• Greatly maintained campsite! Staying here on my fifth day of thru-hiking. It’s my first time and it’s been a blast! Happy Hiking!
• We love benches! It has been a great thru hike…going to miss being in and among the tall Texas pines. Last Day…Happy trails & thanks for all the trail/site maintenance.

APPRECIATION OF THE FOREST

• Today is the first day of fall! A cool front came through last night and brought us a much-needed drop of temperatures. Today was refreshing. 
• Wet, wet, cold. Love it. Tenderfoot 66 year old.
• I enjoy this trail because I love there are plenty of woods, shade and trees…
• I want to thank the rangers for their guidance…for the control burns to keep this forest healthy and to keep the bird and woodpecker population going. You are a vital, vital, part our clear air and our humanity. Thanks to all and now I will lay down this weary body…Love to all. Happy hiking and lets all take a breath!
• Me and the puppy dog. Just doing a solo day hike. Enjoying the wind and birds in the trees. Eating lunch then heading back into the trails. 
• Finishing up our EABO thru-hike. Perfect weather the whole time! Lovely 4 days with all the time the world to soak up those rays. 
• This trail was just what I needed. It feels amazing here to just be with your thoughts.
• Nature good. Very cool.