A Loop Completed

Hello avid hikers, outdoors enthusiast, and lost idealist! This Long day hike (14.6 mls) was the completion of a route I've begun two times before (See 11/16/08, 12/03/08), from different directions w/ the thought of, or intention of completing the loop in full both times. The trails included in today's effort, in this order, were Middle Prong, Panther Creek, Miry Ridge, and Lynn Camp Prong. I was the only car/person at the trail head when I arrived a few minutes after 11am.
Today's weather was overcast in the 40's, w/ only a few sprinkles of rain along this route and all the stream crossings were fairly easy. The numerous crossings on the Panther Creek portion all had water and the several large seeps along this route were very wet as well. There was no snow or ice even at the highest points along Miry Ridge and Dripping Springs Mountain (4801').
About a half mile from Jake's Gap coming up Panther Creek trail I had the privilege of seeing two foxes on the trail about 30 yards ahead of me. They both quickly and quietly stepped into the forest and blended away leaving me wondering if I'd actually seen them.
The first half of this route was an incline, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, and though not as steep as other trails like parts of Alum Cave, or Bull head, w/ the consistent incline it would be difficult for the novice hiker. Add the distance and this hike would be considered difficult for most though this route could be done w/ an overnight stay at #28 on Lynn Camp Prong trail.
Water was available for the most part except for the Miry Ridge section though during which I noted several seeps. Campsite #26 is now closed at the Miry Ridge location and preliminary plans to relocate it are being revised. We'll keep you posted on where it's going to be re-established.
The only folks I saw were in the last few miles as I returned along the Middle Prong trail. Two folks bushwhacking w/ there horses, is that legal?, and a couple at the beginning of an evening walk about a mile from the parking at Tremont Rd.
Overall this was a very enjoyable hike especially the parts alone! Peace.