Mossy Fork

…Devin had read about Mossy Fork online, supposedly a wide, shallow stream perfect for refilling canteens, but none of us were prepared for just how densely overgrown the area was. Thick moss blanketed every trunk and rock, adding a soggy hush to the place. We paused by the water, took off our packs, and filtered enough to last us until we got to our next ca…

…The trees and brush pressed in from both sides, making the path feel almost claustrophobic. Every once in a while, the wind would stir the branches overhead, creating this low whisper that faded too quickly. We trudged through the morning in near silence, stepping over gnarled roots and skirting around muddy sections of trail. After a few miles we reached a…