Having checked off one of the three modes off getting into False Cape State Park back in September when I did an S24O via bike, it was time to check off mode number two – hiking in.

As described in my earlier post, False Cape State Park is bordered on the north by Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. Folks wanting to hike in are allowed overnight parking at the Little Island Park which is at the very southern end of Sandbridge. From there, you have to begin your hike on the paved road as the first mile of beach in the Wildlife Refuge is closed. After reaching the Refuge Visitor Center, you can then jump over to the beach and continue south to FCSP.

The beach along this stretch of the coast is pretty wide and, especially at low tide, makes for a very pleasant hike. Just as before, I had planned to reserve one of the Barbour Hill Ocean sites and possibly camp on the beach. One of my friends, however, was bringing in two telescopes and conducting a False Cape After Dark program over on the other site of the park near the Barbour Hill Bay campsites. So, after 4 miles on the beach, I cut over to the bay and set up at site number 4.

It’s been quite a while since I spent any time with a 25 pound pack and, to be honest, I felt it. Let’s just say I’m glad it was a perfectly flat hike. Nevertheless, I got set up just in time to enjoy dinner watching an incredible sunset over the bay. After a couple of hours of very interesting astronomy (including a pass by the Chinese space station, Tiangong), I crawled into a nice warm sleeping bag and drifted off for the night.

The morning came and after fixing a couple of cups of coffee and some oatmeal (which I ate while sitting out on the boat docks), I packed up and heading out. This time I took the West Dike through the refuge and was back to the Little Island parking area just before noon.

Another nice S24O in the books. Now to start planning the final mode of entry – kayak or maybe even SUP. We’ll try to check that off next Spring or Summer.

Gear Used

• Gregory G Pack (2950 cu in, 51 L)
• MSR Hubba – 3 season, 1 person tent
• The North Face down sleeping bag
• NEMO Quasar 3D sleeping pad (regular wide)
• NEMO Fillo pillow
• MSR Alpine Stowaway (775 ml)
• MSR stove