Day 3 - Opposite of Day 1

Miles Today: 19.4

On Sunday I was peeling off my shirt at every break, and my hands were so slick with sweat holding my poles was problematic. Today I wore every article of clothing I have, and my fingers were completely frozen into talons around my poles.

But that was the afternoon. The morning wasn't too much better. I woke at 7 in the rain, and slept in till 8, hoping it would subside. It did not. Everything wet or damp, I packed up and headed out by 8:30. Not wanting to filter water in the rain, I decided to push only with only a quarter liter.

Around 10 the rain stopped. But the wind started. Still covered by a dense fog, the wind chilled me to the bones as I trudged up Blood Mountain (luckily not aptly named). The miles today were fairly easy, but the wind made it hell.

Around 2 I reached Neel's Gap and quickly ducked into the outfitter's. I bought and guzzled down a Sprite, and then browsed the web and bought some food as my phone charged. Here I picked up some water, and then fighting the urge to stay at the hostel, pushed on.

The next 5.5 miles were easy, but the wind was so fierce keeping my poles on the ground was becoming difficult. I struggled on to where I thought the shelter was, only to find it was a mile off the trail. Ugh!

The shelter is not the best, offering only a little protection against the wind. The other hiker here and I are in our respective tents/hammocks, in the shelter, to stay warm. Tonight is supposed to be frigid, but tomorrow should be warm. I might take a slow day and stop at an early shelter, or go further and try to hitch into town. I'm just excited for above 50 temperatures!