Miles Today - 20.3
I managed to learn the names of the two hikers I've been with: Rambling Rose and Bear Juice. Awkwardness avoided!
I woke up this morning to find I had rolled three feet over with my nose inches from a seven foot drop to the shelter floor. Uh oh. I scrambled back and scrunched up in my bag, building up the willpower to face the chilly morning. I few minutes later I found the energy to get my coat on, grab my food for the day, pack up and get going by 7:40 or so.
Today's hike involved a lot of good ascents that teasingly skirted the peaks, providing absolutely no views. The sky was grey and foreboding all day, the rumor that rain was to start at around 4.
Close to noon I came across Rose, eating chips in a tortilla at the GA/NC border. Another hiker named Atlas joined us, and we all snapped some pictures. Past the border was a very twisted, gnarled tree in a clearing, perfect for a photo opp, but by that point my phone was off.
The rain did indeed start around 4, coming in pitter-patters. I slipped on my pack cover, but left off the poncho. The final ascent was tough, but the poor weather and my growling stomach spurred me on. I arrived at the shelter a little before 6, and squeezed my bag in.
There's 8 of us crammed in here, lined up like sardines. It's very cozy, and very warm. Tomorrow we're doing either 16 or 19 miles, and the day after stopping in Franklin. Hopefully the fact that it's Easter Sunday (something we had all forgotten) won't stop us from getting rides. For now, it's time to settle into my bag with a belly full of noodles, and get some good reading done.
No comments:
Post a Comment