Destination: Icewater Spring Shelter
Today's miles: 7.5 (plus 0.5 from the shelter to the trail)
Total miles: 210.8
A tough, tough day. We had planned to do around 15 miles today, but we knew it'd be tough in the rain. I went ahead of Magge and we agreed we'd meet at the next shelter 7.5 miles away. It was a long 7.5 miles. I was soaked to the bone within 10 minutes and large sections of the trail were essentially running streams. When I got to the shelter, I decided this was far enough as it was best to get out of my cold, wet clothes. I then crawled under my quilt and waited for Magge.
Two hours later, I poked my head up and saw Magge standing in the shelter with her wet clothes still on, wrapped in an emergency blanket. I asked her how long she'd been there and she said a while. I told her she needed to get out of those clothes and helped her get changed and into her sleeping bag. She couldn't stop shivering and I assumed she had mild hypothermia, so I squeezed into her sleeping bag with her to get her warm, which she eventually did.
This shelter is absolutely packed and there are laundry lines going everywhere with dripping clothes hung on them. It's going to get into the low to mid 20s tonight so everyone will wake up with frozen clothing. At least it's supposed to warm up tomorrow with sun.
Yes, I still think this is awesome.
Below is a picture taken from the shelter in the 10 minute window that I had a view today.
Real troopers you guys are! Those are definitely grueling conditions to walk in but you managed to get to your abbreviated destination. Stay warm and I am sending you warm vibes. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is cold in Nashville today. It was in the 90o yesterday and today it dropped to 50oF and windy.
Hold her tight Jeff, keep her safe please. Anything you need we're here. You know we'll come anywhere to get you. Love you both
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