Day 29

Origin: Jerry's Cabin
Destination: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Today's miles: 14.7
Total miles: 316.0

Despite the day's constant drizzle, today was fairly easy. The biggest climb was only 1,500 ft and we eat those for breakfast at this point. The temperature was mild enough for most of the day that the dampness didn't really bother us. We made great time and arrived at the shelter before the rain picked up in intensity. Once we settled in, it became too cold and wet to do anything besides nap or read. The picture below is of the view from my seat against the back wall of the shelter.

Magge had the best fall of the trip so far. We were walking downhill when her left foot jammed against a rock and she tipped forward. Guided by the 25 lb weight on her back, she had nowhere to go but face down. She lied still with her face in the dirt and I waited for some kind of signal but none came. "Are you hurt or are you just embarrassed?" I asked. It's a good thing I couldn't see her face because her expression probably would have melted mine. I helped her get her backpack off so she could roll over. She has a bruised elbow and knee, and perhaps ego, but she's otherwise fine.

Tomorrow will be difficult. It's supposed to rain all day, and much harder than it rained today. We may try to push a 20 mile day so we can quickly get into Erwin, TN the following day, but conditions may force us into a short 10 mile day, which will mean a lot of sitting around in a shelter. Erwin would then be 16 miles away.

Yes, this is still awesome.