Date: 2018-09-21
From: South Arm Road

To: Surplus Pond Road 
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Big Kahuna was our morning shuttle driver again today. I usually ride up front, but today I rode in the back seat. I kicked my feet up and fell fast asleep. I woke to Big Kahuna saying ¢look there¢s an eagle!¢ I opened my eyes in time to see it landing up on a tree limb. Eagles are THE most beautiful bird I¢ve ever seen. They truly are majestic. Seylor Jo was wagging her tail when I invited her to come with me today. We had planned a NERO, so I felt confident it wouldn¢t be too much for her.  This day started going UP. I climbed up Moody Mountain to 1942.7ft. It was windy and cold with mist in the air.  When I made it to a ledge with a view I could see rain clouds rolling in. It wouldn¢t be long until rain hit. The view was still fantastic! My descent was nice. Seylor and I took it slow. It was steep in a few places but there were iron steps placed into the rock. Sometimes they were in places they weren¢t even needed. Nonetheless I appreciate the ones I used. At the bottom there was a randomly placed picnic table. My next UP was a biggie so I decided to sit there and take in some fuel while I wait for Hugs. I had a Twinkie and Seylor had a Jumbone.  The mist turned into drops and soon it was pouring rain. I couldn¢t wait any longer. Now I wasn¢t just cold, I was wet and cold. I had to keep moving.  About half way up I saw Hugs behind me. Explained I just couldn¢t wait any longer and kept moving. Hugs voice was quivering...she was really cold. Shortly after I reached the summit I came to a Lean-to. About 6 hikers had already taken refuge. There was standing room only under the awning. Seylor and I ducked under to wait for Hugs. When she arrived, she walked on past saying she was going to keep on going.  Her voice was shaky and she was obviously miserable. We all were. The winds were relentless as the cold rain poured. Seylor took off with Hugs. I threw on my rain poncho and followed. Hugs was nearly in tears when I caught up with her. She¢s an Arizona girl and being cold is not something her body is use to.  It really all becomes a blur from there. I was able to get a text out to the guys. They knew we were going to need heat and don¢t be late. I had a real fear of hypothermia for both of us.  I remember that I had to pee. My hands were frozen and I couldn¢t snap my pants. I was able to zip them and went on like that. Hugs was unable to zip anything. I could tell she was getting worse. It¢s just soooo much colder in the mountains.  I tried to contact the guys again so they would come into the woods and bring a blanket for Hugs. They could grab her poles and help her out. Unfortunately there was no longer any cell service.  I was of no use. If I stopped to help her, I was going to very quickly fall into the same situation Hugs was in. I had about a mile to go, so Seylor and I ran down a to get help. Papa Big Swig took Seylor, Big Kahuna took a blanket and went into the woods. I had to get myself warmed up. Papa Big Swig had brought dry socks and shoes for me. I peeled off my outer layers of clothing and sat in the heated SUV. Hugs was closer behind me than I thought because it was only a few minutes before they came out. She was shaking and crying, and frozen. We¢re both medical people, we knew enough to get the wet clothing off of her. So wrapped up in a blanket and jackets we took Hugs home. Our heater stayed on blast!  I¢m happy to report that Hugs turned around quickly. If not for Big Kahuna and Papa Big Swig this outcome could have been very different. As it stands, we will hike another day.  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?