Date: 2005-04-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Rick and I left Neels gap at 9:30 that morning. We walked taking turns on who went first for a while and then decided to walk alone. It was nice to be on the trail by myself. The first time this had happened and I enjoyed it. I contemplated on what to do in regards to my hiking partner. At first he was going to be with me for just one week however, he found out he may have to wait on his next job to become available. He now believed that he would be on the trail for at least 6 weeks. What we needed was to spend some time apart ( it seemed that we did not get along with each other).      I figured we could set a link up point up the trail and meet there, share my gear to prepare food or clean water and then move on alone if need be. Rick had picked up water purification tablets and all but for a stove, was now basically self sufficient. He carried a full small fuel bottle, so if need be he could borrow another hikers stove. He was happy with that idea and so was I. He did not have a tent but told me he wanted to go from shelter to shelter. We caught up to each other just before arriving at the Low Gap Shelter. We set up inside, cleaned water and then the rain came down hard. Praying Mantis, Joe, Noodle, and I believe New Heart was there as well. In the beginning those two sets of hikers were inseparable. Other hikers began to show up as well.    Heather and Larry from NH came in to the shelter right while the rain was falling hard (a down pour), but there was no room left available. There were many other hikers in the shelter and we were shoulder to shoulder already (there was just no room). The young lady looked despondent and was on the verge of tears. Joe had a bowl of soup cooking and offered her some, she took it gladly but knew they had to set up in the rain. I made a mental note that if ever rainfall was imminent and I was in such a position, I would go to ground and set up fast.    That evening was my first experience with the infamous shelter mice, a horrible little creature. They run across your face if you sleep head towards the back wall (always remember, feet to the wall and head towards the shelter opening). One little buggers even got into my gear and helped itself to my Snickers bar. From that point on I checked all my pockets for any food source and secured all my food one way or another to keep the mice off of it the best I could. Realize this, shelter mice are a breed of acrobatic opportunists that Houdini himself would be impressed with. Later up the trail I learned of a mouse trap that though cruel, worked like a charm. Realize this that you can receive a fine for using it in some parks and recreation areas. In fact I am not even going to tell you how to use it on the trail. However in my home I would do this, place a bucket with 6 inches of water inside of it out in the infested area, like say a basement. Then smear a horizontal stripe of peanut butter about 6 inches below the top of the bucket. The mouse will simply reach in for it and fall in to the water. They can swim just for so long before they perish (yes it sounds cruel so do not use it if it bothers you). When a mouse gets into your hanging food bag and destroys your food, plus puts a hole in your food bag, then talk to me about it. Shelter camping does come with it's issues.    Later on I rarely stayed in a shelter unless the weather was bad or I simply wanted the company. I always would stop in though as I hiked on by (if they were close to the trail that is). Nice way to read up on where everyone was (those ahead of you that is) or leave a note for those behind you. It also, most likely, was where you would find your water source. Primarily though, I enjoyed the solitude and constantly sought out a vista. It was indeed my way.