Date: 2014-03-03
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center- Yes, you read that right
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Let me tell you about Day 9.I knew the weather was calling for rain and cold temperatures starting late Sunday and lasting all through Monday. And since I'd just completed a twenty mile day on day 8, I made this the perfect reason to allow myself to sleep in, in hopes of waiting out some of the worst of the rain. Oh, but this was not meant to be. At 6:00 AM, right as I decided that I ought to at least start getting myself ready for the day, a mondo gust of wind came roaring over the side of the mountain and ripped three of my tarp stakes clean out of the now soaking wet ground. With rain pelting down and the wind raging it's fury, my down jacket and down underquilt (for my hammock) got soaked. Now, if you know anything about down, you know that it is incredibly warm unless it gets wet, pretty much rendering it's insulating abilities useless. So as I began my "no rain, no Maine" day at 6:30, I wondered how in the world I'd be able to be warm enough to sleep that night. Still 27.5 miles from the NOC, I thought about going into town at Franklin. But my stubborn desire to make it to the NOC without stopping drove me farther up the mountain. I spent the bulk of the day worrying about my ability to stay warm that night. To be honest, I have never been so concerned for my physical well-being in my life. Out here, the dangers are very real, and even sound decision-making can lead to risky situations. I made my way past Wayah Bald Shelter and continued the next 11 miles towards Wesser Bald Shelter (stopping only to heat water for some instant potatoes at Cold Spring Shelter). My thought was that I could probably get warm enough sleeping in the shelter, and since I had met two of the guys staying there several days before, I knew I would have folks I could ask for help if I really got into a bind. Well, at 7:30 I finally made my destination, tired and cold but relieved that my day was done. But as I walked into the shelter I saw that there was no more room. I asked if the group could make room for one more, but no one seemed to want to scoot an inch. Only the boys I already knew made any effort to make space for me, but without everyone else moving over, they didn't have much space themselves to offer up in the first place. So I laid my space blanket, wet frogg toggs (rain suit), thin wet pad and top quilt on the ground and tried to get warm enough to sleep. I did not get warm. Soon after settling in, I started shaking. And not just shivering but shaking violently for over 10 minutes. Eventually the shaking stopped, and I began to feel dizzy. I've read enough about hypothermia to know that I was headed for trouble. So despite not having the energy to move, I got up, packed my things, and at 8:45 was back on the trail again. Seven more miles to the NOC. I called my mama to let her know my plan, shed some cold and scared tears, and began walking slowly down the mountain. In order to not sneak up on nighttime critters, I sang. I sang "99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer! Take one down and pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall.." I sang the entire song from 99 to 1 three times through! And then I called my mama, and then the boyfriend. And at 12:30 AM, I finally made it to the floor of the ladies restroom at the NOC. I made the right decision to keep hiking. And I don't regret not stopping in Franklin. I learned a lot about my own strength, and will power, and determination. I learned to be aware of my surroundings and trust my own decisions. Day 9 was miserably scary and frustrating and cold and wet, but was also a day that I would never give back. I am thankful for my safety, thankful for all the love and support I feel from family and friends, and thankful for this adventure that is teaching me more about myself and my ability to overcome life's challenges. (And next time, I'll be sure to get to town!)