Date: 2018-03-25
From: Newfound Gap

To: PeckÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

The shuttle arrived at the Sidney James Hotel shortly after we downed our pancake breakfast with Spirit Man. Close Call and Heartburn had already been picked up and shuffled around to make room for Which Way, Spirit Man, and me. As the shuttle worked its way up the mountain, we were all anxious to see what the trail conditions would be after all of the snow and then rain. When we arrived at Newfound Gap (elev. 5,029¢) we were delighted to see that there were only patches of snow remaining in the surrounding area. After unloading our gear we asked the shuttle driver, Robby, to snap a picture of the five us. Looking at the photo, Sprit Man is on the far left, Heartburn is on the far right, and Close Call is standing next to Which Way.After taking another picture, this one of a sign indicating that it was a mere 1,972 miles to Katahdin, ME, we started our ascent to 6,000+ feet elevation. The trail near the parking area is traveled by tens of thousands of tourists and other hikers every year, making the path wide and worn. Other than the annoying timber step-ups, the climb was gentle and the path was perfect. But, as we ascended a couple of hundred feet higher, patches of ice began to appear on the path. Less than a half mile into our hike we were navigating an icy, slushy, snow covered trail. The only relief came when we were walking in ice cold water, as the trail had turned into a stream from the snow melt. We passed several day hikers on our way up to side trails leading to Rainbow Falls and Charles Bunion. After passing Charles Bunion the trail once again became the rugged, single-track path we are accustomed to. Despite the poor trail conditions and the clouds obstructing views of surrounding mountains, the area immediately surrounding the area had a distinct beauty. Stretches of the trail were dense with evergreen trees and boulders, both were covered with moss, in multiple shades of green. In other sections, the trail was cut into the sides of mountains. WW commented that it felt as if we were hiking to a dragon¢s lair. A little over three miles into the hike, we stopped at Ice Water Springs Shelter (a fitting name) for lunch. Several AT Hikers passed through while we were there, including two different young couples. Spirit Man also showed up as we finished our lunch and he joined us as we shared communion and sang songs of praise. It was more of the same for the final seven miles of the hike. At the 10.5 mile mark, we reached the side trail leading to Peck¢s Corner Shelter, where we would camp for the night. The shelter was another half mile down the wet, slushy, muddy trail. To think, we don¢t even get to take credit for that half mile in, or out! When we arrived at the shelter at about 5PM, Close Call and Heartburn were already there along with several other hikers. There was still ample room on the top shelf of the cool, damp shelter, so WW and I staked out a spot. Before long, more hikers would roll in, feeding the 12-person shelter to capacity. It was good to finally get our cold, wet shoes and socks off and get a hot meal in us. Despite the cool temps, we were both warm and cozy once we crawled into our bags. Everyone has settled in now and the shelter is quiet, with the exception of mice I hear scampering in the rafters. I hope they don¢t decide to help themselves to some down from my quilt. ¢ Next Step Elevation Data:Ascent ~ 2,580Descent ~ 2,090Grade ¢ 8.5 Weather:Day ¢ 48 degrees / CloudyNight ¢ 31 degrees / Cloudy Over the Horizon: Max Patch