Date: 2015-10-20
From: The Priest Shelter 

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Last night after dark a couple hikers came to camp and pitched a tent near the shelter, so I was not alone after all. My first thought was that a bear was prowling around camp until I realized a bear didn't wear headlamps. I woke early at 5am and made myself a hot cup of tea to try and warm myself up from the inside out. I sipped the tea in my sleeping bag and did not spill it.  Mountain Mama came over to say hello and introduce herself. She and Wayan just finished a NOBO thru-hike and were here to finish up a 100 mile section they had missed. They were beaming with excitement and their joy was written all over their faces. I said goodbye and started out on the trail. Everything starting looking familiar, like I had been here before, so I consulted my Guthook app. Sure enough, I was going in the wrong direction.  I guess I am one of the lucky people who get to see it twice.The trail was full of switchbacks again and so many slippery leaves on the descents. I don't know what I would do without my hiking poles to catch myself. Blessed with another day of gorgeous weather and amazing views everywhere. There are not enough adjectives to describe the beauty I see everyday. I leapfrogged with Mountain Mama and Wayan all day. They are staying at Three Sisters Hostel tonight which I have heard rave reviews from other hikers. Oma will pick you up at Hog Camp Gap which was my destination for the day or six miles further at Hwy 60. I went back and forth all day about spending the night tonight at a hostel as my phone battery is almost dead. Mountain Mama suggested I could do a short six mile day tomorrow. The trail towards Hog Camp Gap went through green and lush meadows with expansive views of the mountains and huge boulder size rocks to sit on beside the trail. If I wasn't out of water I would have camped right there. I saw two deer frolicking in the grass, and they were kind enough to pose for pictures for me.  The gap was a designated camping area and was an enormous open meadow near a gravel road. There was a huge tarp tent and a line of backpacks when I arrived. I found three teenage girls cooking the biggest pot of chili and macaroni and cheese over a fire that I have ever seen before.  They are part of a wilderness boarding school for girls who have had trauma in their life and are on a three day backpacking trip. After talking to these girls I decided to spend the night here and enjoy their company.  Normally I avoid large groups of campers, but they were so sweet and kind and wanted to talk and my heart just melted. Soon the rest of the girls arrived from their hike and I was invited to share dinner with them.  We talked about their school and how much it has helped them and their love for the outdoors. They were so enthusiastic about my hike and had many questions. They insisted on getting my water for me and kept giving me food to eat and invited me to join them for breakfast in the morning. I went to bed early while they sat around the fire and had a group session. I can only imagine what horrors these young girls have been through and what they have to overcome. Nature has a way of healing, and I really hope these lovely young ladies get what they need to become all they can be and to feel loved and special. I am going to bed tonight feeling thankful for my family and my rich blessings.