Date: 2018-06-02
From: Travel Inn Marion 

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Even though it felt amazing to sleep in my own bed in a private room, I woke up a few times in the night, including once for cramps. That hasn¢t happened to me after hiking at all, but I must have been too dehydrated from the beers!Got out of bed around 6 and took care of cleaning gear. I was sitting outside in the parking lot doing things on my phone when I hear ¢Hey, Half Full!¢ from a passing car. Turns out it was Finger Lickin, AZ, and Fuego. AZ did the trail a couple years ago and Fuego his son joined for a few weeks. Today was his last day so they were trying to find everyone in their trail family to visit and give trail magic. We had only hiked with them a few days, I think they were looking for Tracks who was at the Chinese buffet, but gave us snacks anyway. I hope to catch up to AZ and Finger Lickin at some point.Braino and I went to Ingles and caught the shuttle downtown. I was super excited because the farmers market was open. Unfortunately, it was only a few booths and none had produce. So we went to look for proper breakfast, although by this time was lunch so got delicious burgers.We went to catch the shuttle back, but while we were waiting a car pulled up and a couple of hikers got in. Turns out it was a trail angel that just drives hikers around Marion. They were going to Walmart which was right by the motel, so it worked out perfectly. I stopped by Ingles for my resupply and was able to spend only 20 bucks (it helped getting an awesome care package, plus leftovers and hiker boxes.Braino was taking a zero and staying another night, so I had all my stuff in his room. I was sorting food and packing gear when i realized I didn¢t have my rain jacket. After some thinking and calling all the places I had been, found out i left it at the restaurant. Which was downtown, and I was going to take the shuttle back to the trail from the motel.Braino helped with problem solving with timing and I ended up taking a cab downtown and then the shuttle from there. It all worked out and in the end only costed a few bucks. Whew! Soon i will include the sad list of everything I have forgotten or lost...Swedie Pie was also on the shuttle to the trail, but I left the visitors center before him. I got on trail around 3 and didn¢t see anyone all afternoon. It was perfect weather, terrain wasn¢t too bad and even got one small view.I got to the shelter around 6 and was unimpressed. The privy was closed (never seen that before) and no good camping spots. I really wanted to tent and it sounded like there were good spots ahead, but not for a few miles and I didn¢t want to get in late. I had a snack to think about it, and the clouds looked dark so ultimately decided to stay in the shelter, the first time in a while.About fifteen minutes later Hummingbird showed up, she debated the options as well, but found a spot since she has a smaller tent. A bit later, Swedie Pie showed up and decided to shelter. Later on when I was hanging my bear bag I found a perfect spot, but oh well at least it wasn¢t crowded. Hopefully the bugs don¢t eat me!Just realized this is the first day in so long it didn¢t rain at all (yesterday it did in the evening but we were inside). Hopefully this continues!