Date: 2015-11-17
To: Storm Brewing
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was the last one to get up this morning! It was just so enjoyable laying there in my hammock listening to the others moving around and preparing for the day. I also was in no hurry to exit my cozy sleeping bag. Temperatures last night were in the low 40s and I was warm and toasty. We didn't have much mileage to do today, around 4 miles or so, with Hawk Mountain shelter as our destination. Each trip I have taken since August has had its own special purpose. This trip was no exception. Besides my desire to get acquainted with the beginning of the trail, I also wanted to have leisurely days with a focus on getting to our campsite early and spending time learning how to efficiently set up and sleep in my hammock. There is definitely a learning curve involved. The early risers had collected our food bags from where they were hanging and brought them to the campfire area. I joined them and began cooking. Meals are pretty easy to make, as all I do is boil water. The water is then added to a Ziploc bag of oatmeal (complete with freeze dried fruit, a variety of nuts and spices) is set aside to cook. The extra water goes to making my big cup of tea. This is how I avoid cooking in my cook pot and having to scrub it out later. Morning chores completed, we loaded up and off we went.Remember yesterday I said we had a nice easy downhill walk to where we camped? Well that's always a bad thing for the following day because it means that you start off heading up, and up, and up even more. That was our day today we were gaining elevation as Hawk Mtn shelter is about 3200 feet. Again the trail was wide and very well marked. We crossed a number of streams on foot bridges, which is always preferable to rock hopping. Today was gray and a bit humid as the temperatures warmed. We began wondering about the possibility of rain. One of the interesting aspects of the trail today was high meadow areas. Fran, who is from around these parts, explained to me that these are grazing areas specifically created by the conservation people for feeding the wildlife, particularly deer. As we hiked my companions pointed out various potential campsites and water sources. Another feature of today's hike was taking a side trail to Long Creek Falls. It is a beautiful area and we sat, rested and enjoyed the beauty of the falls. Somehow that led to us eating lunch there even though it was shortly after breakfast! The falls are not far off from the main trail and I highly recommend checking it out.We continued on our journey, arduously ascending to the top of a ridge. By this time the clouds had darkened and noting that we suddenly had cell service, we all quickly checked our phones for messages and weather radar. Certificate¢s husband had texted her to inform us of a major rainstorm headed our way. The storm was going to be in the area for at least 24 hours dumping a lot of rain, and having high winds. After a brief discussion, and being within a couple miles of our vehicle anyway, we decided to bolt. Fran offered the use of her family's primitive cabin nearby and it was unanimous. Yes, it was a no-brainer decision! That was a much better option than a shelter. Suddenly we began to move like gazelles, instead of the pack animals we previously resembled trudging uphill, and made it to the car in record time. We dropped Certificate off at her car back at the Springer parking area, as she had decided to head for home.Arriving at the cabin, we exploded our backpacks, took inventory of what food we had left to use for dinner and began setting about making ourselves cozy for the night. Fran got a fire going in the fire pit outside, which was under a roofed picnic area. Setting up chairs around it, we enjoyed our tea and listen to the rain which had begun to fall. It got heavier and heavier and the wind began to blow.   We were so thankful to be off the trail and sheltered in this beautiful location. Thank you Fran, for sharing this slice of heaven! Hiker midnight came early for me. Once dinner was done, I went to bed, a real bed, and went to sleep listening to the rain pounding on the roof.