Date: 2015-03-23
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

3/23, 15.2, Hogback Ridge ShelterI arrived here around 4 pm after a very nice 15.2 mile hike. The weather was perfect, the day sunny and temps around 65 degrees. The shelter full slept well after a short rain lulled us to sleep. Waking up we had clearing skies and 40 degrees. I started hiking this morning at 8:30. I was a little disappointed yesterday when my legs just did not seem to want to hike, and they really started feeling wobbly before the end of day. I made sure I ate a good amount of dinner, Ramen and tina, and finished my leftover trail mix and almonds from lunch. I also added olive oil to my dinner for added calories and drank two bottles of gatorade/electrolyte replacement. This morning I believe I could feel the difference. I have also been adjusting to pacing myself, since leaving Ironman Bill and Just Pete in Hot Springs. The first hill today was the steepest climb, and really wasn't too bad. After that the hiking conditions were some of the best I have had. Dry trail, shaded woods and nice moderate temps made for some wonderful views, good selfies and a pleasurable hike. I stopped for lunch on a grassy hillside and took an entire half hour to eat my lunch and enjoy the noonday sun. After noon I passed a very nice waterfall, and Pigeon, a hiker having lunch. By 4 pm I arrived at the shelter about an hour after Newfound. Pigeon hiked in later, then Maverick, Pa Burt, and Spooner. Most of us are in the shelter, a couple tents are up. I hiked with Bill and Pete so long I forgot how nice it is to hike alone at times. This morning when I started I was able to sing out amazing grace while I started my hike, and instead of silent prayer time in the morning I was able to speak my prayers in the woods. I look forward to hiking with Bill and pete again, but am enjoying this time as well.Tomorrow I plan to hike 20.7 to no business knob shelter. Then Wednesday, I can hike into Erwin, rent a bike to ride to town (3 miles) for a big breakfast, a couple supplies and a few restful moments on a bench. Then back on trail I can hike out to the nearest shelter and avoid the expense of the hostel. At least that's the plan. I am surprised daily how much I continue to enjoy the hiker culture with many new acquaintances, and some of them a little strange. I have so far stayed ahead of the "bubble" of hikers that started in Georgia en masse around March 1st. The several repeat thru hikers have indicated that I am doing well, and should be ahead of most if I keep up my pace. The most frequent question I get is wether I have taken any zeros, which I have not. I haven't really felt the need, and my body is doing OK so I guess I will just keep going.Its 7:30 and he sun has dropped below the ridge, and the temperature has dropped near 40 so its time to crawl in to my warm bag, read a few minutes and drift off to sleep. Its too early to be sung to sleep by crickets, and the frogs have just laid there eggs in the ponds I hiked by today so I have to fall asleep to the voices in my head. It is always interesting to find out wether those voices will produce pleasant dreams, or nightmares. Silverback