Date: 2004-03-30
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Tough night. It started pouring rain around 12:30 am and I ended up soaked. Entirely operator error, the rainfly was askew leaving the foot of my bag open to the driving rain. The windshield reflector / sleeping pad I am using acted as a funnel directing all rain and splash to the lowest part of the hammock right under my butt. I was sleeping until the rain started and then woke up worried as soon as I head the first drops. The rain was heavy too and its pounding on the rainfly made me feel like I was on the inside of an easter egg shell. Once I confirmed my worries by discovering I was indeed wet, I then had to decide whether to get out of the hammock, find my rain gear and put it on, and then go messing with the rainfly in the dark, or to stay put and sleep wet. I opted for the latter not out of laziness, but the terrain wasn't ideal for hammocking and I wasn't sure how much useful adjusting I could do. I was mildly consoled by the fact that my bag is synthetic which means it is warm even when wet. Regardless, it took me a while before I could get back to sleep and I awoke 6 hours later warm, but feeling like I was wearing a wet diaper. Strangely comforting.Digit was still sore from tweaking his ankle yesterday and called the Hiker Hostel to see if they would transport his gear to our next stop at Neels Gap. Three other hikers we camped with, Powder Finger, Sal, and Rock'em, also opted to slackpack for the day. I gave one noble protest for the sake of purist hiking and then gave up my bag as well with no arm twisting required. We don't have any zero days planned for a long while and I figured my legs would appreciate the rest. We still had an 11.3 mile day ahead of us. The HH was there in 15 minutes and for a mere $6 each our bags were wisked away to Neels. We got a late start around 10:15 but the sun was already out and the day was looking fine.I was motivated to move quickly so I could hit Neels Gap before the sun went down and dry out my gear. I soon left the others behind, caught Shiela and Chris on the top of Blood Mountian and made it to Neels by 3:30 or so. My mail drop wasn't scheduled to arrive until the next day so I decided to stay at Neels for the night and grab a bunk and a shower. Funny how after 3 days the hygene starts deteriorating rapidly. I stop thoroughly combing my hair, I have to remind myself to floss my teeth, and my nightly 2 babywipe ritual (face and hands, pits and crotch - in that order) becomes a drag, especially when it is cold. Shower felt good though, even though the walls were a bit slimy and I walked in on a naked old man as I was seeking a stall. Hike Naked Day is on the summer solstice so it won't be the last bare ass I see.I called my sister to plan my next mail drop at the NOC. For anyone interested in sending me goods on the trail, you can go to my mail drops page and send packages to any of the addresses listed, provided the package arrives by the ETA date. Liutkus is planning on some Easter chocolate for me (and she always gets the good stuff - Lindt, Ghirardelli, etc) and sweets are always welcome. Reilly owes me a book of his choosing but feel free to send just a postcard or a letter as well. Just no canned goods or small appliances please. Gotta watch my pack weight.goodnight all.