Date: 2015-02-23
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Trail day two. Last night was respectably cold. Wake up temp was 28 to 30 according to pack thermometers, frozen water bottles and all the fog frozen to trees and hanging food bags. I slept warm. I turned in early, 7 pm, mostly because it was too cold to be outside the sleeping bag. Being inside the shelter kept frost from forming on my bag so i was dry when the sun began to "warm" the day. We didnt record a single temp all fay above about 42 degrees. After packing up and saying goodbyes, since we all hike different paces, I was off. Ten minutes later I realized I was not wearing my gaiters to protect my pants and boot tops from mud. After thinking it through I could not be sure they were in my gear. I left my pack beside the trail and hiked back to the shelter. I was unable to find them so back to my pack. Rather than unload everythin on the trail I hiked without wearing them today. It was ok since the trail is still mostly frozen. The last mile or so the ground finally got a little muddy but good news, they were in the bottom of my pack from the night before.I ended up hiking with ironman bill and his son just pete since we determined we were headed to the same shelter, Gooch Gap. Their pace is just below my push and they are taking an 8 mile per day pace for the first two weeks to condition as am I. We were joined later in the morning by another hiker, and the four of us made our way to Gooch together. I set out on this adventure prepared to hike alone, but with conditions like these it is nice to have someone encouraging to hike with.Once we arrive at the shelter each one claims a spot and goes about the same tasks different ways. I tend to unroll my bed to claim a spot, then organize my gear paying attention to tonights dinner. Then I refill my water containers full, make a trip to the privy to "clean up" which included some clothing changes tonight, and set about fixing dinner. If there is no space for my stove around others I can take a moment to sign the shelter register, drink my daily gatorade and perhaps start my journal. Tonight my journal is the last thing before turning in. It is 6pm exactly, and the sun is dropping below the ridge signaling the beginning of tonights temperature drop. I feel physically pretty good. My feet are great. No sores and just a little ache by end of day. Emotionally this is pretty stressful. It is nice like I said to share company with new friends, but there is still a cold survival element to all of this. Wisconsin bred hands have been very helpful since being cold does not really bother them. It also helps that I have packed a good amount of warm gear, and bought some more in Georgia when we saw the forecasts. Waiting a couple weeks for warmer weather was not an option so here I am. Well, my fingers are numb so typing is getting harder. Speaking of which the iPad is performing well in the cold. I think given the distances between shelters tomorrow I will stick to my original plan and get to a hostel. I am hesitant to tent because the shelters do provide some warmth. The next shelter though is 13 miles which is possible, but may not be physically advisable. I will see what the morning is like and how cold things are tonight. The sky is overcast, no fog, and a moderate wind, so maybe the temps will hold, then warm up tomorrow.I think about, and am encouraged by those who have expressed interest in reading this and knowing you are there helps keep me going. Thank you all for tour prayers as well.Silverback AT 2015