Date: 2009-02-27
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

Departed Woody Gap at 9:40, rain, which would last all day, 48 degrees and windy. I'm still experimenting with what works in what conditions, and since we have not had rain in Colorado in quite a while I have not been able to practice this part of hiking. Decided to go with Capilene Long Johns with the bottoms over the tops of my gaiters, and no rain pants, add quick dry shorts and smart wool socks for the complete bottom ensemble picture. Top was capilene long sleeve shirt and Dri Clime shirt over. The packa raincoat/pack cover and a ball cap. Went without gloves. It took about 10 minutes to warm up but then was quite comfortable despite the rain and temperature even my hands which are always cold. I try to keep moving unless there is a vista, strange rock formation or weird tree to look at. For the early going there was no visibility so didn't take a break until I had gone half way. I was surprised that I had come that far and knew I had better hydrate. Had a pop tart to go with my water (20 oz). It took a long time for my trekking pole handles and hands to warm back up so that determined how many stops I was making. At some point the fog lifted enough to become a low cloud and I could at least see the forest floor for a short distance in any direction. This made for more enjoyable hiking. Luckily I was able to see the pa-tridge (I am from New England after all) when it exploded from its cover, Got to see it for 25-30 yards at least. Okay, it was a ruffed grouse for you non New Englanders. Stopped for more fluid an hour later and stopped at the top of Blood Mountain at the shelter for lunch. In case your thinking this is glamorous, lunch was a packet of cold spam, stick of string cheese and some crackers. Just before reaching the summit there was a short stretch where the Rhododendron and the Mountain Laurel mixed. I was thinking that this would be grand if they were both blossoming. Quite surprisingly, the Rhododendron buds were quite swollen, not quite enough to show color in the bud except light green. These have been the only buds I remember seeing and I've passed a lot of them. I'm told that the Blood Mountain Shelter is the oldest on the Trail. It is built of stone, is completely closed, has a fireplace, and two rooms. There was not a dry spot in the shelter but I was at least out of the rain to get into my pack for lunch. While there, 20-30 minutes, the weather got worse. Wind picked up, temp dropped, and the rain was pelting me not just landing on me. It took a good 20 minutes to get all moving parts cooperating again. My knees were really stiff. It's why I don't like taking breaks. My hands took even longer to warm up. It was exposed on the top and you could see Springer Mt. the starting point of the Appalachian Trail. But not today. Stopped in the the Mountain at Neels Gap Crossing Outfitters where I was picked up by Leigh a short time later. Soaked to the skin on top. Dry on the bottom where I only had the shorts and long johns.A quick word about the term Gap and how it is used for trail purposes. Leigh put it as...A high point in the road and a low point in the trail. Good description. The trail has been quite up and down for the most part. I'm slow going up, hold my own going down or on the level.Did not meet anyone on the trial, either coming or going, all day. Doing laundry and then dinner.See you on the trail.John