Date: 2016-05-03
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

5/3/16Pretty uneventful night at the shelter. Got up but didn't get going too early...doing shorter miles there is no rush to get to the next shelter. I left out and headed down the trail. Not long after I came to a stream that was very high and roaring because of all the rain we have bad the last few days. Water was rushing down and there was a fallen tree at an angle and a log beneath that. It was tough to get through but nearly impossible with a pack. So I went across without my pack to ensure it could be done then I went back a d got my pack and crossed to the fallen tree and threw my pack on top and looped a loop around a broken off branch. Went back got my trecking poles and crossed again. It was a pretty tight squeeze but doable. Threw my poles on the other side and went back to retrieve my pack. I made it but it was a challenge. After I was done a couple of brothers that was at the shelter came along and I helped them with there bags get across. I was in no hurry so about a mile down the trail a person has a zip line to cross a river and allows hikers to camp in his yard. Its called The Captians. He also has WIFI and drinks in the fridge for the hikers. So being in no hurry I decided to go check the place out. The zip line is like a swing seat and has a rope you slide from hand to hand to pull yourself across. Did I mention we've got a lot of rain? So the river is high...I make it across but I have to hold my feet up and the bottom of my shorts legs end up getting a little wet. So I get over and get rid of that trash bag with the nasty smelling tuna bag. I get a drink and try to get on the WiFi to update my journal but it is slow and won't allow me to log on. So after checking it out I head to the next shelter for lunch. Two guys that were at the shelter were there and a lady with her dog. The one guy is battling tendonitis... he has been dealing with it for a while and just been pressing on. I think it is catching up with him though. They are suppose to meet me at the next shelter but never showed. So either they got off trail or decided to tent camp. During the afternoon it starts to rain and lightening and thunder soon follow. The rain gets heavy so I do put my poncho on and was glad I did. It rains hard for about 20 minutes and then the sun came out. Ended the day with a two mile two thousand ft descent. Three other people are in camp, rain is in the forecast but the others decide to tent can and I stay in the shelter. Guess I will have to battle the mice alone...lol. My leg seems to still be improving. I lay on my back and stick them up on a wall for about 15 min after I get done hiking to help keep the swelling down. That seems to be working. I do notice a bump on my shin when it is up and I extend my foot. But the range of motion is still improving everyday. Sunday when I was done hiking and had my shoes off and crocks on I got bit on the top of my other foot. I noticed some blood but just thought it was a mosquitoe bite. Well it turned into a bubble and has popped a couples of times. My foot is swollen just a little and I guess something g else to keep an eye on. It doesn't bother me when I hike though. It was a good day to be hiker