Date: 2010-05-03
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

At 12:30am, the rain started. At least that is when I first was aware of it hitting the tin roof of the shelter. All warm and comfy, it was nice to listen to it. Too bad to those holding up still again for a rain day yesterday. Rain continued pretty much all night. In fact, still raining when everyone woke up.Cookie and Tic-Toc had a slow wake up. They are usually the first up and out but not today, I guess because of the rain. Still, I know how the rain days normally work. As the day warms up and its capacity to hold moisture increases, the rain will normally stop mid to late morning. With nearly a 25 mile day ahead, I needed to stay on track. Up and first out right at 7:00. Cookie and Tic-Toc did not seem interested in the 24+ day with the rain. Of course I reiterated that even with the rain today will be easier than yesterday. They seemed skeptical. Away I went.The rain did stop shortly after I started. Rain jacket off, warmth layer off, I was soon hiking as I have the last two days. A quick 1,000 foot gain, some rocks but manageable, I was moving along well. I suspected that with pizza at the end, Cricket and Michigan would be there.The tread remained good. Legs and feet holding up well. Water was reasonably available. In short, I was hiking strong and feeling good. I was pretty much down to one day of food so I needed to get to the end and order food. Partnership Shelter is known to be one of the few, if only, shelters that is close enough to a town so the local pizza places will deliver to the gate. The gate leads to the Mr. Rogers NRA Headquarters. The shelter is really nice with running water for a shower and wash basin. The privy even provides toilet paper. How thoughtful is that?The shelter was crowded. Went to the top, saw a spot where a section hiker spread out his stuff so no one would get too close. Sure, like that is really going to work. I put my pack right there, asked him to move his things over. Of course it was "no problem." Actually, with all of the crap this guy was hauling around, he may have needed two spaces. It was just that he was not going to get it.With my space established, I asked about Michigan and Cricket. As it turned out, my prediction was correct, they were by the Headquarters waiting for their food. Sure enough, they were there. Said hi, talked a bit, ordered my pizza. Large pizza, 2-liter soda and a large cheese stick pizza thing for $14.00. Done. This day is turning out exactly as planned. As I was waiting, Snickers, Captain and yes, Cookie and Tic-Toc also came in. All-in-all, a good group. At the shelter I would guess 25-30 people in all.Back at the shelter, two of the section hikers were using a machete to cut large pieces of wood for a fire tonight. Cool. As the sun started to set, the fire was lit and what a blazer it was. You had to be back 20 feet or have your clothes melt.With the sun setting, two girls offered to hitch to town for a beer run. No alcohol was permitted at the shelter, but when did that matter? With the beer order taken, away they went. And actually they were back in about an hour. Four of the guys declared a 2 40oz drinking contest. I guess that is where you tape a 40oz beer to each hand and the first one to finish wins. That is a lot of beer. So they grabbed the beers & tape and headed off to the fishing pond down the hill. I grabbed my light and headed down to watch. The game began. Also being from the Chicago area, I was rooting for Boo-Boo.During the contest, I was taught things about gravity that I was unaware of but did come in handy. Thanks Michigan and Cricket. As the challenge continued, one contestant threw up, then another, and finally one finished. With the contest over, beers gone, and others getting ready to make the climb back up the hill, I left.At 9:45 it seemed like 2:00am. I went up the stairs and out like a light. With a short day planned tomorrow, no need to get going too early. 10 miles to the Relax Inn, food, shower, bed, laundry. Sweet.What a great day!! The hiking environment is back. The hiker wannabe's are way, way back and I suspect most are now home.