Date: 2018-05-12
From: Pine Grove State Park

To: James Fry (Tag Run) Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

At 7:30 am our trail angels arrived at our site to wisk Ambassador and I up to the store where we left off 2 days before. We took advantage of the wifi to send and receive messages and update my journal. Ambassador had gotten a 6:30am ride to the post office to pick up her parcel and she was happy! We left from the store just a little after 8 am and it was a nice walk in park, literally. Easy flat and wide along the river and pleasant hearing the birds and passing the early morning fishermen. After a nice mile or so the inevitable climb began. Slow and steady up and away. Not all that unpleasant but I was a bit overwhelmed by the weight of my pack since the supply box... with extras. I know my husband adores me, but PB and j weighs a lot!!! I lugged that sucker for over 7 miles in the heavy wet air. The forest was so beautiful this morning. Like a scene from a movie where they use fog machines. Dense and beautiful. I stopped only once to pee and take my shoes off for a rest about 6 miles in on a log. It was nice to sit there and not feel rushed. The break does me well and always provides me with a boost. While I was sitting Ambassador passed by. She'd already had a break and was continuing to the shelter. I arrived at Tag Brook just beyond the blue blaze trail to the shelter at around noon. Ambassador and River were both there. River had camped the night before at an unofficial site a couple of miles from the shelter. We all filtered water and I took the opportunity to soak my feet while doing so. It's so cold it's numbing but it feels so good on trail weary feet. I back tracked to the blue blaze trail and up to the shelter. The sun was just now burning off the moist foggy air. The shelter was nice. 4 bunks and space for 4 more on the floor. I could have hiked further and it was noon, but I promised myself slow and steady. Ambassador had arrived before me and saved me a bottom bunk across from her. We were the only 2 there for a few hours. I strung my bear line and hung my wet tent from the night before's rain. The sun dried it nicely and I stowed it away while Ambassador caught a nap. I also took the time to call a special person in my life, my friend Pam. We had a great conversation as I sat at the picnic table in the tenting area and enjoyed the warmth of the sun and her cheerful voice. Then I called Brian and it was so wonderful to hear his voice too. I hadn't had good cell service for a few days. It warmed my heart to talk to these two people. Just what I needed. Not long after I got off the phone and returned to the shelter to set up my bunk about 12-15 girl scouts came into camp and set up in the tent area. Well, it was good while it lasted! While the girls giggled and made camp the storm clouds were closing in. Before long the shelter was occupied by Tom, a section hiker who claimed the bunk above me and Bub, Shaggy, Starman and Squirrel who were nobo from GA. Then the thunder rolled and it confirmed they would claim the last bunk and 3 floor spaces for the night instead of hike on. Jonathan, another section hiker, was in the woods failing at his attempts to hang the hammock he hadn't used in 2 years. As the rain began Jonathan claimed the last floor space. The thunderstorm ensued and soaked hikers kept coming into camp looking for safety and a dry spot. Field Trip took a corner and slept under Ambassador's bunk and before long someone was under mine as well. 10 spots in an 8 person shelter and the rest out in the tenting area. I had managed to make dinner, eat and clean up just as the rain began. It was just after 5:30 so it would be a while before I could sleep, if I could sleep. I just don't sleep well in shelters but I prefer them in the rain. It's a love hate kind of relationship. It's also male dominated out here. Not as many women on trail as men. I've become a master at changing my clothes in disguise. It's not like you can duck into a private spot to change. But it works and wearing a skirt helps that. I was in my bunk at 7pm when the 2nd round came through. I felt calm and safe. But not quite ready to sleep. I turned my face to the wall because it's darker. We'll see how much sleep comes tonight.