Date: 2017-11-18
To: Pecks Corner Shelter 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

11/18Pecks Corner Shelter12.5 milesIt was a beautiful sunrise. You know that old saying? "Red sky by night, sailors delight. Red sky by morning, sailors are totally screwed." Yeah, that one. I had my coffee and poptart as I stared at the sunrise. Eventually everyone else woke up and I felt comfortable going into the shelter to pack up. If possible I prefer to spare others the noise. Luckily today there were no super late sleepers. Soon I was ready to go. I chose to put my tent inside the pack today so I could keep my rain gear handy in the side pocket that the tent usually occupies. I put my raincoat there in readiness. I also kept out my waterproof socks. I started hiking wearing no rain gear as the sky was clear. Over the next line of mountains I could see dark clouds. I kept an eye on them. They gradually crept closer until they engulfed the trail. I walked in clouds for a while. After an hour or so, the trees started to drip. I swapped my wind breaker for my rain coat. My rain skirt and pole covers were already deployed to keep me warm. Around lunch time I arrived at Tricorner Knob Shelter. I pulled out crackers and cheese to quickly eat. On a raw day like today, I can't take a long break or I'll get chilled. While I ate, I assessed my state. I was a little chilly, but not too bad. I had plenty of energy. The weather was deteriorating, but I figured I could endure it for another 2 or 3 miles. I took off my shoes so I could put my waterproof socks on, then shod myself and added knee high waterproof gaiters. I also dug out my fleece top and put it on. I had been a little chilly in just my wicking shirt and raincoat. I knew I would sweat, but it was better than getting cold. Two shelter companions from last night arrived before I left. They both decided they were done for the day. I told them to think of me as they lay snug in their warm sleeping bags. Right before I left I queued up an audiobook and then wrapped my phone in a maze of plastic. Unless I fell in a pond, the phone should stay dry. I put my raincover hoody on and snaked my earbuds through all my layers. It was quite windy but with all my armor it wasn't uncomfortable to hike. I chugged along, intent on the story unfolding in my ears. Other than watching my step, I didn't pay much attention to the trail. It wasn't much fun to be on a mountaintop right then. Before long I reached the shelter turnoff. I scouted for water but found only a few gross puddles. I remembered a trickle partway down the shelter trail, though. Sure enough it was running. I collected some water and continued to the shelter. It was empty, of course. I assessed my condition. A little sweaty and damp, but not cold. Good. No need to dive into my bag yet. I set up my sleeping gear, then moved my cooking gear and food out to the porch area. I made my little Thai noodle soup as well as a hot drink. The soup tasted great. It left my mug pretty gross - remnants of oil and spices stuck to the sides. I figure if coffee doesn't evict them tomorrow, I'll wipe it out with leaves or something. With darkness falling, I hung my foodbag. It was time to get into dry clothes and get in my bag for a doubtlessly long night. First, though, I boiled the remainder of my water and poured it into my Nalgene. I screwed the lid on tight and stuck the hot bottle in my sleeping bag. I left the stove nearby in case I wanted to reheat the water later. The fuel canister went into the sleeping bag, as well as my double bagged water filter, my eye drops, and anything else I thought shouldn't be left to freeze. My damp undergarments, gloves, and pants all joined the party. It's a wee bit crowded in my sleeping bag. Good thing it's a big one. Oh, and I wrapped my water bladder in my rain skirt and stuck it in there too. I don't think freezing would do it any good. After I climbed in, myself, the rain started really coming down. The forecast calls for it to change to mixed precipitation within a few hours. I hope the rain holds out for a while. I'm prepared to walk in a little snow, but several inches would be daunting. For now it's reassuring to hear the storm raging. When it changes to hissing is when I'll start to fret. I wouldn't mind company in the shelter but I doubt I'll see any. It's after 7 and it's pouring cold rain. It would take a hardy soul to still be out there hiking. I'm telling myself that even the bears will want to stay home tonight.