Date: 2004-03-31
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 10.4

Day 30, March 31, 2004Well according to the local weather people most areas would experience light rain, and mountainous areas could receive 2 inches of snow. You could say I was very surprised to say the least to find 5 fresh inches of snow when I awoke from my warm sleeping bag. It was a shock, but it was ok because Shadow Man (I think that¢s his name) and I were planning on taking it easy and hiking only ten miles today. With the snow, the ten miles would be a bit more strenuous and slower going. This would not be a good day for twenty miles. So we set off into the snow after packing all our wet gear that did not have a chance to dry out from the day before. The hiking was easy, mostly followed a pair of foot prints since the trail was buried under snow and very difficult to see. The fog had not disappeared and vision was limited to one hundred yards or less. Most of the morning was spent climbing on grassy balds completely covered in snow. The Appalachian Trail had wooden posts marking the trail every two hundred to three hundred yards because there were no trees in sight. Since the fog was so thick the trail would have been difficult to find and follow. The constant wind had blown the snow evenly over the face of the mountain so there was no trace of a trail. As soon as we were on the top of the second bald it was all downhill for the rest of the day. As we dropped in elevation the temperature increased and the snow started to melt. The snow turned first into a light sleet, then changed into a drizzle. That¢s where it got cold. It¢s fine if it is cold and snowy and dry. But as soon as it begins to rain the conditions get dangerous. It¢s important to have warm clothes for camp or hypothermia can easily set in. When we got to the shelter it was a little past 2 pm. Shadow Man was happy at the shelter but a south bound section hiker said it would be an easy hitch into town from a busy road only half a mile down the trail. At this point, I¢m wet and cold and looking at my options. Option 1) stay at this shelter and try to warm up with dry clothes and a hot meal of mac and cheese; Option 2) hitch into town and check into a hostel and warm up with a hot shower nice bed, and a pizza. It took all of 30 seconds to make a decision. I said my goodbyes and headed to the road. This was my first solo hitch hiking experience. It only took about five minutes. The guy was heading to Erwin TN and would be passing the town I needed to get to. It was perfect and went just as planned. It still amazes me what people will do for hikers. They don¢t know me, but will give me a ride to town in their car - who knows I could be the next axe murderer. Once in town I called Bob Peoples, the owner of the hostel and grabbed some warm grub from the Golden Arches while waiting for my ride. Once at the hostel I quickly took advantage of the warm shower. Let me tell you, that was one of the best showers yet. It was GREAT. It was almost too hot. Did a load of laundry, ordered a pizza and took a little nap. Ate half the pizza once it arrived and then made a few phone calls. This hostel is just what the hiker needs! If the snow melts enough to get a car out of the driveway, I will slack pack for 25 miles tomorrow. Slack packing is hiking without a backpack. You only bring water, and lunch, that¢s about it. Then spend the night back here at the hostel. It¢s a good option when the weather is as unpredictable as it is now. I can handle the snow, but if I have an option to avoid it I will skip the snow. It was snowing here for a while. The pizza delivery person could not get up to the house. They had to hitch a ride for three miles through the thick snow with a four wheel drive truck. If it is real ugly this is a good place to hang until things blow over. This storm system is slow moving and should be out by Friday. The word is that temperatures in the 60s are looming near very soon. Can¢t wait till that happens, this rain and snow stuff is rough. It¢s all about hiking the trail. More later, am going to enjoy this warm bed while it lasts! Oh the simple things in life we all take for granted.