Date: 2007-03-29
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

March 29, Damp Woke up at 8:21 a.m. today and it was 68.9 degrees in my motel room. I can't lie, I would love to zero and just relax all day, but we're back to business. We'll take a nearo....So, we got a shuttle back to the trail at 11 a.m. and we were hiking by 11:15. By 11:30, it was raining. And it was too late to heed the advice we've received dozens of times - to stay put when it's raining. At first it was a pretty enjoyable little shower. It was warm out so the rain gear stayed in my pack. As it cooled off a little, I added my jacket. We had already decided we'd just hike to Siler Bald Shelter for a nearo and get some much needed rest (being in town for only one day is not restful due to all of the chores) so that's what we did. We got here in no time and I changed immediately into warm, dry clothes. I cooked a hot meal for lunch and then Certain and I set up our sleeping bags and got in them to warm up. I ended up falling asleep for a little while but I woke up pretty warm.It was quarter to five by then and I doubted anyone else would be coming by (which we were sorta excited about) so I pitched my tent in the shelter. This way I could stay dry in the shelter but stay a little warmer in my tent.Turns out we did have another person show up but he didn't seem to mind. Certain ended up hanging her hammock outside of the shelter so it's just me and buddy in here tonight. My first night IN a shelter. I have stuff hanging from every possible nail in this place to try and dry but I'm not hopeful - there is mist and fog being pushed in in thick blankets.This day started fine and I was even excited to have a little rain since there's something about rain in the woods that makes you feel like they are all your own...but as our "restful" day went on at the shelter, I started getting a little down. I knew I'd have a hard time in poor weather. In the fog and haze it's harder to see why I am here and I was prepared for that to happen. I know I can't have roses and sunshine all of the time but, darn, I wish I could. I'm hoping tomorrow is a warmer, dryer day so we can make our way to the NOC soon. If it's cold and rainy again, we might go back to Franklin. If not, our goal is to be at the NOC on Sunday, three days from now.Towns are a tricky thing. We go into them with huge to-do lists: laundry, resupply, post office, outfitter, eat, shower. This list is made difficult to accomplish because, for the most part, time is not your own in town. You are at the mercy of shuttlers, post office hours and the balancing act of trying not to appear too scary to the locals when you need to wash ALL of the clothes you own at the same time. I seem to wind up stripped of all energy even worse than a long day of hiking. Multi-tasking is key.   But it was nice to stop in town and run into some friends we've made along the way. Hope to see them all soon.It's still early so, for the first time on this hike, I am going to listen to some music and reflect on why I really do want to be here. - Sound of raindrops on the shelter's tin roof, the pattering of raindrops outside of the shelter, and the quaint buzz from the light of my PocketMail.Post Trail Thoughts:This still stands out in my mind as one of the top three most depressing days I had on the trail. I learned that I DID NOT do well sitting in a shelter all day in bad weather. I had always heard that so much of the trail was mental and it was definitely true. After this day, I wanted to walk to Franklin and lock myself inside for three weeks. Good thing I am too stubborn to do that.