Date: 2008-10-28
From: Skyland

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up and looked outside to find a light snowfall dusting all exposed surfaces. It was on 1/4 inch deep. Not too bad and it wasn't snowing now.I bundled up like Nanookof the North and walked up to the lodge to check out. On that short walk I discovered I was way too bundled up to hike. I peeled off my jammie tops (long underwear tops) and my fleece to try to cool down. On a cold day sweating is not a good thing as when you stop it chills you.After a bit I settled on fleece plus rain jacket to keep me warm and cut the wind. For the most of the morning I kept the hood up over my white hat and that seemed to work faily well. I could adjust the heat escape by the front zipper which was usually unzipped.The snow was pretty, just enough to take some snow pictures but not enough to be a problem even with low shoes. My daughter says hikers like to hike to tell good stories and snow is always a good story.The wind was fierce and I was in the wind or hearing it all day long. It sounded like jet aircraft or a freight train. I wonder how many decibels was the wind.The temp today ranged from 33-40. The 40 only came in late afternoon while descending from Mary's Rock. And yes, I went the .1 mile off trail to see it. It seemed like a Mary should. I was glad I did as it was a bit different setting from all of the wonderful views I saw today. The rock formation itself left a dirt bowl one could camp in with low rocks in front and very large rocks behind. A bit similar to our tent site at Guitar Lake in the Sierra, Kathy, only with outstanding views of the Shenandoah Valley instead of the sides of Mt Whitney. I know you like the rugged views of Whitney better but both are beautiful.I saw outstanding views all day, most to the west but some also to the east. Very scenic. I especially liked Little STony Man, the Pinnacle, and, of course, Mary's Rock.There were also still colorful leaves although with the wind blowing so hard it was amazaing to me that every leaf was not blown off the trees. I passed numerous branches blown down and one pretty big oak tree with green leaves intact was blown down across the trail.I saw only 2 deer, both bucks with nice antlers.I saw 3 people today. Two were day-hikers, locals I think, a man and a woman, not together. The man, Klyph, helpd me straighten out my water hose. I think I drink mor water when it is cold. I don't know why. Probably due to mouth breathing and drying wind.I also passed Duane, a long section hiker hoping to go from Pensylvania to Georgia.I stopped for lunch at Byrd's Nest Shelter 3. It was made of stone and had a fireplace in the shelter. If the one I am staying in had one in the shelter I might have gone to the trouble of building a fire but it does not.For some reason I really enjoyed the hike today more than usual. Interesting things to take pictures of, varied secenery, views and only 11 miles.It was cold. It was windy. It was a nice day.Kathy, I am sure I did not buy that Backpackers Pantry dinner you gave me as I always buy Mountain House because it is cheaper. But I figured I could eat anything while hiking and that would get rid of it. Not so.That dinner was so spicy hot that my tongue is burned and not with the heat of the dinner. I don't know anyone who could have enjoyed that Dinner except Mike Murphy. Mike, you should buy one and you can leave your tabasco sauce at home. I ate as much as I could because, after all it was dinner and I needed the calories. But I absolutely could not eat it all and had to pck it up to leave in a bear proof garabage can at the Wayside tomorrow. I have never done that before.Tonight I am snuggled into my bag with more layers on than ever. But I used my rain gear in my stuff sack for a pillow. Tonight will be a test of the sleeping bag. Right now it is a quarter till 8 and 37 degrees. I am also sleeping with hat and gloves on and so far I am warm.