Date: 2003-06-08
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the shelter first this morning, saying goodbye to Homer, a south bounder that came into the shelter last night, and see ya at lunch, to Princess Hoot and Go 4 It.It was 7:50 and raining when I left. A light drizzle followed me for most of the morning and I didn't take my rain coat off until about 2 hours later. The steep uphill was making me sweat in the coat and it became unbearably hot.I crossed several waterways today that were full and rushing after the rain that we've had these last few weeks. There was a wonderful suspension bridge over the Tye River and I enjoyed a bounce or two while crossing it.The plan was to meet for lunch at the Harpers Creek Shelter and then go to the Maupin Field Shelter for the night.When I got to a sign on the trail .8 miles from the designated lunch stop, there was also a sign pointing to a blue blaze trail that went to some waterfalls and eventually led to the Maupin Shelter. It looked inviting and the waterfalls sounded great, so when Princess and Go 4 It met up with me, we decided to go see the falls and take the blue blazed trail to the shelter.It was a difficult 3 mile hike, but worth every step. The falls were beautiful, the water crystal clear and ice cold. The sound of the falls was so loud that we had to shout over them. The trail followed the waterway, going up, over, around and through large rocks. We worked much harder than we would have if we had gone the other way, but were treated to some awesome sights along the way.We finally reached the Maupin Field Shelter after 2pm and were greeted by a Chocolate Lab named Sophia. She was so happy to see us and whined just like Aggie, my Lab, does when she sees someone. It doesn't matter to Labs whether or not they know you, they're just always happy to see anyone! Sophia was with the Cubs, twin sisters that had thru-hiked after graduating from high school last year, and their Dad. I spent some time throwing a stick for Sophia and she spins in circles and shreds wood just like Aggie too. The girls asked me about my dogs and I teared up talking about them; I miss them so much right now.Around this shelter there are numerous, great tent sites and since there's no rain forecasted for tonight, I'll sleep in mine. I haven't slept well in the shelters lately. The floors are so hard and I've gotten so boney that it's difficult to get comfortable. Jack is bringing my Thermarest this week and hopefully I'll be more comfortable on the thicker mattress.I've also decided to buy a new tent and send my Nomad Lite home with Jack. I love the Nomad, but it just hasn't been a good tent in all of this rain. I'm always wet in it, the condensation is a real problem for me. My down bag gets wet and if the next day isn't sunny, I can't take it out at lunchtime and dry it out.I've decided on an MSR Zoid 1. There are many people using them and I haven't spoken to anyone that is disappointed with theirs. They are heavier than the Nomad Lite, but if I have to carry another pound to insure that I'm dry in the mornings, rain or shine, than it'll be worth it to me.It's 7pm and I'm in my tent journaling and looking forward to getting a good night sleep.