Date: 2010-04-28
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Night seemed to be getting colder. Slept OK. Tried to keep condensation level down by unzipping flap but with the cold temps and high humidity level, it just did not work well. I felt the cold creeping in every time my bag touched the tarp walls or my feet came off my rain gear that I put in the foot of my sleeping bag.The sun started to come up and I was curious if the water drops on the tarp were inside or out. I touched one and found it to be frozen solid. Like a dummy, I then flicked the tarp tent and had a thin sheet of frost fall. At least I now know why my feet were getting cold last night. The wind had died down, but the temps dropped to about 25 degrees. My 35 degree rated bag has really hung in there so far. Can't say that I was toasty last night but I could say that I was not bitterly cold.So I got up and out around 7:00. Grabbed my pack and mattress and headed to the shelter to find a dry spot to begin the packing process. A couple of people were up. Chief had left about 2-3 hours earlier since I guess he got cold. Leaf was still sleeping on the picnic table so I claimed half of the seat. After several trips back to my tent site, I finally finished. I took 45 minutes to pack since my hands were frozen and it hurt to use them.My plan was to take the day as it came. A shelter in 16 miles would leave me with a 10 mile day to Damascus. The people in the shelter were talking about doing a marathon into Damascus. HA... I thought. The same people who shelter hopped a 6.9 mile ridge walk because of rain were going to do a 26 mile day today. NOT!!I started out just before 8:00. As the sun came out and the morning began to warm up, I thought I would pass the shelter at the 16 mile mark and go a few more and tent out. This would leave me a short hop to Damascus in the morning.The tread was mostly good and the day was cool but warming up. Made in a few miles I hit some trail magic. Soda and snacks. It was exactly what I needed. I normally only take one of each but with the slackers behind me I said screw it and took 2 of each. Still plenty left. Up trail about 1/2 mile, I came across a bench in an open area and stopped. I already drank one soda - Dr. Pepper - and ate both snacks. I repacked a bit and treated my water I picked up along the way. With the sun out, beautiful view, caffeine and sugar kicking in, my day was getting better.Made the first shelter by 11:00. The 16 mile mark at 2:25. I stopped and strung a line and dried out my tarp and bag. My tarp still had ice in it. Ate my dinner here since I had some time and I did not want to fuss with it at the tent site. Boo Boo and Captain were there and said they were headed to Damascus. Fed, warm, nice sunny hiking day, 10 miles to Damascus, heck, why not. I don't have a room until tomorrow but it is a Wednesday, I think I am at the front of the big, slow moving group that Greyhound warned me about, and I should get in by 5:30-6:00. I hiked in with Captain. Boo Boo joined us with 2 miles to go. Hit Damascus at the 11 hour mark. Took my pictures, started to look for a place to stay, ran into Michigan at the Mount Rogers Outfitters Hostel. He said it was full but down the street they should have bunks for $25.00 at the Hiker Inn. I found Susan, she had a bunk, score!! 75 miles in three days. I guess my ankle isn't broken after all.Took a shower while my clothes were being washed. The Dairy King was closed so I went to the pizza place. Had spaghetti and mac-and-cheese, and oh yes, two beers.Back to the bunkhouse at 10:00. Lights were already out. Used my headlamp to get around. Brushed my teeth, jumped in bed, felt good. Warm, dry, pillows and a blanket. We take so much for granted.Life is good!!