Date: 2015-11-09
From: Stealth Camping Near Hazeltop

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

I got up early and packed quickly. Rain was predicted and I wanted to get everything packed up while it was still dry. It was cold, but otherwise it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. Perhaps the weather report was wrong.I had just hit the trail when I ran into a very pleasant Australian couple who had hiked in and camped just 1 night. I was impressed that they had secured a backcountry permit and they had taken the time to familiarize themselves with LNT. They had camped just down the trail from me on an exposed rock outcropping with a beautiful view of the sunset, but they nearly froze. Despite the cold they clearly had a good time and I was glad.I also ran into a very nice older couple who were out doing a small section of the AT. They had huge packs and were both wearing cotton clothing head to toe. We discussed the weather. They were unaware of the coming rain, but they were getting off the AT today.   I was concerned that they could get caught in the rain and become hypothermic before reaching their vehicle.And I ran into 2 guys, also with very large packs, who were also section hiking the AT for just a few days and headed for their vehicle. They had extra food, left overs from their MRE kits, and offered it to me. Not one to turn down food, I graciously accepted their offer. They gave me MRE pound cake, crackers, and cheese with bacon, along with some candy. I was grateful for some different food to eat.I was low on water. I was kicking myself for not topping off my water when I was at the wayside. I skipped the Bearfence Hut. The Hut is .4 off the AT with an unreliable water source. The older couple I met on the trail earlier today stayed there last night, and they confirmed the water source was marginal. They also said an entry in the shelter journal was very sad, someone contemplating suicide.Before long the wind picked up, the sky darkened, the temperature began to drop, and the rain started. It was a soaking wind driven rain. The trees, now completely bare, offered no protection from the rain and little protection from the wind. Before long I was soaked and cold, and my pack was soaked and heavy. I just kept moving all day to stay warm.I stopped by the Lewis Mtn Campground. It was already closed for the season. Even the restrooms were locked up tight. I kept going.When I reached Skyline Drive at Swift Run Gap I considered trying to hitch a ride into Elkton VA to get out of the weather for a few days. I also wanted to watch the Republican debate scheduled for Tuesday night. But the weather was so bad and I was so soaked, the likelihood that anyone would be willing to stop and take me to town was slim. I also knew I could get very cold very quickly standing along the road waiting for a ride, and it could be difficult getting a ride back out to the park. With the driving rain and limited visibility I could also get hit by a car. I decided it was better for me to just keep going another 3 or so miles to the shelter.I was very happy to finally reach the shelter. I was soaked to the bone, cold, tired, and hungry. I had the shelter to myself. I put my tent up in the shelter to give me extra protection from the wind. Then I quickly changed into some dry clothes, and hung my wet clothes in the shelter. Of course, with 100% humidity nothing dried.My personal rule is to have my food hung before dark. So I had a quick snack and hung my food on the bear pole provided. Then I collected and filtered some water from the spring, located about .1 miles from the shelter.I have to admit the situation was a little spooky. It was raining, the wind was blowing, and there was a thick fog. The stark bare trees were only faintly visable through the fog. I quickly realized that a bear could wander almost to the opening of the shelter before I would see it. I tried not to think about it as I got water from the spring and then got ready for bed.As it got dark the wind picked up and began to howl through the trees in waves, similar to the winds of a hurricane. (I live in FL and was home for 2 hurricanes in 2004.) I also heard all sorts of things hit the roof and sides of the shelter. I hoped a tree limb or whole tree did not come through the shelter roof while I was sleeping. Fortunately I was exhausted, so I was able to fall asleep.The AT is calling. I will decide in the morning whether I will answer the call, or take a zero and wait out the weather.