Date: 2015-06-23
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: moderate rain

I was the first one awake (but the last one to leave the shelter). I really need to speed up packing my gear in the a.m. I discovered a VERY large spider on the wall at my feet. Apparently the spider lives in the shelter because it was mentioned several times in the shelter journal by other hikers. One of the guys actually had the spider on him during the night. He initially thought out was a mouse. To their credit, in conformance with LNT, no one has killed the spider.Although I did not notice the extra resupply weight the night before, I was definitely feeling the extra pounds today. Going into town is always a good news/bad news deal for thru hikers. Towns offer the chance to sleep in a bed, have real food, dry out your gear, take a shower, and do laundry. But you also spend more money than planned, the town food usually messes up your GI system, and your pack is noticeably heavier with the resupply weight.Fortunately today was clear with some wonderful views. The first was Pulpit Rock. From that rocky point a rock rubble field left from a receding glacier could clearly be seen along with a small town and several farms.The next great view came at the Pinnacle. There is a huge pyramid shaped pile of rocks visable from the AT. A short distance further is a spectacular view from an outcropping of large rocks. Although camping there is prohibited, a young guy had obviously spent the night there. I also saw plenty of trash and graffity.   What a shame!Rain was predicted, so I was hoping to make it to the shelter before it started. I was really struggling with the added pack weight, rocks, and humidity. To top it off, I misread the trail guide and missed the turn off for the shelter. I ended up going an additional 1/2 mile before I realized my mistake. By that time the sky was getting dark and I was hearing thunder. My dilema then became whether to go back 1/2 mile or go on to the next shelter, about 7 more miles. I went back, and I was glad I did. I got one of only 6 bunks in the shelter. Rockin Robin and Emma were slack packing to the shelter and their stuff was already on 2 other bunks waiting for them. Marbles was already there.A sad looking guy called Cody Coyote took one of the remaining bunks. He was only 24 and claimed to have completed the AT 4 times. It appears that he lives on the trail. His dinner consisted of white bread dipped in Catalina dressing - all purchased at a dollar store. When I asked how he was keeping the dressing refrigerated, he told me it did not require refrigeration.   When I suggested he check the label, which clearly said to refrigerate after opening, he claimed food lasts 10 times longer on the AT - who knew?!? He later found a sandwich he had been carrying since Harper's Ferry. I did not want to even think about whether he ate that too.Rockin Robin and Emma finally hiked in and we had a little reunion. After we made our dinners, the shelter caretaker, who lives in a house on the property, gave us all icy pops. What a wonderful treat on a hot and humid day. He also let us recharge our cell phones, and there was a shower and flush toilet at the shelter. We were definitely in the lap of luxury!! As if to remind us that we were still on the AT, just before we all fell asleep, a few fireflies drifted into the shelter. It never did rain.My little dog Morgan turned 16 today. I am sorry I missed her birthday. I suspect this will be her last. I am still hoping she will wait until I finish the AT so we can say our good byes in person.The AT is calling. What started out as a very tough day ended very well, and I am most grateful.