Date: 2006-03-31
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Good idea to have picnic table in the shelter! It was nice to have when we all rolled up as the rain began to pour down. It had been threatening for hours but none of us believed it. We have had such nice weather the last few days that it ws difficult to fathom the rain.So, been back out here two days and my hands are filthy, as are my legs. We have been able to wear shorts its been so nice! And, we smell once again. Have I mentioned that I freakin love this trail!?!Chunky and Bliss, our two friends who have come out to hike with us for the week have really gotten us to slow down and enjoy more leisurely breaks. Its been great. We have to make sure we take enough breaks for the puppy to get herself reset again, and it has been awesome watching her run circles around us as we hike. She seems almost tireless, though she does pass out like a rock when we are through for the day, or any time we take a break. We think she must double the miles we do in a day just with the way she runs back and forth between us. Her new pack in which she carries her food, can also be found hanging lopsided more times than not, but she is still bounding about wagging her tail and rolling in unidentified piles of poop.Speaking of Cassidy rolling in poop, just after did said act, we came upon some trail magic at Neen's Cabin about .1 mile off the trail. He works at the outfitter in Hot Springs and had been renting this cabin but today was his last day there so he ws giving out sodas and beer and allowing us to meander about his porch watching Cassidy try to convice his dog, Loki, to play. The reason that has to do with Cassidy rolling in poop was because Neen let Chunky and Bliss bathe her in his outdoor shower. Even had some doggy shampoo for them to use. Now, that is trail magic! Soda, beer and a dog bath!After wishing Neen well we headed up to Little Laurel Shelter for lunch. On the way, I actually got my MP3 player and gave it a try. I got it out of our bounce bucket in Hot Springs, and I've decided it is definitely nice to have. I keep it nice and low so I can still hear my friends and/or rattlesnakes and those wonderful things. Music is a great motivator for climbs. That will be coming out a lot more in the future. I don't have to sing the little mermaid song that had been stuck in my head for weeks now!Had a big climb after lunch and that is when the clouds began rolling in. Swansons got the weather and heard chance of T-storms. I'm kind of nervous/excited for our first thunderstorm out here--but so far, its rain-no boom or light.Soon after it got gray outside, we came upon a section in the trail where it splits and you go one way if the weather is bad or up onto the rocky open ridge if the weather is good. We chose the good weather ridge despite the incoming clouds and we were pleased that we did. The views were incredible and the rocks were alot of fun climbing up and down. Cassidy even got to show how brave of a pup she is in a few spots.The rain came right before the shelter. We were very happy to see it come into view and even more excited to see that it had a tarp covering the entrance. Pebbles and Snake were already there and we all shared in a celebratory few drinks of blackberry brandy (Thanks Mr. McCarthy!) and cooked dinner. A nice way to end the day. Now its sleeping bag time, and I feel at home...especially since there is a dog curled up against me. Not much different than sleeping at home. The rain on the roof has a great melody and my nightly benedryl is kicking in...I have to use it to relax myself at night--otherwise I'm too excited to fall asleep! Wierdo..