Looked at the weather forecast last night and it called for 100% chance of rain with lightning, possible hail and high winds. Decided that I would do another slack day. Only problem was that there were only two options--eight miles or 18 miles. With the weather and my soreness from yesterday, quickly dicided on the eight.
Was dropped off at Cooper Gap at 7:50 AM. It was pouring with much lightning and strong wind. Had on my wet weather top and pants and they helped with the wind and kept me somewhat dry for a few hours. After that my sweat got me wet from the inside. Temperature began at the mid-50's. After a while it obviously dropped a few degrees and the wind picked up even more.
Again went through some very pretty areas. A smaller and less mature hemlock forest provided a very somber and forboding scene in the near dark from the rainstorm. The creeks were over their banks and I nearly had to ford one of them. I was able to use my trek poles to locate rocks under the water to help me get across.
Reached Gooch Mountain shelter about 9:30 AM and took a break. It was about this time that I saw the first hikers of the day. A Boy Scout troop with eight boys and five adults came by going South. Reached Gooch Gap about 10:00 and continued on without stopping. The rain began to slack off, but fog developed and limited the view to about 50-100 feet.
Saw two other hikers just before Woody Gap. Arrived at Woody Gap at 11:40 AM. My ride was supposed to arrive at noon, but didn't get there until 12:20 PM. On arrival I had put on my fleece vest and ate a couple pop tarts and a Power Bar. Even then I was on the verge of shivering. I was wet from the inside and by stopping my walk was cooling too quickly. No further damage though.
When we got back to the hostel I immediately took a hot shower and put on dry clothes. I feel very comfortable now in shorts and a t-shirt. What a difference.
Tomorrow I will check out of here and get the earliest possible start from Woody Gap to get to either a shelter or to Neel's Gap. Since this will be the first time hauling my full 35 pound pack, and facing four big mountains, I'll just have to wing it on the distance. I think if I take frequent breaks, I can make it to Neel's Gap. We'll see.
This will likely be my last e-mail journal entry for a couple of days. I'll take notes and continue the saga when I get to a computer.
Summary for today--8.3 miles. Total on the trail--19.9.
Date Modified: Thu, May 5, 2005