Again it rains all night, we are expecting the guys so lie awake in anticipation of their arrival. At 6 we start to pack up in the dark, everything is wet and muddy outside. Our Trail Magic happens at 730 when Barry and Greg arrive with coolers filled with fresh coffee they made at the cabin they are staying at. Barry goes around offering coffee at the doors of the tents of other campers, they are in awe, it hits the spot! It is dark here until 730 when the sky breaks with a stunning sunrise. A great omen for the day ahead, we are hoping for less rain.
We 'off-load' much of our wet and dirty gear (called slack-packing, where your pack is carried forward to the next destination) and set off into the beautiful morning. Muscle memory is coming back from the many years of walking long distance trails, it feels good, it feels right to be here, today will be an awesome day! Even though it is the beige/grey of early spring there are remarkable moments of brilliant colour. The forest, yet without leaves, is see-through so we can appreciate the mountains beyond. After walking 3 hours we stop for a quick rest and snack. We want to make haste because the rain is forecast to return in the afternoon.
And return it does, pelting relentlessly, the worst we have had. We just summit Blood Mountain and enter the shelter at the top, the highest peak so far, the skies open. We have 1.5 miles down to Neel Gap where husbands and a cabin with a shower, good food and maybe a beer or two are waiting. No worry about how wet or dirty we get. We are careful not to slip because then the game is over, but we manage to descend in about an hour and see the famous outfitter store at the road. In the tree there are hundreds of pairs of boots and footwear from thru-walkers who have 'thrown in the shoe'! Twenty percent of hikers quit here in Neel Gap. Not us. We wash our clothes, dry tents and bags, enjoy our last wonderful dinner together with husbands for 50 days. We will be off at the break of day.
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HIlary Hampson (Thursday, 12 March 2015 06:59)
You rock!! Way to go girls and keep on trekkin! Thanks so much for the update - it means a lot! Spring has sprung here in Ottawa and snow is melting fast.
Mary Irwin-Gibson (Thursday, 12 March 2015 10:51)
Well done! Great photos! Glad to see the almond cookies made it. Will try to send more for later. So glad there is no snow in those woods!! XO
Sara kearney (Thursday, 12 March 2015 20:53)
Hard start, but keep on walking!
Liz (Friday, 13 March 2015 16:44)
I'm sure hanging up your boots with the others never crossed your minds! Hike on! And thanks for the updates - nicely written and makes me feel like I'm right there with you (sans sore feet).
Anneke of Hollanf (Sunday, 15 March 2015 14:07)
Hallo Anda en Arlene
De kop is er af. Jammer dat er veel regen was, maar we hopen dat het gauw beter wordt. Succes en sterkte met het volgende deel. We blijven jullie volgen.
Anneke en Jan.
Susan Galbraith (Thursday, 19 March 2015 10:19)
I remember that descent down to the outfitter but for the life of me I don't remember the tree with the boots . . . . . probably cuz I was so excited about a shower and picking up our box of provisions that we'd mailed ahead!! Sounds like the weather fairies were not "shining" on you for those first few days . . . . I loved the picture of Arlene with the garbage bags on . . . . . wonder how long she'll be able to keep that up?!?
Have been wondering for days where you are and how you're doing . . . really looking forward to your next chance to post. The weather has been pretty nice up here in Virginia so hopefully it's been better for you guys this week.
Thinking good thoughts for you guys! Walk well and be safe!!
P.S. Can kind of imagine why the freeze-dried yogurt didn't make it to the table *;-)