Schmitty's Place: Sunrise another day

9 November 2018 Friday (day late due to no service)

No sunrise No problem

Awoke early this moring, it was still dark. I checked the weather to see when the rain would arrive. Looked like noon. I decidded to get up a first light pack and see if i could make the next shelter 10 to 11 miles away.

So it starts to get light, but no sunrise. Not today, here. I am sure the sun rise could be seen elsewhere. The great thing is, the sun is still up there keeping earth warm. Just because you don't see something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I was thankful for a dry morning, packed quickly. I wanted to beat the rain. Nevertheless, I put on my rain jacket, rain kilt in my pocket, and rain cover on the pack.

I was about half way when I ran into Dorothy and Toto near Yellow spring. Seriously you can't make this up. She was SoBo headed to Georgia. I won't even touch yellow spring. She informed me there is a beaver pond just past the shelter. I guess I'll be knee deep in the beaver pond.

Shortly after that it started to rain. It was on and off drizzle at first. Then the skies opened up. It is funny how we like to keep our feet dry. I was rock hopping and bushwacking to keep my feet dry. Kept thinking I could beat the rain. Now my feet are soaked and I trudge right through the water. Some water was ankle deep.

As time ran into hours the rain pentrated the rain gear and I was getting damp. I was in need of dry clothes and warmth before hypothermia grabbed hold. As long as i kept moving I'd be okay. I was losing feelings in my fingers. The soaking wet gloves weren't cutting it.

I finally reached the shelter, and none to soon. No one was there but it wouldn't have mattered. I stripped down and hun my clothes on a line that was already there. I put on dry clothes and my down puffy. I set up my hammock, underquilt, and sleeping bag. The crawled in to get warm. It probably took 30 minutes. I had hummus and pita for lunch, in bed. I also ate the other Rxbar left the the trail angel a day or 2 ago. That got me warm enough to get going.

I got up and got my stove out for a hot beverage. I like to add a little jello to hot water. It is a nice warm pick me up. I got my things ready for bed, night would be here soon. I heated water for dinner. Tonight was a gourmet meal. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, chicken, gravey and mixed vegetables. For desert warm chocolate pudding. I feel like a million bucks.

Hung my food and grabage to keep it away from rodents. All my garbage for the week fits in a quart ziploc bag. It is also great having a lighter pack. I am done to the bare minimum of food. Tomorrow i come off the trail at Swarta Gap.

I tried to sen Sharon a message to bring warm dry clothes and food. For some reason I have a hankering for a PB & J. No cell service here so no text. Also no blog post. I'll post this when i get service. I am fueled, in a warm bed, and dry. I am thankful for another wonderful day and to be in out of the pouring rain. This trip helps remind me to be thankful for the small things in life. Running water, hit or cold, warm house, but most of all great family and friends.