4/26/99 Carter Gap Shelter   Miles Today : 12.7 Miles from Springer : 91.1

Original Journal Entry:
This SUCKS.
-Chomp

Revised Journal Entry:
Today started bad, became worse, degraded to horrible and has turned to optimistic. Getting ready from Muscrat Shelter this morning, My tent was wet, it was cold and damp and my muscles were aching from yesterday's trek. So I ate jerky for breakfast, packed everything up wet and headed out. About 5 miles into the days hike the rain started. And I am not talking mist or drizzle or even WARM rain, but a steady cold rain. This means afew different things.

1. you quickly become completely wet
2. There is no convenient place to stop and get a drink or something to eat.
   
3. Its very lonely with rain gear since all you can hear is rain hitting your head...FOR MILES!

Well this was about the fastest 13 miles I have ever hiked and with about a mile to go, the sun came out. WHOO-HOO! I made it to the new shelter with Monk and Wildflower Steve. We all decided to head into town (Franklin,NC) tomorrow for showers, laundry etc... They may take a day off, but I think I will keep going.

Anyway, we got here around 2:30 and the rain has been on and off since then. The temps are dropping but I am dry and happy! This shelter kicks butt and my stuff is slowly drying.

-Chomp

Addendum: Actually, tonight turned into a great night. In addition to the four of us, Heather, Allison and Drive-By (formerly Drive Thru) ended up here. The rain stopped, we got a fire going and stayed up until 10:30. Moon and stars were out and my sleeping bad was mostly dry. Life is again good.

-Chomp

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