May 16: Laurel Creek Shelter
 
Miles Today : 18.5
Total Miles : 112.9

What a thunderstorm, WOW! Last night was seriously the biggest thunderstorm that I have ever seen. It absolutely poured and the lightening and thunder kept going for over four hours. At one point, for about an hour, the lightening hits were coming faster than one every five seconds. It was a seriously awesome display of nature and all of us stayed up late watching the show.

I was very glad to be in the shelter, this morning everything was completely soaked and those who were tented out did not fare too well. Everyone was a little slow to get moving this morning myself included. I figured that another easy day would do my feet and body well, so I only planned on an 18 mile day. Already, I was feeling much better from just a few extra hours of rest yesterday. My shoulders feel great, my legs had a little peep and my feet have improved.

I hiked with Springer for the first half of the day. Taking with him for a while really made the miles fly by. Springer is a college-aged kid that lives in Virginia and is heading back to college in Florida at the end of the summer.

For the second half of today, I hiked with Shilo. He is a 57 year old retired lawyer that just recently gave up his practice. We had a great conversation about on religion and life on our way down the ridge. He has three sons and one of them is married to a strict Southern Baptist. His son has since converted, and has tried to force his view on others. We had quite an interesting conversation for about an hour or so before I got to the shelter.

Here at Laurel Creek, it looks like another packed shelter night. Terry, Lorie, Story Teller, Colonel, Angry Jack and Lillipop are hear already. More hikers are expected to be on the way, so we could be quite cramped here tonight. The rain has just started to fall again.

-Chomp

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