Day 21: Wet Wet Wet

Starting Point: Locust Cove Campsite (147.6)

Ending Point: Cable Gap Shelter (159.4)

Total Miles: 11.7 miles

Steps: 33,335

Achievements: Didn't Get Hypothermia

Sorry, no pictures today.  It started to rain about 5 a.m. and it didn't stop until it was dark.

The rain was supposed to be light.  It was not. It was supposed to be in the 70's.  It was not. My outer shell was oversaturated.  I was cold.

We reached out lunch spot at noon.  It was a shelter we wouldn't stay at.  I switched to some dry clothes and made some tea to warm up.

We rested for an hour, but we had to move on.  I put my wet clothes back on.  I carry an emergency Coleman poncho.  I broke that out for the afternoon and it did a great job keeping my core dry.

That afternoon hike was some of our best work.  The Sweeper, Dunkeroo, and I covered 6.3 miles in just four hours.  It was rough, slippery, and just pouring.

The average hiker does nine miles a day in this section.  We hiked 11.7 in the most adverse conditions.

Once we reached the shelter, it was full.  Many people just zeroed in place.  I set up my tent, got out of my wet clothes and into some dry ones, and ate candy to get my body temperature back up.  When you work out, your body cools the furnace.  When you stop,and you're cold, you start to shiver almost immediately.

We have just 5.2 miles into town.  We have a place to stay and will resupply and do chores.  It is expected to be sunny for the next week.  We'll hike the first part of the Smokies.