Today was another excellent day. Good hiking, excellent views and beautiful weather. I made it 13 miles here to Cosby Shelter, which is now my 2nd highest mileage day.
It is also the first day in the Smokies where no precipitation has fallen. Actually, the day still has 3 hours left so let’s not make that claim. The day was quite breezy with strong gusts coming from the western and northern sides of the ridges. This made the perceived temperature fluctuate wildly. One minute felt like a warm spring day, the next like an arctic chill.
I’m actually tenting tonight, since the shelter was full when we arrived at 530pm. Who is we? When I took a break at Tri Corner Gap Shelter, I met a hiker named Wizard. (Not White Wizard from Day 3 and 4) He left before me but I ended up catching up to him. We wound up talking while hiking all the way to the shelter.
Wizard is the first ultralight weight backpacker I’ve met. His base pack weight is 10 pounds and he never carries more than about 18 pounds. Impressive! He’s been fun to hike and talk with.
MotMot and Zeeba are at Davenport Gap Shelter tonight which is about 8 miles further on the trail. They only have 4 miles to Standing Bear Hostel, so they’re going straight past. So I’ve missed them on this leg but I’m closing in! They plan on Hot Springs on Sunday, which is just barely doable for me.
My plan for tomorrow is to stay at Standing Bear Hostel. It will be my first hostel stay, so I’m excited!
The wind is whipping up out there and the temps dropping! I’m gonna get all snug in my bag for now. Oh, and the phone signal out here is terrible! That’s why the delay in my daily posts.
Wandering on…
Mojo
I just love keeping up with you on your trip! One of Nick’s friends is behind you by about two weeks! It’s a small world when I have two friends hiking the trail at the same time.
Oh wow! What’s his trail name?
Not sure, but his real name is Nick Dobbs. He’s doing his posting on Facebook.
On the 26th of April, he was on top of Snowbird Bald.
I was just there today so he’s ahead of me! I may have seen him at Standing Bear Farm if he stayed there.
Hi Kelly,
Check out Stephenson’s Warmlite line of lightweight sleeping bags and tents – nylon sailcloth fabrics; I have not looked at these products for over 25 years – they are still in business and have an active website.
Reread Bryson’s trek through the Maine “100 mile wilderness” leading to Katahdin this morning – this is where he quit the Trail. Too many stream/river fords, perpendicular climbs, and stress. Carolinas are your hardening phase.
Bob