Day 24

So glad we got in the shelter last night as it rained buckets with strong winds.  We stayed dry but it was cold up at that higher elevation.  Sleeping bags kept us warm and my new pad did not leak.

The bad news is that we hiked in the rain and even a little hail today. It was another weather crazy day.  We left camp late because there was a rumor that the rain would stop later that morning and in fact it slowed down and it looked like it might clear and we got some views.

It didn’t last. The storm rolled back in and temperatures dropped.  It even started hailing!  Winds picked up and were very strong.  Strong enough to push us and make us work to not be blown off the trail.  We could see the clouds blowing right by as we hiked along the ridge.

Then Mother Nature teased us again by slowing the precipitation.  It wouldn’t last.

The trail became a creek and there was no hope in keeping our feet dry.  We slogged on to our destination which was Cosby Shelter.  It was only 7.7 miles so at least it was a shorter hike.  We got there around 2:30 wet and cold but thinking about continuing on given the early hour and slowing rain. Two folks we had been leapfrogging had just left to hike on.  Then we heard the thunder and the skies opened again.  Our decision to stay was easy at that point.  But it was cold.  This is the third straight night we stayed in a shelter and these are the only nights we stayed in shelters so far.

Shelters are three sided structures with one side open to the elements.  This one had a big tarp to enclose the open side.  It also had a fireplace.  Yea.  I got a picture of it the following morning when the weather cleared.

Some dry kindling was left in the shelter and we scavenged wood from the surrounding forest.  We found enough dead wood we could dry and we got a fire going.



Felt good to sit by it to keep warm and out of the rain.  Everyone slept in the shelter and I guess there were about 15 of us including a thru hiking family of 5.  Kids ages ranged from 13 to 7.  Amazing.  Three hikers we have been camping with occasionally, Jimmy Trails, Wheels and Chris (Cousin) were there as well.

The storm is supposed to blow out tonight and we should see sun tomorrow.  We should also finish the Smoky Mountains and May get close to mile 250 sometime tomorrow as well.

Time to sleep.  💤