March 13, 2018

12.5 miles

Muskrat Creek shelter (mile 80.8) to Carter Gap shelter (mile 93.3)

Not much to report today. It was a cold, cold, cold, start to the day, but it gradually warmed up.

I made it over standing Indian mountain, which stands at 5478 ft and is the biggest mountains so far, relatively easily. The switchbacks were great, though it took a long time to reach the summit.

I made a joke about it being “all downhill from here” to some other hikers. We all laughed. Then sighed looking at the other mountains ahead.

I managed to nab a spot in the shelter this time. Initially there were eight of us and we were packed in pretty tight. One dude, Kylo (because he looked like Kylo Ren) squeezed in as well. He was going to sleep in his hammock but his underquilt was not warm enough. We all agreed it was a good call to abandon the hammock as it was fecking freezing and he would probably have frozen to death.

I pretty much wore all my clothes under my quilt. We have been hearing that those who started the trail earlier than us got better weather. Ah well, what can you do, save shiver uncontrollably?