This post is part of a series that was originally written during our 2012 section hike on the AT. To read all of the entries, click here.
Originally written 4/23/12
Day 17
Cable Gap Shelter (mile 159.2)
As expected, we woke up to snow on our tent this morning. I was really hoping to avoid snow all together, but I guess it’s not a thru-hike without at least one cold, snowy night.
We stayed in our tents until 10am trying to let the air warm up and finally rolled out of camp at 11:15am. There were a few good climbs, but mostly it was easy miles and we did 15.2 in about 6 hours with one lunch break. We managed to avoid the group from yesterday who stopped one shelter before us and tonight’s crew is calm and fun.
The couple from Chicago, Guy Line and Bearcub, are here tonight as well as another guy from Chicago (Waldo) and a guy from Downers Grove too (Hot Wheels) – small world!
It was nice to do bigger miles again today. I was antsy for it and surprisingly felt great all day, with only minor foot pain towards the end. I even started to pick up my downhill pace a little.
Tomorrow should be a quick 5 miles into Fontana where the dog will get picked up. I have mixed feelings about boarding him for the week. I like that he will have a week off to rest, but I hate that I haven’t seen the place that he will be staying. I need to know that he will be comfortable and cared for. I will be nervous the whole time and will definitely call whenever I can to check on him.
Tonight is supposed to be cold again, but thankfully not snowing. I don’t think I can take that again. At least tonight we were able to stand by the fire and socialize for a minute before bed. It’s cold, but not like last night. Brrrrr.