Spence Field Shelter - Double Spring Gap Shelter
So yesterday I thought the gauntlet was thrown. Turns out I was wrong. We passed 6 thru-hikers in two separate shelters, who decided to take a 0 day instead of hiking in this weather. Of course, we hike 13 miles in the most outrageous conditions. (Freezing rain, 40mph wind gusts, trails running like creeks). Rocky Top was awesome. The wind was blowing us around. Also, I have once again reached the conclusion I need more food. We also made 2.0mph over sloppy, sloppy terrain and against rain and wind. Gear ended up performing quite well. Learned that "waterproof" is a relative term. It is also amazing what goes through your head when you walk through a storm on a mountain.
Stayed night in a shelter with a group of Spring Breakers from Michigan. Worse shelter experience so far. These are the type of people that need to be rescued or else die in the Smokies in bad weather- completely unprepared.
Professor
Trail Magic List as of DAY 14
1. Blood Mountain Pedicure, which included heated rocks, sunset, stars, airing out of feet
2. Honey Bun Fanta Boosters (set there by Trail Angels)
3. Discussion with Brian the Ultra-lighter
4. Magical walking stick for Coach (after foot stone bruise)
5. Lunch on Standing Indian Mtn with Treebeard and Stormsong, first learned about pantyhose
6. Hiking enthusiast couple at NOC
7. Fontana- Manager Mike and Moonpie's Chili
8. Kentucky Grey Beard and stories of ridgerunning
9. Old guy at Mollie's Ridge Shelter with two artificial knees that gave Coach a knee bandage wrap brace for his bum left knee
10. Dan @ Spence Field Shelter, gave us chicken soup and hospitality after spirits were low becuase of initial blow by the Smokies
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