Tom Leonard Shelter, Mass., AT NOBO mile 1523.5 Saturday May 24, 2014 — Yesterday we got caught in a cloudburst a mere .4 miles from the shelter. We ambled in looking and feeling like drown rats. Of course nothing dried out overnight.
Today the rain held until five minutes after we reached the shelter. Score one for the good guys. I even had time to fetch water before nature’s tears of joy washed over our obscure encampment.
It was nice to eat under cover while the rain pelted everything around us.
Memorial Day weekend has drawn out the expected crowd. So far we have five at the shelter including a young couple who live in NYC who are tenting. It’s early so more may wash in before the night is over.
Ironies of ironies, everybody but Swayed claims a Maryland connection. Seems we are a crabby but convivial crowd tonight.
After two days of rain, I’ve only got one pair of dry socks besides the ones in which I sleep. The wet socks have generated some nasty rubbing under my toes.
The weather is supposed to be sunny tomorrow, so I’ll wear my last pair of dry socks and hang the wet ones all over my pack to dry out. Let’s hope this is the last of the foot issue.
Massachusetts continues to display stunning scenery and trail bed featuring slick slab rock. This stuff is slick when dry let alone wet. The rains also muddied up the trail a lot. Guess that’s good training for the next state – Vermud as it’s known on the trail.
We also passed the site of the last battle of Shay’s Rebellion.
Early next week we’ll resupply in Dalton, MA where my badly worn boots will be replaced by the ones I wore all winter. The new pair has been sent to Hanover, NH where the real hiking begins.
Thinking of my comrades and all of those who have fallen fighting for our country.
The memorial sure brings home how time marches on…things change…are forgotten. And, hey, I thought you were expecting decent weather! And, this comment from someone who’s walked a millionth of your distance, but are you using liner socks? My understanding is that the friction is then between the liners and the woolies and not between feet and socks. Works great for me…that my supply of Compeed.
Definitely using liner sox. The sox got wet and wrinkled. They’re lighter weight than the winter version which may be part of the problem.
Jim – I just finished my 70-mile section hike today from Springer to Dick’s Creek Gap just short of the NC border. Got soaked yesterday. About two miles from the Tray Mountain Shelter the heavens opened up with thunder, lightening and buckets of rain. Had to pour the water out of my boots when I finally arrived. Today was much different. There was rain around me but my 11 miles were dry. I’m spending the higher in Hiawassee and driving home in the morning. Happy Trails.
Spending the night . . . .
Great news!
I loved the outfitter and the Starbucks there!
Enjoying your blog. Call us when you get into Vermont for an enjoyable stay at Green Mountain House Hostel.
Jeff, We should be there on or about June 2 if our pace remains the same. AWOL’s guide says you’re not open until June 15. GMH is one of the big 3 on the trail along with Woods Hole and Bears Den. Will you be open?