April 4, 2000 -- Day 4
Destination: Near Wood's Hole Shelter
Today's miles: 10.5
Trip miles: 26.6

The six of us who were packed snuggly into Gooch Gap Shelter last night had ourselves a giggle fit before bed. Contrary to reports of booming mouse populations at the shelters, we saw only one cute little specimen as it ran out of Grandma Sylvia's stove bag. And, amazing as it might sound, there wasn't a snorer in the group.

The light of dawn brought with it a break in the rain, which lasted long enough for us to pack up and begin hiking. Soon afterwards, the precipitation resumed, then the wind started blowing and hail pelted me in the face. As I climbed and the mountain angled steeply downward to my right, a break in the fog allowed me to catch a glimpse of the tree-covered slopes below. The sun made brief appearances throughout the afternoon, between periods of sleet and snow, but the wind was constant and cold. Though much of my gear is damp, my spirits are not. I'm happily surprised at how well I've done so far. I have no blisters, no aches to speak of, and much more energy on the ascents than I would have expected.

Joker, Marie and I found the wet and muddy remnants of a campsite on a mountaintop. Looked like someone hadn't fared so well during the storm two nights ago. A large tarp and groundsheet, food wrappers, a sleeping bag and foam pad, pans, and a drenched cotton t-shirt and socks were scattered near an overlook. We wondered what had happened to the person who'd left the stuff behind in what appeared to be a hurry.

We reached Wood's Hole Shelter just as conditions worsened. There was no room at the inn--at least none that anyone was eager to make--so we retraced our steps on the 700-yard side trail from the shelter back to the A.T. and found a place to camp. We helped one another set up our tents in the frigid wind. "We" now includes a man from Connecticut called Grumpy, who isn’t grumpy at all. Joker boiled water for everyone, then he, Marie and I piled into my two-man tent for a cramped but cozy dinner. Marie and I have decided to put our gear in her tent and sleep in mine so we'll be warmer. Joker said he'd squish in if he gets cold.

Short anecdote before I go....

When I was a child, my mom and I had this little ritual with which we’d amuse ourselves, not to mention bug my dad. When something good happened or someone said something positive, we'd sing a high-pitched, "Yyyaayyy!" When something not-so-great happened or was said, we'd respond with a guttural, "Boooo!" Car trips were much more fun for Mom and me, as we responded to everything my poor father said. Each time Dad made a comment, no matter how insignificant, a loud "Yyyaayyy!" or "Boooo!" would follow, and then I'd laaaaugh. The reason I share that is because I've found myself doing the same thing--although most often silently--as I hike. As the weather changed throughout the day or a bird tweetled or a hawk soared overhead or mud splashed up on my leg, I yayed and booed, then laughed out loud.

Well, it's time to hunker down in my sleeping bag. Blood Mountain is tomorrow, followed by laundry, a shower, and resupplying at Neel's Gap.

--Ramkitten