What a difference a day makes. Yesterday was a picture perfect day for hiking, maybe a little to warm. Well, a cold front came in last night and brought major storm with it. This storm brought lots of heavy rain, high winds, and cold temperatures. Not what I thought this section would bring us. It was so bad that many hikers had their tents blow down and hid in the bathroom all night. All those hikers had the ultra light tents. I give Balance credit for talking some sense into me because I too wanted to be an ultra lighter. Not anymore after seeing that. Pretty scary seeing that starting tomorrow we will not have a safe heaven like we did last night at the campground. We held up good in the storm and everything stayed dry. Thanks Balance.
This kickoff party is incredible. 600-700 hikers and volunteers are here. All kinds of trail and gear talks all day long. They have feed us 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. How do you thank such a group. We have made many new hiking friends and have even met a few AT friends from 2011. Onward we go tomorrow and can't wait.
Our AT hiking friend "Snakefarm". We started together on the AT in 2011 on March 30th.
We finished the AT in 2011 with Goldilocks on August 30th.
The gear contest at ADZPCTKO. Where hikers make up their own piece of gear and show it off to the crowd.
Relaxing after dinner with our new hiker friends. Hikers all very interesting people and all have their own stories..
Seems like all are having a good time - even if it also seems none too warm!
ReplyDeleteToday is Sunday - your day to "go onward". We're thinking about you today!
Onward and northward! To Canada!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to see old hiker friends from the AT--makes the party worthwhile.