April 22...the weather outside is frightful

Joe picked us up in Hot Springs and we spent two wonderful nights in Ashville. Went to Jack in the Woods for dinner with Joe and Caitlin listening to cowbilly music. This morning we were back to Hot Springs to meet Rosanna and Robin and begin the next section of our hike. We picked up our delivery which had surprise cupcakes made by Kendra mmmmmmmmmm.

Headed up the mountain and the temperature began to drop. We had heard talk of snow. Next, the rain starts pouring down. At times it looked like sleet. If we can get to the shelter in 11 miles, all will be fine. Ahhh, the shelter that sleeps eight has 14 or so people all squeezed in layers. The picture I took only shows a part of this shelter. Others are coming along realizing there is no room. Two choices are available. Hike six more miles to the hostile or set up our tents in a mile and a half. We agree on hostile.

We are hiking fast because the weather is only getting worse. With the thick mud on the trails, there are times I feel like I am using my skiing skills. I hear a yell behind me. Because of a switchback, I have a view of Robin who has taken a slide off the trail and is hanging onto a bush to keep herself from sliding down the side of the mountain. Mark threw off his pack to go help when another man came along and helped her up.

We got the last bunk and spaces on the floor of the bunkhouse at the hostile owned by Fred and Hatie. It is suppose to snow tonight. I took a picture of the bunkhouse from my bed. Tonight we are thankful to be indoors.