May 9. Rain, cold, soggy...trail angle saves the day

Long night in the shelter. People kept coming and we filled every space. We even had someone sleeping sideways at our feet. Backpacks, food bags, and gear everywhere. We are warm and dry enjoying each others company. All is fine until people begin to sleep. There was snoring in stereo, crinkling of air mattresses, people needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night (trying not to step on anyone). It was impossible to sleep through all the escaping body sounds. I do believe I was asleep for a moment when I felt Slow Foot pushing on my back. I moved closer to Mark thinking maybe I was in his space but I still am not sure what that was about. From now on, we will do our best to sleep in our tent for some real sleep.

We began our walk in the fog so we saw little of Grayson Highland. We did come across ponies and some long horned steers. At one point we were walking down the trail and through the fog we see one of these huge steer right in front of us. I suddenly heard some old John Wayne western music play in my head. I was waiting for Mark to pull out a lasso. We felt a bit nervous but took some pictures.

Then the rain and cold breeze hit the rest of the day. The only time we felt warm was when we walked. After 19 miles, we saw a sign for a campground a half mile off trail with 3.00 hot showers. Whoooo, we were off and the rain continued but our day brightened because of a trail angle named Marcia Wikle and her dog Pudy.

Marcia is the camp host. She had towels for us, big fans in the bathroom to dry out our clothes and shoes. After our showers, she brought us grilled tuna sandwiches, two hot coffees, a diet coke, chips and cookies from her home. She offered to loan us her car to drive to theChevron station for pizza and cold drinks. Already over the top in kindness, she offers us to come in to her beautiful home to enjoy our treats. Marcia. Is a retired National Forester who loves biking, kayaking and hiking We then discover her brother lives in our hometown of Clarkston. Ken and Sandy Wikle. Marcia is a incredible woman who I would enjoy getting to know even better. But I feel thankful for the blessing she has been for us this night.

Weather should improve by morning.

For breakfast Sandy delivered a great breakfast to our tent and is going to take our packs to Partnership Shelter. This means we will slack pack (carry water and snacks only in a small pack around our waist) 16.7 miles this morning. Life is good!!