May 21 - Dodging Rain, an Oops and a Magical Ending

Post date: May 22, 2012 3:01:57 AM

"Five Pair" got off to a decent start in the morning as the weather forecast showed a greater chance of rain as the day wore on so getting miles in early was optimal as the goal for today was Thunder Hill Shelter.

By 4:00p "Five Pair" had been successful in skirting the rain and was within 2½ miles of Thunder Hill Shelter. All that was left on her hike today was a 1000 foot ascent over the next 1½ miles then a short descent to the shelter. As she moved along the trail a hiker going the other way observing her looking a bit worn down by the day's journey asked if she needed some Trail Magic which on the AT is almost always rhetorical. After the affirmative response, the gentleman advised that he was on a bit of a hike but he would be at Thunder Hill Shelter to cook everyone there a pancake dinner.

While the prospect of such an event livened up "Five Pair's" ascent, another decision would cause a bit of delay. Namely, the dreaded unmarked fork. "Five Pair" went right and after a bit of a hike without seeing a blaze, "Five Pair" did the equally dreaded turnaround and worked her way back.

"Five Pair" speaks with great affection for the opportunity to undertake a large ascent at the end of each hike and such was the case today in her 17.2 miles but the drudgery of the task was lightened by the promise of Trail Magic.

Upon her arrival at Thunder Hill Shelter the Magic provider had already arrived and setup and after getting a response to his inquiry as to how he managed to get to the shelter before "Five Pair", this generous bestower of Magic cooked up eggs, pancakes, sausage, provided orange juice and graced the recipients with that utmost of rareties on the AT, ice. Three lady hikers were the thankful recipients of this generous act, "Soho", "Lady Forward" and "Five Pair", as they were served an outstanding version of Trail Magic. Shortly thereafter, husband and wife hikers, "Santa" and "Gnome" came along and enjoyed some as well. This provider of Magic undertakes his version based upon his son's thru-hike of five years ago and his stories and thankfulness of the Trail Magic he had received along the way so this father has since then undertaken to provide a similar courtesy each year.

Ground Control was most happy to hear of this meal as in his recent visit with "Five Pair" he had determined and shared with her that while her AT fitness regiment has resulted a a very fit "Five Pair" it also had achieved about as much leanness as a doctor would prescribe for her so caloric intake needed to increase.

764.7 miles complete/1,419.7 miles to go