May 9 - Wet

Post date: May 10, 2012 4:39:06 AM

"Wet" adj \ˈwet\ : consisting of, containing, covered with, or soaked with water

The hikers companion of yesterday rejoined them and was a constant presence making the day on the AT an exercise in slogging similar to the prior day with the added joy of cooler temperatures and wind accompanied by mud and slippery rock. The hikers bumped into "Gypsy Soul" today and they may meet up with her tomorrow and hike a bit together.

"Gypsy Soul" began her hike with "Barefoot" who unfortunately, struck her foot on a rock and had to leave the AT due to a broken bone. "Barefoot" is recovering at home and when healed, will rejoin "Gypsy Soul" through to Katahdin and then "Barefoot" and "Gypsy Soul" will return to the prior stopping point for "Barefoot" so that "Barefoot" can hike the approximately six weeks of the AT that she missed during her recuperation so that she can complete her thru-hike.

The destination today for the hikers was the AT’s intersection with US Highway 21 and 52 where "Austin’s" Mom had dropped her car prior to joining the hikers in Atkins. So after 17 miles on the day, the hikers loaded into "Austin’s" Mom’s car and made their way to dry, warm accommodations that Ground Control had arranged in Wytheville with the timing being fortuitous on account of the foul weather, the hikers have been wet for two days and they can dry out their gear, wash can be done and more importantly, "Austin" can rest as she was struck by illness during the hike today; the first illness for either "Austin" or "Five Pair" while on the AT.

The three hikers enjoyed their last dinner together as "Austin’s" Mom will depart tomorrow and the venue was a Cracker Barrel where "Five Pair" described gleefully the feast of chicken and dumplings followed by an apple praline dessert.

586.9 miles complete/1,597.5 miles to go