Greasy Creek Friendly
The morning temp was 19 and there was an inch of snow on the ground. McGyver and I hiked slow and steady the whole day only breaking maybe 15 minutes for lunch at Cherry Gap Shelter. The snow was beautiful outlining the details of the all the trees down to the tiniest pine needle.
My strategy of slow and steady with small snacks while walking worked pretty well. I keep warm, often too warm on up hills when repositioned my balaclava or unzipped my jackets to vent heat.
What was remarkable what I had no insulating upper layer, just a wind a rain jacket on top of a t-shirt. On my lower body tights and wind pants. Nearly the whole day my feet were wet due to the mesh like sided of my shoes but my insulated legs kept them warm.
This was important because about 15 miles of the day was spent in 6+ inch deep snow with drifts over a foot in many places. This slowed our pace considerably to less than 2mph. The temp never rose above 30.
It was getting late, my pace was slow due to the snow, and I was concerned my constantly wet cold feet could lead to trench foot. Thus I decided to take the .6 mile detour to a hostel for a warm bed.
Connie, the owner, is a really nice woman who has salads on he menu. Yum.
3 comments:
the weather sure is crazy! Who knew global warming would also create unusual cold spells!
Tim,
It sounds like you are having a fantastic trip. Every time I step outside and complain about the cold, I think of you, and realize it isn't so bad in ol' Chicago! I do love hearing about your daily journeys, it sounds so beautiful you almost make me want to join you, almost! If you know when/where you'll be able to pick up your next package, let me know, I am working on something for you! - Allison
How was the crazy neighbor?
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