Day 28 Heading to Bald Mountain Shelter Mile 327

I was awoken by the red glow of someone getting up
“Shelter etiquette” if it’s dark you put on your red light so you do not blind people, But that red glow was still bright
I dozed until 5.30 then decided that I too would get up. I put on my shoes visited the loo, grabbed water then let down my food bag. I was pack and on the trail by 6.45
It was chilly, but I would soon warm up as stomped off down the trail. I had dreaded my first climb , but to my amazement it was not that big and I was soon at the top and in a lush meadow. The trail was level and a joy to walk along that made me annoyed that I didn’t carry on last night.
AS the trail was so “perfect it wasnt long until I arrived at the next shelter and was surprised to see that Tentless was just leaving.
” If I had known that the trail was going to be this good I would have gone on last night ” I said
I stopped to grab water , before setting off after him, but as he’s got long legs and fast I doubt if I would catch him
As I pounded down the trail, I caught sight of bears backside as he crashed down through the bushes. i was pleased with my first sighting but i want to see more.
I pushed on in until I needed to take a break I scoffed a packet of peanuts and some skittles.
Next I had a big climb, which would be endless and steep. Thankfully most of it was in the shade, a little way up there was a beautiful waterfall so I paused for breath and a few photos before continuing on and up. eventually I emerged out into a lovely meadow but still the trail still continued to climb.
Why is the AT so so steep ? i asked myself and the answer was because it is
I climbed for most of the morning and into the afternoon until at last the trail began to spiral down through a cool forest. I pushed on until i arrived at a sign pointing out the way to the next shelter.
I decided to haed to the shelter take lunch and get water as i ade my way down the blue blazed trail i ran into Tentless and Red stripe who once againwere just leaving ,
“I may catch you later and Stay safe” I said and continued on down the trail
I arrived at the shelter at 2pm , and had completed 16miles which i was very pleased with.
At the shelter, was Tripod and 2 other hikers.
“Where is the water| I asked.
“Its miles away and shitty” was the reply.
But I needed water so set off with my bottle bladder and cup. It was indeed a long walk and no, it wasn’t good water but I needed it. 10 minutes later, I was on my way back.
I made a brew and ate a late lunch. I was just packing up when it began to rain so quickly packed up my things and put my pack cover on and rain jacket then i was ready.
I hoisted my pack and set off, the next shelter was 10 miles away, could I do that ?
THe trail was soon climbing once more and so it wasn’t long before I was overheating so had to stop to remove my coat.
For the next 5 miles the trail was a gentle roller coaster then as I was decending once more I spied Tentless and his new companion. I waved and carried on. but as soon as I had passed them the trail became a nightmare it was muddy and very slipperyinued up for the next 5 miles. and it was muddy and slippery.
I pushed on through but was beginning to tire. so stopped to check my map, But wished I hadn’t as the shelter was still miles away. I put on my headphones, turned-up the volume and pushed on struggling with this mud.
Another hiker appeared “not far snail” he said as be passed by.
But it was!!, If I had enough water I would of stopped but i hadnt as i climbed up another hill . I emerged on a hilltop with amazing views all around. wow the views were stunning , but i was tired and needed to get to my target so reluvtanly pushed om and back to more climbing.
I continued for another hour until I saw a hiked on the opposite hill.
“Fuck Noway ” I said to myself.
I quickened my pace but I was knackered, as I charged across the meadow as the other Hiker disappeared from view.
“It’s just too far” I said to myself. taking a huge slurp of lemonade.
I pushed on and began to slowly crawl up the hill following the blazes across another meadow,then another before at last i was begining to decend,
Arrhh but the decent was slippery mud , and i had to grasp hols of tree branches to stop myself from falling over. It was scary.
I was so so pleased , when a sign to the shelter appeared, and made myway down the trail. There were about a dozen people sat around the fire. and several more in the shelter .
I said my hellos , then went to find a tent spot.
I quickly put up my tent before grabing my food and stove and walking back towards the shelter .I put on a brew ,then made supper. hung my food .made hot chocolate then went to bed