It did rain as promised over night but no thunderstorms. Didn't look at the thermometer as it was a pretty comfortable temperature in the morning.
Up at 645 since a lot of folks were getting an early start. Didn't feel too rushed myself, just had my coffee and oatmeal before heading out.
Hiking today was along a ridge with only one down/up around the 6 mile mark. I stopped at a spring to get some water and take a little break.
In the back country its best to filter or treat all water. I use this setup to make filtering easier. Here's a photo of it in action.
Passed Crazy B early on. She had hiked all the way from Springer Mountain but lately was having a lot of leg pain. Sounds like she may take a little time off to heal up. That's a hard decision to make, I've been there.
Played leapfrog in the afternoon with the other hikers. The biome has changed and now there are more rhododendron bushes providing some green to the brown world.
Arrived at Rausch Gap Shelter just as the afternoon rain showers decided to start. Based on the forecast it looks like a cold front is coming through with this rain leading the way.
The shelter is strange, perhaps built on the foundation of an old house? It does have a fun water feature though.
No bear box or cables, so I had to do a bear hang for my food. Logbook indicated mice in the shelter. Some of the others decide to tent, I chose to do the same.
Chatted some more with Blowtorch over dinner. Tonight was my first of the Knorrs sides, a rice pilaf with mushroom flavor. Not bad. Desert was the standard peanut butter and M&M's. As I ate two more rain showers blew in, had their fun, and left.
Had a peaceful night in the tent.