On Saturday, 4/7/12, I did another 11 miles into Low Gap shelter and tented with about 20 people. The hiking was easy in the morning, following logging roads and streams, and then there were some wicked climbs up to Poor Mountain. The views were spectacular in every direction. The weather is forecast to remain clear all week long, thank goodness. We ran into two trail angels today handing out Pepsi that said they remember this whole area deep under snow, this time in 2010.
I’m pretty sure the 89 yr. man left the trail. I think he tried to go too far each day. I’ve met a lot of nice people on the trail, most are young, just out of school, but there are a few retired guys, me included,acting like kids again.
I’ve built up a reputation of sorts. When I run into someone new and tell them my trailname, they often say, “Castaway, I’ve heard of you!” I guess it’s because I’m nice to everyone. Oh! I have to tell you how I got the name Castaway but I will save that for next time. It actually came from Karen when we hiked in the Allegheny Nat. Forest.
I did get another air mattress at Mountain Crossing outfitters. It’s called a Neo Air Extreme, even lighter than the one I had (It is the one you used Donna. I think you punctured it on a cactus 😉
I thought Karen gave you the trail name Trudge, and she was Newt. But I think Castaway is better. Sorry about your mattress, but you needed a lighter one anyway, right?