6/1/12 – 667 miles
Sometimes during the day I would meet up with Kleenex and hike with her for a while, but sometimes people need space and time alone. This was one of those days. When you get used to walking alone for weeks at a time, the pressure of conversation and compromise of hiking style can sometimes be trying. I realized that she needed some space for a while and I walked on ahead.
It was quite a long climb up to Laurel Creek Shelter and the weather deteriated throughout the afternoon. I met a day hikers a couple of miles from the shelter who told me there was a tornado warning issued for the area. I decided to say in the shelter that night rather than risk a falling tree in my tent. The rain started as soon as I retrieved water and climbed into the shelter. Kleenex arrived shortly after and no more issues with the weather bothered us that night.