Iron Mountain Shelter

I had some trouble getting moving this morning, but we finally pulled out at about 10:30. It was a pretty day, but one of those days where I kept getting focused on details. First, it was the caddisfly, which is a mothlike insect on which fish feed. They are also often used as models for flies we tie. Some protect their bodies with cases that are open at both ends.

A little before 5 p.m., we stopped to collect water from a stream identified on my Guthook app. It is about the last water available before Damascus, but even that is a feeble stream. Forest snoozed while I filled our bottles with about 4.5 liters. (Sorry, these screen captures from a video came out a little blurry.)

The following picture illustrates something we see along the Trail with increasing frequency, the longer we hike. People either quit or shed clothing and just leave whatever they no longer need behind. This is definitely NOT part of the Leave No Trace mentality, but when they get to this point, some people just don't care any more...if they ever did in the beginning.

At a little after 6 p.m., we stopped to set up camp at Iron Mountain Shelter. I should only have about 5 miles to go in the morning to get to Low Gap, where my wife is picking me up. I can't wait to see her and my son smiling at me as I come up the Trail. They are going to stay with me until Monday, when I have an appointment with a local veterinarian for Forest to get some shots that are due. This will give us time to figure out what gear I want to keep and what I want to swap out or modify to work better for the miles ahead. My main objective is to get back into a hammock, which is much better for my overall health and will help me sleep better.

I may not be online much while my family is visiting, but I'll get back to you soon!