It's been a pretty tough day, but it's hard for me to complain too much with so many sick people around. Of course I happened to be one of those people last night. I woke up 3 times to get sick, thankfully not in my tent. Please, oh please, never in my tent.
By morning my stomach had mostly settled, but I got no sleep and was now severely dehydrated. I went back to sleep after a small breakfast and some water. I woke at 11am and everyone had left camp except for Waldo, who had also gotten sick last night as well.
Before I could pack up Merry and Sweet & Sour walked by, Merry also just starting to feel ill.
I set out at noon with little hope of catching up to Mr. Fantastic. I fumbled my way down the mountain, which was actually quite an easy hike, only to miss my turn and waste time and energy. I added about 1.5 miles to my hike, and wasted 45 minutes. Backtracking up the mountain I finally found the correct path. I decided to aim for the first shelter, 5.4 miles from my last shelter, and see how I felt.
I stopped at the empty shelter for a long rest, and brief snack. My stomach still didn't want too much food, but I kept hydrating. After staying long enough to feel bored and a little bit energetic, I set out again. I just planned for 2 more miles to the next shelter, as it was already 4:30pm. Once I made it to the side trail, going the wrong way twice, I added another mile to my wasted energy.
I had heard good things about this shelter, and had even seen pictures of it online before I came out here. It's a repurposed barn that can hold 20 people. Add onto that the absolutely spectacular view from the bunk (can't wait for sunrise!), and a lady who brought some trail magic, and you have the makings for a great evening.
My neighbors on the sleeping platform are a father and daughter with 3 dogs. On the next platform over is Merry and Sweet & Sour, Merry feeling worse. Upstairs is a cavalcade of elderly war story telling gentlemen, as well as Waldo, who is also feeling slowly better.
Our trail magic for the evening was a cooler with Pepsi and beer, as well as a trash bag to dump our extra trash weight. Little things become big things out here.
I'm 6 miles shy of Mr. Fantastic, if he hiked to where we discussed. Tomorrow was supposed to be a quick hike into town to resupply and out. I'm not quite sure what tomorrow will hold now. I'm hoping to feel 100 percent early in the morning, and set off right after sunrise in an attempt to catch up. Plans have a way of evaporating out here though, so we'll see what happens.
