Today was the rainiest day we've had yet. My shoes were still soaked, as were one of my two pairs of socks, so my dry socks went into my wet shoes. My feet were clammy within 3 minutes of setting out.
The trail became a dangerous deluge, the large trail rocks turning to stepping stones in a rushing stream. Today I failed in my goal to finish the trail having not fallen once. Of course I almost fall about 10 times a day, but this time I finally landed.
My clothes soaked through, my shoes filled with water as I sloshed through 6 inch deep water, and my guidebook became inexorably waterlogged.
I finally caught up with Mr. Famtastic at the road marking the 8 mile point we had planned. We both said that we wanted to stay at the Standing Bear hostel, but as we quickly discovered it wasn't for another 3 miles. He stopped to eat a Cliff bar, but I refused to even open my pack in this heavy rain and trudged on.
By the time we only had a mile to go the rain had let up for once. We passed by Master Splinter, reunited with his dog Bruce now that the Smokies were behind us, on our way to the hostel.
We paid the 20 bucks to stay in the little cabin. It's an amazing place; a little hiker oasis tucked away off the trail and highways. I got a warm shower, and purchased some provisions. We even cooked up a frozen pizza for dinner.
I finally got to weigh myself, and at 26 days in I've dropped 8 lbs. That's about what I expected in the beginning, as getting into shape changed my shape a bit. Now I just have to maintain the weight I have for the next few months, or become a skinny wreck. As CVS joked, Christian Bale prepared for his role in the Machinist by hiking the AT.
Our time at the hostel here has been comfortable and great, definitely worth the stop. We were even rejoined by Tapeworm, Dick Flap, and Stonechair. Meta and Optimus are still behind us by a shelter, but will probably catch up tomorrow.
Just a few more days until we reach Hot Springs for a proper resupply. Now that we finally have dry feet again, and the ethereal promise of dry weather, maybe the hikes can keep as upbeat as Mr. Fantastic's mood.
