(Daily Mi: 12.1) Just so insanely cold, wet and miserable today. I know I am whinging. So be it. I was in serious physical pain for most of the day. Soaked to the bone in cutting winds on open summits.

I hope the damage to my hands is not permanent. Cannot operate a pen or lighter.

Met a group of section hikers huddled for dear life in a stone tower on top of Siler. They had been out for one and a half days and were desperately trying to arrange evacuation via cell phone. They looked as whipped as I felt and wished me well as I headed back out into the relentless downpour.

It will be in the 20s again tonight. Kind of a grim shelter, but despite its name about 1500' down from the summit. In with two Georgia boys who are rolling up big spliffs of home grown marijauna. I decline the ragweed but accept several shots of cheap tequila that at least help me get to sleep.