(Daily Mi: 12.2) Just terrible f-ing weather this morning.

I have seen worse, but only because it was higher up and colder. Outside of that I don't think it has ever rained more and as steadily as it did for hours at a time.

I gave Chris a two hour head start mainly because I didn't feel like getting out of my sleeping bag. I didn't actually catch him before the second shelter. I follow him in by about 15 minutes which surprises him but not me.

I really wanted to continue on 2.5 miles to the roadhead and spend the night in Hiawasee.

Chris who is only out for a few days wanted to stay at the shelter, which is understandable.

Except he doesn't understand how many days it has been since I last took off my socks and how much food their is in Hiawasee, and how there are supposed to be hot tubs at the Holiday Inn Express in Hiawasee that can warm you through to the bone.

God I am cold, wet and hungry. The rain has become intermittent, but not completely absent. It is at least four hours to dark.<br /> <br />There is a drug treatment group camped in clearings around but out of sight of the shelter where their 3 counselors have set up shop. Someone is having an episode and slamming a branch loudly against a tree.

The counselors seem like nice enough people, but it doesn't seem like an especially appropriate use of AT resources (or particularly safe for the participants)

Also, they have clothes dryers in Hiawasee. I am sure of it.<br />