Journey Day 196 | AT Day 19

I hiked with frozen knees back down into the rhododendron.

4/9/86

From cold morning, hike on as sun comes out. At Groundhog Shelter, begins to snow, then clears, then snow and sun. Read, add to journal, push on after hot drinks. Cold hiking leads to Max Patch Bald, where megawinds blow me around. I persevere, almost savor adversity. Frozen knees down into rhododendron, still cold. More clothing for creek hike.

Snow, blowing as I hike up to Walnut Mountain Shelter. Bad water, ready to hike on when Jack appears after 45 miles in two days. Enthused by his ability, we pitch on angled platform for freezing night. Orgiastic feasting on his town foods, then cold into tents.