The Weather

It's fickle.
However, looking back to the start of this hike, I've been fortunate. It's rained only a handful of times during the day. The rest have been sunny or overcast. Most of the rain has been at night; and usually it was bad thunderstorms. But I knew the days of good weather wouldn't last. They never do. I knew I would eventually be in for a week or more of crappy weather. Well, it's here! And it looks like it might be here to stay...? I hope not! I switched out my winter sleeping bag to my summer bag and I've been cold at night! The sun and warmth needs to return!
I haven't seen the sun in about a week or more. It's rained a part of the day every day for the past week. I routinely pack away a wet and muddy tent. My trail runners don't dry out. My pack is moist. In fact, everything is moist. Eww.. All of that "moistness" coupled with the infamous "thru-hiker smell"... it's not pleasant.
This past week was full of situations such as this one: I'm hiking along and see a sign that says "view." I glance to my left or right and all I see is fog and blowing mist. I keep hiking without hardly breaking my stride. A little further down the trail, the trail has been transformed into a stream with mud that easily comes up to my trail runner laces. My footing is unsure and my feet slide in whatever direction they wish. The trail is marked with long skid marks of unfortunate souls that wipe out. I almost become one of them but remain upright all day.
That was last week in a nutshell. Now I'm at Woods Hole Hostel. What a retreat--and a sight! This retreat serves both hikers and non-hikers. Hikers are mingling with guests that drive up from the city to enjoy this hostel. I just love being exposed to all of these different ways of living, such as what is practiced here at Woods Hole. Neville & Michael emphasize and practice sustainable living, bee keeping, yoga, meditation, and rejuvenation. I have received my massage thanks to Neville and now I'm listening to some good folk music. Soon I will cook my own wood-fired pizza. Yum!

Wet and soupy trail...