I woke up this morning to a steady rain and tried to pack up my tent as quickly as possible. The past hours seemed to be a series of problems: I cut my thumb with my knife (not badly), the backup power bank for my phone, which I had just fully recharged the day before was completely drained, and the spot where I pitched my tent last night was not level and I slid off my sleeping pad throughout the night. So, the rain coming down seemed to be par for the course.
The trail conditions were very bad as the melting ground and ice created a massive mud pit almost the entire way. The video below provides a bit more info on that.
As today was supposed to be a low mileage day, I arrived at the shelter around 1:00 pm and it was almost full with people trying to get out of the rain and fix some lunch. A young man that I met a few days ago, ( Taylor, aka Snapshot) was also in the shelter and he was there with two other young hikers that he had connected with s couple of days ago – Mountain Crusher and Cobweb Rose. We were all soaked to the bone and, long story short, decided to hike another 2.5 miles to an area where we could catch a shuttle into the town of Helen and split two cheap hotel rooms. It was a long slog and slide down the mountain but in the end was well worth it as we all got hot showers, found a local laundry mat to wash and dry our clothes and found a local spot to have a hot meal. So, a great ending to an otherwise challenging day. Tomorrow morning we will catch a ride back to the trail head and continue on.
As we were coming down the last mountain in the mud today, Cobweb Rose suggested my trail name should be “Lucky” as I seemed to be the only one who was not slipping and sliding down the trail. So, I guess Lucky it is. 😊
(Nature shots, Group shot – me (Lucky), Cobweb Rose (Emily), Mountain Crusher (Justin) and Snapdhot (Taylor), Brief video)
And the journey continues… 
Great pictures and love the video and commentary Alan. Glad you’ve a roof over your head tonight. Prayers will continue that the rain abates and the temperature gets better!
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Love your posts and videos Dad, even on the rainy days! You are doing great. I’m glad you got to stay indoors tonight. Lucky is a great trail name, and it suits you having started on St Patrick’s! 🍀
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Lucky….I like it! Working through these bad weather days will make you appreciate the beautiful weather on the horizon. Keep on trekking and
posting!
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I like your trail name, Lucky.
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Love this post. True spirit of the trail! You sound great as well. Up beat and positive.
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Hello Lucky! Better days are coming! Your trek through muddy trails puts a better perspective on getting through mud season in Maine-not as bad for sure. Loved the picture of icicles through moss, beautiful!
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I thought you were going to tell us your trail name was Down Pour! 🙂
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Alan/Lucky – Sounds awful!!! Keep that positive attitude you are doing amazing! Love your trail name, absolutely suits you! We leave Fl. on Sat. anxious to see the kids & grandkids!
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No blisters?? You really are lucky! I’m glad that you’ve met some friends, and I’m impressed how you always find the positives- even in 6 inches of mud! I love reading/watching your blogs! Keep up the great work!!
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