[at-l] AT Hike: Day 4

[ARTCLOUTMN at aol.com (ARTCLOUTMN@xxxxxxx)]

Wednesday, 03/12/03  Jarrard Gap      8.5 miles

    John and I awoke about 7:00 AM, but Regan had a slow start today.  She 
wanted to reorganize her pack.  We did not leave camp until after 9:30 AM.  
Regan told us to leave without her but we did not want to do that.  We knew 
we were eventually going to part but John and I both felt it was too soon.  
The temperature rose quickly from 55 degrees to 75 degrees as we hiked over 
Granny Top.  We passed several groups of college students on spring break.
    Some great views today.  We stopped often on the trail to take it all in. 
  Regan was complaining about chafing from the hip belt on her backpack.  I 
loaned her my full size pack towel to tuck into her hiking pants to help 
protect her skin from the chaffing.  I always bring this camp towel but never 
use it as a towel.  It has been used several times by different people to pad 
various part of the anatomy.  
    We did not make it to Wood?s Hole Shelter as planned.  Instead we camped 
at Jarrard Gap where we met several of our hiking friends setting up camp for 
the night.  The family of Three - Lynnette ?Lanetblanc?(whitenose), Aubrey, 
and Kelly Rae ?Lil Monkey? - were camped here when we arrived.  We crossed 
paths with them several times during the day.  They tend to move faster than 
we do but stop more often and for longer periods of time.
    Regan had a great day with the pack towel.  No more chaffing or bruising. 
 She really moved out on level ground and cranked on the ups.  She ran out of 
steam about 3:00 PM so we found a stream and stopped for some dinner.
    It is 8:46 PM.  Warm about 60 degrees.  Jennifer is sleeping in her 
hammock tonight.  Sky is clear.  Good night.