It rained off and on all night. Packing up added extra weight as most of my gear is so wet. There’s nothing much worse than putting on wet pants, wet shirt and wet socks! Yuck. But on the bright side, the sun is suppose to show up sometime today.

After getting a bit turned around, the nice boys at the shelter pointed me northbound. And off I went, up to Poplar Ridge. It was a few good boulders to get me to the top, but no view as the clouds still haven’t lifted. I looked around anyhow, then went on my way. Today’s excitement is the upcoming river crossing. Hikers have stated that it’s about thigh high and flowing fairly well. I’m hoping to find another hiker to navigate it with. Probably one of the biggest issues on this trail is getting knocked off your feet when crossing a river. Last year, there was a hiker about my age who went missing and they found him a week later, about a mile down river.

A hiker cruised past me as I was within 1/2 mile from the water crossing. He was my guardian angel sent from God above. He might not have known that but I was praying for a big strong man or woman, to be with me as I crossed. Prayer answered. As I made it down, he was across and gave me the lay of the land. I walked up river, and without a second thought, made it across without much ado. Wet, but safe. Thank you Angel.

Once across, I sat and had a hot lunch and coffee. I left this morning without much to eat and planned to enjoy my lunch along the river. No sun to speak of, just a light drizzle. But the sun will come out, I kept telling myself. After my Asian Chicken and Rice with hot coffee, I was ready to start the climb out of the canyon. It would be my big climb of the day, up to Poplar Ridge.

Today I had to get real about my mileage. After talking with a few of the hikers, mostly thru-hikers, no one is tackling much more than ten or so miles. Mostly due to the big climbs and the non-cooperating weather. The rocks are so slippery and the route is your typical AT fare. Lots of boulders, rocks and mud. Just like last year. I’m not sure why I thought this section would be any different?

But when I reached Poplar Ridge, there was this bright yellow light in the sky called sun! Oh, I am so happy to see you again. I stopped and admired it for a bit of time, which allowed Red Squirrel and Not so Fast to catch up. Not so Fast celebrated his birthday yesterday climbing over The Horn and Saddleback in the rain. I just had my birthday the day prior so we congratulated one another for spending our birthdays doing something literally unheard of for a good time!

Luckily I made it to camp while the sun was still shining and scurried around to find a level piece of ground to place my tent. This is home for the night. Once all set-up, I hunkered down and called it another successful day on the trail. Still no falls, just a few intended butt slides down the boulders. And that’s a wrap!

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭

I love when I meet Godly people on the trail. It reminds me of His purpose for me. The intention He has when I stepped into his Creation, to reveal in how beautiful, how difficult, and how glorious it can be. This is tough stuff out here, and honestly I’ll be glad to say adios to this trail. But it has definitely placed me where He wants me to be, so that I totally and completely put my trust in Him.