The trail passes over Big Butt Mountain where I saw the Shelton Grave site. It was an ominous site, three lone head stones facing each other on a grassy flat off the trail. On July 1, 1863 the three family members including Millard Haire, age 13 was gunned down by confederate soldiers at their Laurel home. The Shelton's were Union Soldiers sent to recruit locals for the North. Every year on July 1, there is a memorial service held here for the slain.
After hiking 16 miles, I arrived at the a Flint Mountain Shelter around 1830. The weather was cool and clouds were visible. By 1930 I was in my sleeping bag. At 0030 I was woken up by the cold feeling of snow blowing across my face. I soon realized that my sleeping bag and the inside of the shelter was covered by one inch of snow. I made a quick decision to spread out my tent shell and climb into it to act as a bivi cover. I would soon realize this could have been a fatal mistake. Throughout the night, the tent acted as an insulator. However did not breath properly causing a deep build up of condensation ultimately soaking every inch of my down sleeping bag and clothes. The temps dropped to the teens. I would lay shivering the remainder of the night hoping my body heat would warm the wetness. By day break, I was a mess...
I recognized the signs and symptoms of First Stage Hypothermia have set in, nearing stage two. Severe dehydration, weakness, headache, poor decision making, aching bones and stiffness. I had a hard time packing my gear. My hands and fingers were stinging numb. Once I gathered my gear, I started the 2.9 mile hike in the snow to Devils Fork Gap. I knew there was a road there and may be able to seek help.
Yesterday, Rash and Collin, slack packed this section and would arrive by shuttle to Devils Gap Fork by the folks at Hemlock Hollow. I made several desperate phone calls to the hostel. The hostel owner said her son would soon be there with Rash and Collin. Approximately one mile from the Gap. I was met by Rash and Collin. They rushed to my assistance. Rash carried my pack to the Gap and Collin brought me water. I was never so happy to see them and so very grateful. I was extremely weak and thought about resting on the trail. But I knew that would be bad so I persisted on. I was given a ride back to the Hemlock Hollow were the owners helped me and offered medical services. I declined and insisted on just sleeping in a warm bed. I slept most of the day, it is now 1900. I plan to stay here tomorrow night also to be sure everything is ok with me.
I still feel very nauseous.
There is no cell service here. Only wifi in the front office, a ways away from the bunkhouse.
So far I have hiked 309.5 miles....
