Shelter From the Storm (ECT Days 74)

8 Acorns Hostel  Zero Day

“I was burned out from exhaustion, buried in the hail

Poisoned in the bushes an’ blown out on the trail

Hunted like a crocodile, ravaged in the corn

Come in, she said

I’ll give ya shelter from the storm.”

– Bob Dylan’s “Shelter From The Storm” (1975)

Yesterday, I called 8 Acorns Hostel and asked to be picked up at the entrance to Cheaha State Park. I also went ahead and booked it to stay two nights. Zero day for Stevie and Sumi! It’s kind of baffling to me, but I think this is just my third zero day of the journey so far. The first was around Orlando when I was having blisters problems and the second was to attend the Florida Trail Fest. Please call me out if you think of another!

I commandeered the “Grandpa” mug during my stay.

The reason for taking a rest day here and now is pretty simple. There’s a massive storm system rolling this way. Last night there was supposed to be a thunderstorm, but being inside, I honestly don’t know if it hit or not. The main event was supposed to come through later this evening and overnight. The Governor of Alabama apparently declared a state of emergency and we’d be under a tornado watch for a lot of it. So yeah, I wasn’t too keen to be out hiking or out in my tent in it.

Today was a lovely day hanging with Maui and Leo, the two other hikers here at the hostel. They even made breakfast! We hung about, did a run to the store for resupply, got a tasty sandwich at Rhythm deli, and watched some college basketball and the movie Rogue One. I was the instigator for college bball. For me, we’re nearing the best time of year for sports… March Madness!

Had a great stay with these guys!

Dolly themed!

It was blustery throughout the day

The entire game was split screen like this haha. I suppose it’s pretty important stuff.

It was blustery outside all day, but didn’t really start picking up to another level until after dark.

I thoroughly enjoyed this break from trail. A day of nothing suited me well haha. And it got me excited to get out there again!

While taking this pause, I thought it might be a good chance to check in on some things. I’ll try to be brief and not to get too much into the weeds here…

Gear

My equipment has been holding up amazingly well, thankfully! One exception to this is my tent rain fly. The other night when a storm hit on the “Stormy Train Saddle” spot, I had drips coming down. This isn’t the first time. While the support team was here, dad even sprayed it for me with Nikwax. Apparently, that didn’t do the trick, so I will likely be calling Big Agnes to see about my options..

My pack, sleep setup, all things I carry… they seems to be holding up and working well for me. I’m still carrying the solar setup even though I haven’t been using it much at all recently. Honestly I should send it home for now, since my main purpose for it was to limit time in town and push miles. I’m currently in a stretch where I’m enjoying slowing it down a bit, so that’s not a concern.

One part of my gear that has gone above and beyond are my shoes! Yes, the same super blue ones that I complained so much about south of Orlando. After my blister issues then, I’ve had zero problems with them and the Brooks Caldera 6’s just keep going!

You may be able to pick out the heels have tenacious tape over them. Early on the foam back there started deteriorating, but I think it was actually to make space, which helped.

My rough calculation is that they’ve gone more than 1,400 miles already. As far as the toe socks, I just sent those with ma and pa and exchanged for two brand new Darn Tough pairs that I got through warranty! I believe the toe socks did help initially (although I think it was more that my feet and shoes hadn’t been broken in yet), but dealing with the taking off and on over individual toes was a hassle in my opinion. So now back to my normal sock setup!

One of my new DT stylish socks

Logistics

There really isn’t too much I’m having to think about in this category. I’ve gotten into a routine of looking at what’s ahead to the next resupply or two, and occasionally give myself a look at the bigger picture. One such bigger picture scheme is to hike with a buddy of mine in Great Smokey Mountain National Park so that’s my only timing “constraint” at the moment. I was pushing near the end of Florida and beginning of Alabama and so now feel I’m in good shape to ease off a bit and soak in the start of the Appalachians.

Physical Readiness 

With the start of the Appalachians, elevation has entered in as a factor to the hike. This has been very noticeable and thus, the “slowing down” I just mentioned above, hasn’t really felt like that’s what I’m doing. These 20-ish mile days are kicking my butt, whereas in the flatlands that’d be a much more cruisy goal.

Already after a few days I’ve noticed times where my legs are just taking me up and up and my breathing isn’t as huffing and puffing as much as the first day near Flagg Mountain. The legs are getting stronger. And it helps that trail has mellowed out nicely too since that first day (with the exception of yesterday around Cheaha St. Park, that is).

Mental Readiness 

I’m feeling good 😎. As always, there’s a balancing each day of what I let my mind focus on. That feels right though. That’s part of the reason I like trail life is the freedom to have time to dictate my own thoughts as opposed to living in the frantic day to day scheduled “default world.”  So indeed, some times my mind wanders to dark places, but I don’t always see this as a negative. I think it’s part of being human and I hope it allows me to grow through it.

I am excited about the trail ahead! To be straight with y’all, Florida and Alabama were not the sections I was most looking forward to. I am a lover of mountains and a northerner at heart. Don’t get me wrong, I truly enjoyed my time in both of these southernmost states. Florida’s wild southern hiking is something I’m going to look back at and smile… it’s just bizarre. I certainly could see myself coming back to parts of it. And this Alabama Pinhoti section has been spectacular.

I’m nearing the start of the Appalachian Trail. This thought is pulling me ahead and I’m excited to join the ranks of all those others seeking the challenge of that rugged and historic trail.

Sports Ball Game of the Day:

“University of Michigan vs University of Maryland” – Win in the last second as Trey Donaldson drives the full court for a sneaky layup to get the squad to the finals of the Big Ten Tournament!