What a day for the books! First off, it stormed for about three hours last night. I tried to protect everything in my tent from getting wet, but it was a lost cause. It certainly didn’t help that I was camped on a rocky area, so I couldn’t stake down my tent.
Somehow I managed to sleep well (?!) and woke at 6:30 a.m. After a hasty breakfast I stuffed all of my wet stuff in my backpack, stuck my wet tent on the outside and took off.
Heading Toward Big Sandy Trailhead
Luckily, I’d had Ed book me a cabin tonight at Big Sandy Lodge. But it was nearly 15 miles (24.1 km) away by trail, plus some road walking, and I can’t hike that fast in this challenging terrain.
During the morning I was only averaging about 1.7 mph (2.7 kph) between the hills and the rocks. I have to say, the scenery was underwhelming, especially after everyone kept talking about the beauty of The Winds. There are just so many downed trees!
The afternoon went much better. The terrain flattened a bit and I could walk more easily. I did see some pretty views, but overall it was just downed trees. The wealth of downed trees also meant I was under the sun a lot.
Day Is Done
I reached the access trail to the lodge around 5 p.m. YES! But I didn’t know quite how long it was. I thought I’d read 2 miles (3.2 km), but couldn’t verify it.
After maybe 1 km on the access road, I hit the parking lot. It was PACKED. Lots of hikers 
were heading out as I was hiking in. Interesting! I know there’s a lake; maybe that’s a popular destination.
My app said to take the road, but I didn’t know how long it was. I asked a few people I passed; no one knew for sure. I passed a couple camped off the road. They didn’t know where the lodge was, but the woman told her husband I was limping, so he offered me a ride. YES, THANK YOU!
Hunkered Down
The lodge is great. My cabin has two beds, a washstand and a stove. No lights, but a paraffin lamp I assume works. The shower is right behind my cabin. The fee includes dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch for tomorrow.
Tonight I had chicken fried steak for dinner, plus mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, salad and bread pudding. Only three other people are staying here, and they all ate elsewhere, so I was by myself. No big deal!
I kind of don’t want to get back on the trail tomorrow …
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 14.7 (23.7 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 1,336 (2,150.1 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 1,764 (2,838.9 km)
