Thomas Knob and Old Orchard Shelters - Baptist Church Hostel in Troutdale
by Thomas Larkin on 05/15/13Wednesday, May 8, 2013:
It was rainy and foggy all day as we ascended Whitetop Mtn and Spring Elk Gardens on the way to Mt Rogers. As we approached the Thomas Knob shelter we passed a small herd of wild ponies as the rain increased to a downpour. The wind had the rain driving sideways again. The T K shelter provided a welcome relief from the elements with a second story fully enclosed loft. Capacity 16 hikers and we crammed in at least 20.
Thursday- 5/9 - the weather began to break and we hiked to a beautiful meadow in front of the Old Orchard shelter, 11 miles away. Tented under great conditions and took off at 8:00 am on the 10th under ideal conditions. 10 miles later clouds and winds appeared so we bolted to the Baptist Church Hostel in Troutdale. Another "0" rain day but we see 4 days of good weather coming and with this rest we should be rejuvenated and ready to sprint.
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