This was not the best campsite; the path runs in between steep hills, and close to water, which means there’s a lot of trapped moisture.
Good for trees, bad for condensation.
As prepared as I thought I was, I’m kind of a bumbling mess. Fortunately, there’s no mud, and I’m on mostly pine, so I can have my stuff strewn about.
Last night was my first night in east coast humidity.
Normally, I use a summer sleeping pad with an R value of 2. It’s been fine, even in 20° at 11,000+ feet.
Last night, however, it was not. I could actually feel the heat dissipating out of me into the ground. Now I know why some people online are so adamant about higher value R values. These goobs are on the east coast with all their humidity.
I’m going to switch it out for a warmer pad, and fortunately, the trail passes by the Pinhoti Outdoor Center, where my car is parked.
After a long road walk, I arrive at the center, where their is a signing party for Sonny’s new book.
I should probably just get back on the trail, but staying and picking up a book seems like the right thing to do for this community, so I stay.
Tonight, I’ll stay at the center, which doubles as a hostel. I’ll be the only one here, so I’ll be living in luxurious heat for my second night on the trail.
It feels a little like cheating, but this is how it plays out for tonight.