Thomas Knob Shelter

12.2 miles, 491 total.
Really - really long day today. so cold and snowy and almost all uphill climbing. didn't leave camp this morning until 10:00.
5 mile mark was at the top of a 5000 foot peak. the rocky peak is called buzzard rock. views were amazing in all directions but it was 30 degrees and the wind was blowing 20-30 mph. so cold. after that, it was over several open fields and then straight up 500 feet to the base of the mt rogers peak. the actual peak is reached by a side trail - not the AT - which I passed by with no remorse! today's hike included several sections that were completely open. no trees or any type of ground cover. had to follow footprints of others or look for random wooden posts with the AT white blaze painted near the top to see which way to go. so it was just snow and wind. cold.
this shelter sits right at the base of the peak, is drafty, and the fresh snow falls right into the front opening. here with Canada, Fresco, Blue, and Evergreen. should be very cold tonight and tomorrow. don't even feel like cooking because my hands are so cold. wearing all my warm clothes to bed tonight.
later,
L

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