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When it's not dry, it's wet Permagrin and I were up before the dawn at Max Patch. Circling coyotes would howl and yip through a good chunk of the night (after the marshmellows were gone). I heard one pad right by me in my lean-to tarp, but with the clouded sky and the fire spent, there was no light to steal a good glimpse. Permagrin made her coffee before heading back up beyond treeline to get a second look from the top of Max Patch. I set off for Hot Springs. Beautiful morning passing by the apple trees in bloom and rhododendron thickets leafing out that light green unique to fresh spring growth. It wasn't but an hour before Permagrin and Stomper caught up. We cranked up the mountain trying to outrace forming boomers. Made it up Bluff Mtn, got down to the other side and back into thicker forest when the rain came down. We sheltered under some rock overhangs for a while -- but there was no sign of let-up. Pack covers and rain gear rigged, we shloshed on into a gap (Carenflow) and noted a small nissan parked at the trailhead gate with the windows all afog. We didn't really know what to make of it. The rain had let up to where only the trees dripped on us. Cars at trailhead aren't anything unusual, save that this one had the engine running. The doors opened up and out pops LoneWolf and his gal Kelly, with beers! LoneWolf hikes a lot of the trail down South, but is mainly on for the trail company. Half the time, he's just out having fun, as with his Trail Angel treats. That was one fine and welcome beer. Recharged, Stomper, Permagrin and I trotted off to the Deer Park Mtn. Shelter, waiting for Skip to catch up. The register reflected battles hikers had waged with a mockingbird at night. Bird 12, Hikers 0. After a nap, it was getting late. Post offices like to close at the end of the day, so headed for town (Hot Springs, NC) to make the mail drop before 4:30. Hauled rear, got to the door at 4:29 and... this PO closes at 4:15. Nuts. Walked the town and found Dances with Mice at the Alpine Motel. Split a room with him, got a pizza, some brew and crashed about 10. |