Literally, the day was blown away by sustained winds of 35 miles per hour with gusts to 55. It didn't start that way.
I woke early, 5:30, because it was warm and starry outside. The moon was just setting over the mountainside. After stowing my stuff I hit the trail in t-shirt and shorts. A mile outside of Deep Creek canyon things looked a bit different and it was time to put on a long sleeved shirt.
Not long after that the clouds moved in closer and mist started to curl over my mountaintops along with a very brisk breeze. It was time to find the rain gear and stow the Tilley.
The good thing about adverse weather is that it makes for fast walking. It wasn't long and Silverwood Lake dam appeared and then the lake. That's when it really started!
Four miles of trail followed the shoreline of Silverwood giving the wind ample room to gather steam. When it hit the shore it seemed to come from everywhere. One second it would blow me into the bushes and the next threaten to hurl me down the cliffs.
Finally I came to the road that led into the state park. When I walked up to the kiosk the park official was so surprised to see me that he gave me a camping spot for free. He thought he'd be going home early considering that most people had left despite the long weekend.
A nice hot shower later I had biscuits and gravy for dinner and proceeded to snuggle in with a hot cup of tea for the rest of the big blow. It's supposed to be over by 10:00. I can't wait!
Just love following your blog! I have always dreamed of doing a hike like this - perhaps not as long though. And, I am not sure where.
ReplyDeleteIt was windy here in Tucson today. I'm diggin your posts. May you have many good days ahead.
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