Mapping the Sheltowee

[hikerjoe]

Boyd, seriously, the hike was not that bad but the rain caused one of our party to get a blister on the whole ball of his foot. One disadvantage to Gortex shoes, once water gets into them, it can't get out! The tough guy didn't stop to empty them out and paid the price. Another member of our party did not tighten his boots when the water caused the leather to swell, he lost his toenail from the toe hitting the front of his boot as we descended the mountain. The trail down had turned into a stream, as often happens. My feet got wet but the gear performed as it should have, the poly liners, wool socks and nylon mesh running shoes kept my feet in good condition. My pack failed though. Don't buy Outdoor Products backpacks, they are not built tough enough to endure a backpacking trip. Fortunately Wal-Mart's return policy resulted in a full refund. I replaced it with a Jansen Big Bear 82, a bit biger than I wanted but the price was right. The comradire was great and two new backpackers joined the ranks! At least one of our party wants to go back and hike the entire length of the Sheltoee Trace.

[jbd]