Today is a day of rest. I purchased a new pair of light weight hiking shorts. The old convertible hiking pants were thrown in the trash, but I kept the legs. I figure that if we have another freezing night, I could wear them for warmth. I have bought food for six days. I repaired some other gear with my needle and thread. I did my laundry. I’ve taken about four showers in the past two days.

However, my knees have not improved. There is a winter storm warning here. There will be snow in the mountains. That is not a big deal. It is the wind warnings. Gusts of 70 mph with those below freezing temperatures.

I have a couple of choices. I could hike on. I could zero again. I could take the Black Mountain Road alternate. Hiking on probably breaks my wife’s rule #1. I may not allow my ego to exceed my ability. I could zero again. I won’t stay in the hotel. It is too expensive. I could take a 15 mile road hike that avoids the whole mess. It would keep me on schedule, but cause me to miss some beautiful parts of the trail.

After hemming and hawing, I’ve decided to move to the campsite and zero there. I’ll need to buy a day worth of food, but there is a market along the way. It is the safest and best choice.